Betaine for Exercise Performance

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Camila A Sakaguchi Olson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Appalachian State University

Must not be taking: NSAIDs

Disqualifiers: Gastrointestinal disease, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Cancer, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

Duration: 2 weeks

23 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will determine if ingestion of 3 g/d betaine versus placebo for two weeks prior to a 60-km cycling time trial will improve performance, moderate exercise-induced gut permeability, and improve metabolic recovery.

Research Team

David C Nieman, DrPH

Principal Investigator

Appalachian State Univ

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for male and female cyclists aged 18-65 who can cycle 60 km at a certain intensity. They must not smoke, be generally healthy without chronic diseases like heart disease or diabetes, and agree to dietary restrictions and exercise tapering before lab sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18-65 years old and can cycle 60km at a challenging pace.

Agree to restrict beet, wheat bran, wheat germ, and spinach diet intake and avoid other betaine supplements during the entire 6-week study

Categorized as 'low risk' using the American College of Sports Medicine screening questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria

Any other concurrent condition which, in the opinion of the principal investigator (PI), would preclude participation in this study or interfere with compliance

Inability to comply with study requirements

History of sensitivity to betaine and beets

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Testing/Pre-Supplementation

Participants undergo baseline testing and receive a 2-week supply of betaine or placebo capsules

1 week

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment

Participants ingest 3 g/day betaine or placebo for 2 weeks and complete a 60-km cycling session

2 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Washout/Crossover

Participants undergo a 2-week washout period and crossover to the opposite supplement arm

2 weeks

No visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in gut permeability and exercise performance

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Betaine
• Placebo

Trial Overview The study tests if taking betaine (3 g/d) improves cycling performance, reduces gut permeability from exercise, and aids metabolic recovery compared to a placebo. Participants will prepare with two weeks of either betaine or placebo before a demanding 60-km cycling trial.

Participant Groups

Group I: Betaine Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

3 grams per day in 6 capsules, white crystalline betaine powder produced from beet molasses

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

3 grams per day in 6 capsules, white cellulose powder

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Appalachian State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

46

Recruited

2,600+

AGRANA

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+