Journal of Sport Physiology Special Groups
Comparing the effect of creatine malate, betaine and beta-alanine supplements on buffering capacity and fatigue of boxers
Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 university of Mohaghegh Ardabili
2 University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Department of Exercise Physiology
3 University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
Abstract
Purposes: Taking sports supplements helps to improve sports performance in different ways. The purpose of this research was to compare the effect of creatine malate, betaine and beta-alanine supplements on buffering capacity and fatigue of boxing athletes.
Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental and applied study in which 15 boxers (with a mean ± SD of weight 75.15 ± 7.30 kg, height 174.46 ± 7.21 cm, and age 25.69 ± 2.75 years) were tested with available samples in a crossover manner in 4 phases (control, beta-alanine (4 g), creatine malate (4 g) and betaine (2.5 g)) in ten-day periods with a 2-week washout period. Blood samples were collected at the end of each loading period. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures analysis of variance statistical method.
Results: ANOVA with repeated measures analysis showed that creatine kinase levels were significantly lower following creatine malate intake compared to control (p=0.001), beta-alanine (p=0.01) and betaine (p=0.025). Plasma carnosine levels were significantly higher following beta-alanine intake compared to control, creatine malate and betaine groups (p=0.001). Plasma bicarbonate levels were significantly higher following beta-alanine compared to control (p=0.008) and creatine malate (p=0.033) but not significantly different from betaine (p=0.362). Lactate levels were significantly lower following beta-alanine compared to control, creatine malate, and betaine (p=0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that beta-alanine has a greater effect on increasing carnosine and bicarbonate concentrations (buffering capacity) and reducing lactate concentrations (fatigue) compared to other supplements, and is likely to lead to greater improvements in athletic performance in boxers.
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