Beta-alanine supplementation enhances judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#acidosis #adolescent #athletes #athletic-performance #dietary-supplements

Beta-alanine supplementation enhances judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes

de et al., 2017 | J Sci Med Sport | Rct

Citation

de Andrade Kratz Caroline, de Salles Painelli Vitor, ... Artioli Guilherme Giannini. Beta-alanine supplementation enhances judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes. J Sci Med Sport. 2017-Apr;20(4):403-408. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2016.08.014

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: In official judo competitions, athletes usually engage in 5-7 matches in the same day, performing numerous high-intensity efforts interspersed by short recovery intervals. Thus, glycolytic demand in judo is high and acidosis may limit performance. Carnosine is a relevant intracellular acid buffer whose content is increased with beta-alanine supplementation. Thus, we hypothesized that beta-alanine supplementation could attenuate acidosis and improve judo performance. DESIGN: Twenty-three highly-trained judo athletes were randomly assigned to receive either beta-alanine (6.4gday-1) or placebo (dextrose, same dosage) for 4 weeks. METHODS: Performance was assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) supplementation through a 5-min simulated fight (randori) followed by 3 bouts of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Blood samples were collected for blood pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-) and lactate determination. RESULTS: Beta-alanine supplementation improved the number of throws per set and the total number of throws (both p<0.05). Placebo did not change these variables (both p>0.05). Blood pH and HCO3- reduced after exercise (all p<0.001), with no between-group differences (all p>0.05). However, the lactate response to exercise increased in the beta-alanine group as compared to placebo (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 4 weeks of beta-alanine supplementation effectively enhance judo-related performance in highly-trained athletes.

Key Findings

Beta-alanine supplementation improved the number of throws per set and the total number of throws (both p<0.05). Placebo did not change these variables (both p>0.05). Blood pH and HCO3- reduced after exercise (all p<0.001), with no between-group differences (all p>0.05). However, the lactate response to exercise increased in the beta-alanine group as compared to placebo (p<0.05).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Acidosis
  • Adolescent
  • Athletes
  • Athletic Performance
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise Test
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid
  • Male
  • Martial Arts
  • Muscle Strength
  • Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • beta-Alanine

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: beta-alanine-performance

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09