FTP #15: Bryan Saunders, PhD - Buffer agents in cycling: The role of ß-Alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate

Performance during continuous or intermittent high-intensity exercise can be limited, at least in part, by the accumulation of hydrogen ions (H+) which reduce muscle pH and interfere with muscle contractile and metabolic processes. There is evidence that both ß-alanine and sodium bicarbonate ingestion can enhance exercise performance during single or repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise in which energy is supplied predominantly through anaerobic glycolysis. On this episode with Dr. Bryan Saunders we tackle the role of both these supplements in increasing muscle buffering capacity in cycling.