BETAINE SUPPLEMENTATION DID NOT IMPROVE CYCLING PERFORMANCE
Millard-Stafford, M., Warren, G. L., Hitchcock, K. M., Welling, R. I., Rosskopf, L. B., & Snow, T. K. (2005). Fluid replacement in the heat: Effects of Betaine. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 164.
Trained male cyclists (N = 8) cycled for 120 minutes alternating between 50-75% VO2max followed by a 15-minute time trial under three conditions; i) placebo, ii) 6% carbohydrate drink, and iii) 7% carbohydrate plus Betaine.
Rectal temperature, blood glucose, perceived exertion, heart rate, blood lactate, plasma volume, fluid retention, and total work performed were similar across conditions. Knee extension strength after cycling was significantly higher in the Betaine condition than in the other two conditions.
Implication. The addition of Betaine to carbohydrate supplementation did not improve performance.
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