Effects of β-alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical Capacity and Biochemical Markers Concentrations

Evaluation of the Synergistic Effect of β-alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Physical Capacity and Blood Biochemical Markers Concentrations in Trained Female Basketball Players

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study aims to evaluate the potential synergistic effect of beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation, compared to their separate administration or placebo (PL), on physical performance and selected blood biochemical markers in highly trained female basketball players.

Beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) are commonly proposed as ergogenic aids due to their potential to enhance intracellular (BA) and extracellular (SB) buffering capacities, thereby improving physical performance. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding their potential synergistic effects, particularly in female athletes. Existing studies have primarily focused on male participants, despite emerging evidence suggesting sex-specific physiological responses to supplementation. Furthermore, research shows that females exhibit a high willingness to participate in scientific studies, underlining the importance of including female cohorts in sports supplementation research. To date, no randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have examined the combined and separate effects of BA and SB using a four-arm design (BA+SB, BA+PL2, PL1+SB, PL1+ PL2). Only one study to date has focused on chronic SB supplementation, whereas the majority have used acute protocols. Additionally, there is a notable lack of data on the use of BA and SB in team sports such as basketball, where repeated high-intensity efforts are dominant. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the chronic effects of BA and SB supplementation (administered individually or in combination) on physical capacity and selected blood biochemical markers in highly trained female basketball players, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design.

Inclusion Criteria:

• written consent to participate,
• general good health condition,
• a current medical clearance to practice sports,
• training experience: at least 4 years,
• minimum of 4 workout sessions (in the discipline covered by the study) a week.

Exclusion Criteria:

• current injury,
• any health-related contraindication,
• declared general feeling of being unwell,
• taking supplements, especially ergogenic supplements that modulate extra- and intracellular capacity 3 months prior to research (except taking protein and/or carbohydrate powders, isotonic drinks),
• unwilling to follow the study protocol.