Tobias, G. C., Artioli, G. G., Benatti, F. B., & Lancha, A. H. (2012). Effects of beta-alanine supplementation combined or not with sodium bicarbonate on anaerobic performance. Presentation 1837 at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, San Francisco, California; May 29-June 2, 2012.

This study investigated the effects of isolated or combined beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on anaerobic performance of the upper limbs. Athletes (N = 30) were divided into four groups (BA + Placebo; SB + Placebo; Placebo + Placebo; and BA + SB). Ss were assessed for intermittent anaerobic performance using four bouts of the Wingate Anaerobic Test for the upper body with three minutes for recovery between bouts. Ss undertook the same experimental procedures twice (i.e., pre- and post- supplementation periods).

There was a significant main effect of time and a significant group x time interaction. The three experimental groups elicited significant improvements in performance. There was no change in performance in the placebo group. The group experiencing both substances improved significantly more than either single treatment.

Implication. Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate individually improve intermittent anaerobic performance, but when combined their effect is much greater.

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