Beta-alanine is a nutritional supplement often consumed by people involved in high-intensity sports that involve substantial lactic acidosis. If consumed on a regular basis, it improves muscle buffering capacity and exercise performance during high-intensity moderate-duration events. CrossFit involves competitions that are high in intensity and moderate duration and many elite CrossFit athletes have reported taking beta-alanine as a supplement. It has never however been evaluated in a research study for its affect on CrossFit performance. The purpose of the study is therefore to assess the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on CrossFit performance. A maximum of 30 CrossFit participants will participate in this randomized double-blind parallel groups study. Participants will be randomized to receive 6.4 g/d beta-alanine or maltodextrin placebo for 3 weeks. At baseline and after the intervention, participants will complete a Fran test, which involves performing sets of repeated dumbbell thrusters alternating with chin-ups. The performance measure is the time to complete the test. During the test, respiratory exchange ratio will be assessed to indirectly assess acidosis.
This study will randomize CrossFit participants to receive beta-alanine or placebo supplementation for 3 weeks. The study will be double-blind. Performance on the Fran test will be completed at baseline and after the 3 week intervention. Respiratory exchange ratio will also be assessed during the performance test at baseline and after 3 weeks.