Robergs, S. O., Robergs, R. A., & Montner, P. (1997). Effects of oral doses of sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) during continuous graded exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 1415.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if oxygen consumption, blood lactate levels, and time to fatigue would change in continuous graded exercise following ingestion of either 50 mg/kg of DCA or 50 mg/kg of cellulose. Ss (N = 8) were male trained cyclists. Trials under each condition were one week apart.

Following DCA ingestion, mean lactate levels expressed as percent of mean VO2 values were lower only between 80 and 100% of VO2max. There was no difference in VO2 between trials. Performance tended to be longer although non-significant in DCA trials.

Implication. Oral ingestion of 50 mg/kg of DCA one hour prior to extensive exercise has limited effects on maximal exercise performance.

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