Armstrong, L. E., Roti, M. W., Hatch, H. L., Sutherland, J. W., Mahood, N. V., Clements, J. M., Seen, A. D., Fiala, K. A., Craig, S. A., & Maresh, C. M. Rehydration with fluids containing betaine: Running performance and metabolism in a 31°C environment. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(5), Supplement abstract 1726.

This study assessed whether the osmolyte betaine could improve the effects of rehydration. Male runners (N = 10) participated in four tests using a different rehydration solution in each: a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte replacement beverage; the beverage plus betaine, a placebo beverage; or placebo plus betaine beverage. The treadmill exercise consisted of 75 minutes at 65% VO2max followed by a timed sprint to exhaustion in 31°C.

Differences favoring betaine were noted but none were significant.

Implication. Betaine as a fluid replacement additive might improve performance but independent research needs to verify if there is or is not a real effect.

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