El deportista y el pH: importancia del lactato y la dieta

Abstract

There is no clear biochemical evidence to support the notion that lactate production causes acidosis; on the contrary, lactate production delays rather than causes acidosis. In addition to manipulation of the internal acid-basic environment before a sporting event through the use of ergogenic aids such as sodium bicarbonate or citrate, the nutritional habits of sportsmen can also play an important role in modulating acidosis. Clear examples are the use of a ketogenic diet or a diet high in fruit and vegetables. Ketogenic diets may be useful in aerobic sporting activities but are detrimental in sporting activities with a high anaerobic component. A well-balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables can counteract subclinical metabolic acidosis due to a high intake of animal products or high-glycemic load foods such as cereals and related products, which could prevent the loss of muscle mass and bone density associated with this metabolic process. Further investigations are required to determine the real influence of these nutritional patterns in improving sporting performance.