Abstract
We aim to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of betaine supplementation on body composition and muscle performance during CrossFit© training. Twenty-nine subjects matched for training status (4.16 ± 0.95 day/week) and body fat mass (12.66 ± 4.08%) were randomly assigned to a betaine (BET; N = 14) or placebo group (PLA; N = 15). Body composition and cellular hydration were estimated with skinfolds measurement and bioelectrical impendence before and after 6 weeks of training. Muscle performance was assessed using three different tests: 3-RM back-squat for muscle strength, 2 km rowing test for aerobic capacity and Bergeron Beep Test for anaerobic capacity. Muscle strength assessed during back squat significantly increased in BET (p = 0.04) but not in the PLA group, however, there were no statistical differences between groups. Although not significant, fat mass was reduced in BET compared to PLA. Overall, body composition and cell hydration measurements did not change in response to training or betaine supplementation. Short-term (6 weeks) betaine supplementation supports muscle strength but was not ergogenic for trained subjects to aerobic and anaerobic performance in the CrossFit©-specific test.
Highlights
Betaine is a quaternary ammonium compound (1-carboxy-N, N, N-trimethyl-methanamine), first identified in sugar beet juice (Beta vulgaris)
We observed a decrease of 1.35% of Fat Mass in the BET group and an increase of 2.12% in the placebo group (PLA) group, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05)
Total body water slightly increased in both groups (BET + 1.23%; PLA + 1.16%), and no difference was observed in the extracellular-intracellular water balance (p > 0.05)
Summary
Betaine is a quaternary ammonium compound (1-carboxy-N, N, N-trimethyl-methanamine), first identified in sugar beet juice (Beta vulgaris). The molecule, present in both plant and animal, is a metabolite of choline and a substrate of one of the two metabolic pathways that converts homocysteine into L-methionine. Betaine plays a twofold role in human physiology: as a donor of methyl groups in the transmethylation of homocysteine and as an osmolyte for the osmotic balance. Betaine has hepatoprotective [1], metabolic [1,2] and cardiovascular [3,4] protective effects. Betaine is contained mainly in seafood, spinach and wheat germ or fibers, and on average its daily dietary intake is. Modern diets may lack betaine or, more in general, in other methyl donors [6], making the supplementation of these osmolytes an essential topic for human nutrition
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