The Acute Effects of Beta-Alanine on Blood Gas of Athletes after Maximal Exercise

This study aimed to examine the effect of acute beta-alanine consumption after maximal exercise on blood gas responses. 18 volunteers, male athletes, participated into the study. Athletes were divided into two groups as experiment (beta-alanine) (n=9) and placebo (n=9). After maximal exercise, beta-alanine supplement was given to the experimental group while the placebo group received placebo. Blood was taken from the athletes three times as basal, post-exercise (PE) and 2 hours after ingestion supplement (PS); blood gas values have been analyzed. Statistically significant differences in many blood gas parameters were found when comparisons of in-group basal, PE and PS time courses of two groups were reviewed (p<0.05). But, there was no significant difference between the basal and PS levels of any parameters in the beta-alanine group although there were significant differences among the PE, basal and PS values as a result of beta-alanine supplementation. When all inter-group comparisons of all findings obtained were considered, a significant difference was not detected at any time periods (p>0.05),It can be said that the beta-alanine supplementation after maximal exercise had positive effects on the blood gas responses, body oxygenation status, which is important for performance and recovery, and acid-base balance of the athletes.