Title

Chronic Versus Acute Dosing of Sodium Citrate for Swimming 200m
Chronic vs. Acute Ingestion of Sodium Citrate: a Randomised Placebo Controlled Cross-over Trial for Swimming a 200 Metres in Well-trained Swimmers Age 13-17
  • Phase

    Phase 3
  • Study Type

    Interventional
  • Study Participants

    10
Ingestion of sodium citrate (Na-Cit), an alkalizing agent, increases extracellular pH via liver oxidation by decreasing [H+] and increasing bicarbonate concentration (HCO3-). Studies have confirmed that increasing extracellular pH promotes the efflux of La- and H+ from active muscles. This is due to an increase in activity of the pH sensitive monocarboxylate transporter as the gradient of intracellular versus extracellular H+ increases. Therefore, artificially inducing alkalosis prior to anaerobic exercise may reduce intracellular acidosis and increase the time to fatigue - defined as a decrease in force production with an increased perception of effort. The investigators will test the null hypothesis that sodium citrate ingestion (chronic and acute) will not have an effect on exercise performance compared to placebo.
Anaerobic glycolysis quickly provides adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for muscular contraction during high intensity, short duration exercise. The fast rate of glycolysis during anaerobic exercise results in pyruvate formation exceeding pyruvate oxidation resulting in a build up of lactic acid. Lactic acid dissociates quickly to lactate (La-) and hydrogen ion (H+) which causes a decrease in muscle and blood pH. The increase in H+ causes impaired release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and calcium ion binding which inhibits the coupling of actin and myosin.

Ingestion of sodium citrate (Na-Cit), an alkalizing agent, increases extracellular pH via liver oxidation by decreasing [H+] and increasing bicarbonate concentration (HCO3-). Studies have confirmed that increasing extracellular pH promotes the efflux of La- and H+ from active muscles. This is due to an increase in activity of the pH sensitive monocarboxylate transporter as the gradient of intracellular versus extracellular H+ increases. Therefore, artificially inducing alkalosis prior to anaerobic exercise may reduce intracellular acidosis and increase the time to fatigue - defined as a decrease in force production with an increased perception of effort. Furthermore, Cit- enters the cell through the Plasma Membrane Citrate Transporter and in the cell Cit- is involved in a number of processes: i) intermediary in the Krebs Cycle, ii) transports acetyl-Co-enzyme A (CoA)from the mitochondria to the cytosol for fatty-acid synthesis, iii) negative allosteric effector of phosphofructokinase, iv) anionic effect on membrane potential can cause a reduction in the contraction threshold.

Researchers have studied sodium bicarbonate and Na-Cit as potential alkalizing agents. Na-Cit has been studied in few sports over a broad array of doses, times, and distances with inconclusive results. McNaughton et al. researched the optimal doses and durations for Na-Cit to be potentially beneficial to performance. They concluded that 0.3-0.5g/kg, 90-120 minutes prior to maximal effort are the optimal conditions for potential ergogenic effect. The only reported side effect was gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort in a 3 of the 8 subjects. However, it seems Na-Cit is handled better than the more commonly employed sodium bicarbonate.

The investigators will test the null hypothesis that sodium citrate ingestion (chronic and acute) will not have an effect on exercise performance compared to placebo.
Study Started
Sep 30
2012
Primary Completion
Mar 31
2013
Study Completion
Apr 30
2013
Results Posted
Jul 24
2014
Estimate
Last Update
Jul 24
2014
Estimate

Other Sodium Citrate Dihydrate

Dose sodium citrate dihydrate through 2 dosing protocols (Acute and Chronic)

  • Other names: CAS: 6132-04-3

Flavoured water placebo for acute dosing Placebo Comparator

500 milliliters flavoured water (placebo for the acute dosing intervention of sodium citrate)

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Acute Experimental

dose: 0.5 g/kg of body mass dissolved in 500 milliliters of flavoured water

Flavoured water placebo chronic dosing Placebo Comparator

500 milliliters flavoured water (placebo for the chronic dosing intervention of sodium citrate)

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Chronic Experimental

3 days of 0.1g/kg of body mass of sodium citrate and 4th day at 0.3 g/kg of body mass of sodium citrate in 500 milliliters of flavoured water

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Age 13-17
Male
Regional, provincial and national level swimmers

Exclusion Criteria:

Females
Level of swimming below regional level standards
Caffeine before trials
Chronic health concerns
Health problems before or during the course of the trial

Summary

Flavoured Water Placebo for Acute Dosing

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Acute

Flavoured Water Placebo for Chronic Dosing

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Chronic

All Events

Event Type Organ System Event Term

Time

time to complete 200 metre swimming performances in seconds Participants chose type of swim stroke to swim a maximal effort 200 metre performance

Flavoured Water Placebo for Acute Dosing

144.2
seconds (Mean)
Standard Error: 4.7

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Acute

145.3
seconds (Mean)
Standard Error: 5.3

Flavoured Water Placebo for Chronic Dosing

145.3
seconds (Mean)
Standard Error: 5.4

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Chronic

144.8
seconds (Mean)
Standard Error: 5.3

Lactate

lactate measured at 3min post trial

Flavoured Water Placebo for Acute Dosing

8.8
mmol/L (Mean)
Standard Error: 0.7

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Acute

10.4
mmol/L (Mean)
Standard Error: 1.3

Flavoured Water Placebo for Chronic Dosing

9.5
mmol/L (Mean)
Standard Error: 1.2

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Chronic

10.8
mmol/L (Mean)
Standard Error: 1

Rate of Perceived Exertion

Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded after each 200 metre swimming performance RPE scale is from 6-20. Minimum = 6 (level of exertion equal to lying down) and Maximum = 20 (maximal perceived exertion) Numbers reported are the average of the RPE recorded for all 10 participants.

Flavoured Water Placebo for Acute Dosing

16.4
units on a scale (6-20) (Mean)
Standard Error: 0.6

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Acute

16.1
units on a scale (6-20) (Mean)
Standard Error: 0.6

Flavoured Water Placebo for Chronic Dosing

16.6
units on a scale (6-20) (Mean)
Standard Error: 0.3

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate Chronic

17.1
units on a scale (6-20) (Mean)
Standard Error: 0.6

Age, Categorical

Region of Enrollment

Sex/Gender, Customized

Overall Study

All Study Participants