August 6, 2010: 04:38 AM EST
A U.S. study has found that consuming the nonessential nutrient betaine in a sports drink twice a day has an “ergogenic” (performance enhancing) effect on the neuromuscular system, boosting upper body strength and power. Twelve healthy, active men in their twenties were given either a placebo or 300 mLA of Gatorade containing 1.25 grams of betaine. They were then put through intense strength/power resistance exercises that included bench, squat, and jump tests. According to the researchers, “the primary effect of the betaine supplement was observed in the upper body, with enhanced bench press force and power production, but no change in the dynamic squat exercise performances.” The study also found evidence that betaine can speed muscle recovery after vigorous exercise.
Elaine C Lee, Carl M Maresh, William J Kraemer, Linda M Yamamoto, Disa L Hatfield, Brooke L Bailey, Lawrence E Armstrong, Jeff S Volek, Brendon P McDermott, Stuart AS Craig, "Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on strength and power performance", Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, August 06, 2010, © BioMed Central, Open Access
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