Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (Jul 2010)

Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on strength and power performance

  • Armstrong Lawrence E,
  • Bailey Brooke L,
  • Hatfield Disa L,
  • Yamamoto Linda M,
  • Kraemer William J,
  • Maresh Carl M,
  • Lee Elaine C,
  • Volek Jeff S,
  • McDermott Brendon P,
  • Craig Stuart AS

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-7-27
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
p. 27

Abstract

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Abstract Background We investigated the ergogenic effects of betaine (B) supplementation on strength and power performance. Methods Twelve men (mean ± SD age, 21 ± 3 yr; mass, 79.1 ± 10.7 kg) with a minimum of 3 months resistance training completed two 14-day experimental trials separated by a 14-day washout period, in a balanced, randomized, double-blind, repeated measures, crossover design. Prior to and following 14 days of twice daily B or placebo (P) supplementation, subjects completed two consecutive days (D1 and D2) of a standardized high intensity strength/power resistance exercise challenge (REC). Performance included bench, squat, and jump tests. Results Following 14-days of B supplementation, D1 and D2 bench throw power (1779 ± 90 and 1788 ± 34 W, respectively) and isometric bench press force (2922 ± 297 and 2503 ± 28 N, respectively) were increased (p Conclusion B supplementation increased power, force and maintenance of these measures in selected performance measures, and these were more apparent in the smaller upper-body muscle groups.