Effect of [beta]-Hydroxy [beta]-Methylbutyrate on the Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation and Vo2peak in Endurance-Trained Cyclists

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2001

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of [beta]-hydroxy [beta]-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2peak) and the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) in endurance-trained cyclists. Eight cyclists randomly (double blind) completed 3 2-week supplementation periods (HMB, 3gday-1; leucine [LEU], 3gday-1; placebo [CON], 3gday-1) followed by a 2-week washout period. Testing consisted of a graded cycle ergometry test to measure Vo2peak and OBLA, the Vo2 at 2 mM blood lactate. Vo2peak was unaffected by HMB (4.0 +/- 1.4%), LEU (-1.9 +/- 1.3%), and CON (-2.6 +/- 2.6%). HMB resulted in a greater time to reach Vo2peak, whereas LEU and CON did not affect this time (HMB, 3.6 +/- 1.5 min, LEU,-1.2 +/- 1.5 min; CON,-3.6 +/- 3.5 min). Lactate accumulation peak was unaffected by supplementation (HMB, 8.1 +/- 1.1 mM; LEU, 6.2 +/- 0.8 mM; CON, 7.5 +/- 1.3 mM). OBLA increased with HMB (9.1 +/- 2.4%) and LEU (2.1 +/- 1.5%), but not in the CON trial (0.75 +/- 2.1%). Blood glucose was significantly greater during the HMB trial compared with the LEU trial. It is concluded that HMB supplementation may have positive affects on performance by increasing the onset of blood lactate accumulation; however, he mechanism is unknown.

Publication Title

Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research

Volume

15

Issue

4

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer

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