2012, Volume 4, Issue 2
The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplement on Lactic Acid, Ammonia and the Performance of 400 Meters Male Runners
Roghaye Jadidi Pouzash1, Mohammad Ali Ali Azarbayjani2, Jadidi Jabriel Pouzesh1, Karim Alamdari Azali1, Hoseyn Fatolahi2
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of Humanities and Educational Science, Islamic Azad University
2Department of Exercise Physiology, Islamic Azad University
Author for correspondence: Mohammad Ali Ali Azarbayjani; Department of Exercise Physiology, Islamic Azad University; email: m_azarbayjani[at]iauctb.ac.ir
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Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on anaerobic performance and some plasma metabolites.
Material/Methods: 16 young male athletes (age 20.58±3.25, Height 175.33±2.48 cm and BMI 21.57±2.68 kg/m2) participated in two 400 m running sessions one hour following sodium bicarbonate or placebo (calcium bicarbonate) supplementation with the counterbalanced order. There were three blood sampling phases (resting condition, 30 min after supplementation and 2 min after 400 m running) in both of the sessions and the blood pH; ammonia, lactate, and HCO3- levels were measured.
Results: The results showed that running time in the sodium bicarbonate session was significantly lower (57.41±0.11 sec) than the placebo (59.01±0.78 sec) session (P<0.05). The blood HCO3- levels (29.53±2.64 mmol/L) increased with respect to the resting values (23.13±1.84 mmol/L) with sodium bicarbonate administration; however, it decreased to the pre-exercise level (20.45±1.92 mmol/L) after running (P<0.05).The HCO3- levels (17.89±2.48 mmol/L) also decreased under the resting values (23.31±2.15 mmol/L) after running in the placebo session (P<0.05). Significant increases were observed in blood lactate levels in both of the sessions; however, blood pH significantly decreased only in the placebo session (P<0.05).
Conclusions: It can be concluded that alkalosis can be considered as an ergogenic method and can prevent a decrease in blood HCO3- during high intensity exercise.
Key words: alkalosis, anaerobic performance, lactic acid, ammonia