Betaine as an Ergogenic Aid
by Debra A. Wein, MS, RD, LDN, NSCA-CPT, CSSD
NSCA Coach
July 2013
Vol 2, Issue 3
This article addresses emerging research that both supports and refutes betaine’s capacity to promote muscular adaptations.
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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
References
1. Cholewa, JM, Guimarães-Ferreira, L, and Zanchi, NE. Effects of betaine on performance and body composition: A review of recent findings and potential mechanisms. Amino Acids 46(8): 1785-1793, 2014.
2. Cholewa, JM, Wyszczelska-Rokiel, M, Glowacki, R, Jakubowski, H, Matthews, T, Wood, R, Craig, SA, and Palone, V. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition 10(1): 39-51, 2013.
3. Craig, SA. Betaine in human nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80(3): 539-549, 2014.
4. del Favero, S, Roschel, H, Guilherme A, Ugrinowitsch, C, Tricoli, V, Costa, A, et al. Creatine but not betaine supplementation increases muscle phosphorylcreatine content and strength performance. Amino Acids 42(6): 2299-2305, 2012.
5. Hoffman, JR, Ratamess, NA, Kang, J, Rashti, SL, and Raigenbaum, AD. Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 6(1): 1-10, 2009.
6. Lee, EC, Maresh, CM, Kraemer, WJ, Yamamoto, LM, Hatfield, DL, Bailey, BL, et al. Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on strength and power performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 7: 27-34, 2010.
7. Pryor, JL, Craig SA, and Thomas, S. Effect of betaine supplementation on cycling sprint performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 9(1): 12-19, 2012.
