The Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Mechanical Performance, Acid-Base Balance, Oxidative Stress, and Enzymatic Antioxidant Defence During Repeated Wingate Anaerobic Tests Under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions

Beta-alanine is a dietary supplement that increases skeletal muscle carnosine concentration and may enhance the muscle's ability to buffer hydrogen ions produced during high-intensity exercise. This buffering effect could potentially delay fatigue and improve exercise performance, particularly under conditions that increase metabolic stress, such as hypoxia. However, previous studies examining the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on repeated sprint performance under hypoxic conditions have produced inconsistent findings. The purpose of this study is to determine whether four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation improves repeated high-intensity cycling performance and influences markers of acid-base balance in trained male cyclists exercising under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Participants will perform repeated Wingate anaerobic cycling tests before and after a four-week supplementation period with either beta-alanine or placebo. Mechanical performance outcomes, including peak power, mean power, total work, and fatigue indices, will be assessed alongside physiological measures of metabolic stress, including blood lactate concentration, pH, bicarbonate concentration, and base excess. Performance and physiological responses will be compared between supplementation groups and environmental conditions. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the ergogenic potential of beta-alanine supplementation during repeated high-intensity exercise and provide practical information for athletes and practitioners regarding the effectiveness of beta-alanine under conditions of reduced oxygen availability.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy male participants aged 20-50 years * Regularly riding a bike (min. 5000 km on the bike in the last year) * Willingness to maintain habitual dietary and physical activity patterns throughout the study. * Willingness to refrain from consuming dietary supplements other than those provided as part of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Prevalence of chronic diseases * β-alanine supplementation within the previous six months * Use of other dietary supplements, except carbohydrate and whey protein supplements * Adherence to a vegetarian or vegan diet * Participation in another clinical trial within the previous 3 months.