The influence of betaine on untrained and trained horses exercising to fatigue.
Abstract: Because exercise fatigue has been associated with the accumulation of lactic acid, factors that influence lactate metabolism during exercise can potentially enhance performance. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of supplemental betaine on eight mature Thoroughbred horses before and after 8 wk of conditioning. The effects of betaine were tested in two cross-over design experiments, allowing each horse to receive both the control and betaine treatments at each fitness level. Ingestion of 80 mg of betaine/kg of BW for 14 d before exercise testing did not alter plasma lactate, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), or triglyceride concentrations during exercise in the untrained or trained horses. A time x treatment interaction (P < .05) was observed for plasma lactate in untrained horses during recovery from exercise, and plasma lactate concentrations were lower (P < .05) at 60 min after exercise when untrained horses received betaine. Plasma FFA concentrations were lower (P < .05) before exercise and at 720 min after exercise when untrained horses received betaine. These data indicate that betaine may influence lactate metabolism following exercise in untrained horses; however, betaine does not seem beneficial for trained horses.
Publication Date: 1999-05-06 PubMed ID: 10229364DOI: 10.2527/1999.773677xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research focused on examining the effects of betaine supplementation on the metabolic processes in Thoroughbred horses during exercise. The key findings indicated that betaine could be beneficial for untrained horses as it lowered lactate levels after exercise but did not seem to improve exercise performance in trained horses.
Objective of the Research
- The main objective of this research was to analyse the effects of supplemental betaine on Thoroughbred horses, both untrained and trained, exercising to the point of fatigue.
Methodology of the Research
- Eight mature Thoroughbred horses were the subjects of this study.
- This research involved two cross-over design experiments. This experimental design allowed each horse to receive both control and betaine treatments at each level of fitness.
- The horses were given 80 mg of betaine per kilogram of body weight for 14 days prior to exercise testing.
Key Findings of the Research
- The study found that the consumption of betaine did not alter plasma lactate, glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), or triglyceride concentration during the exercise in both untrained and trained horses.
- However, for untrained horses, the study observed a significant time-by-treatment interaction in plasma lactate during recovery from exercise. Plasma lactate concentrations were lower at 60 minutes after exercise when these horses received betaine supplement.
- Also, in untrained horses, plasma FFA concentrations were lower before exercise and at 720 minutes after exercise when they received the betaine supplement.
- These results indicate that betaine can influence lactate metabolism after exercise in untrained horses, but its benefits seem limited for trained horses.
Conclusion of the Research
- This research concludes that betaine supplementation might affect lactate metabolism following exercise in untrained horses. However, for trained horses, betaine does not appear to offer any notable benefits.
Cite This Article
APA
Warren LK, Lawrence LM, Thompson KN.
(1999).
The influence of betaine on untrained and trained horses exercising to fatigue.
J Anim Sci, 77(3), 677-684.
https://doi.org/10.2527/1999.773677x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546, USA. lkwarr00@pop.uky.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Betaine / pharmacology
- Blood Glucose / metabolism
- Cross-Over Studies
- Fatigue / physiopathology
- Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / blood
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Lactic Acid / blood
- Lipotropic Agents / pharmacology
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Triglycerides / blood
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Darbandi H, Munsters C, Parmentier J, Havinga P. Detecting fatigue of sport horses with biomechanical gait features using inertial sensors.. PLoS One 2023;18(4):e0284554.
- Yang MT, Lin HW, Chuang CY, Wang YC, Huang BH, Chan KH. Effects of 6-Week Betaine Supplementation on Muscular Performance in Male Collegiate Athletes.. Biology (Basel) 2022 Jul 29;11(8).
- Escalera-Valente F, Alonso ME, Lomillos-Pérez JM, Gaudioso-Lacasa VR, Alonso AJ, González-Montaña JR. Blood Biochemical Variables Found in Lidia Cattle after Intense Exercise.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 30;11(10).
- Boshuizen B, Moreno de Vega CV, De Maré L, de Meeûs C, de Oliveira JE, Hosotani G, Gansemans Y, Deforce D, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Delesalle C. Effects of Aleurone Supplementation on Glucose-Insulin Metabolism and Gut Microbiome in Untrained Healthy Horses.. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:642809.
- Moro T, Badiali F, Fabbri I, Paoli A. Betaine Supplementation Does Not Improve Muscle Hypertrophy or Strength Following 6 Weeks of Cross-Fit Training.. Nutrients 2020 Jun 5;12(6).
- Apicella JM, Lee EC, Bailey BL, Saenz C, Anderson JM, Craig SA, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Maresh CM. Betaine supplementation enhances anabolic endocrine and Akt signaling in response to acute bouts of exercise.. Eur J Appl Physiol 2013 Mar;113(3):793-802.
- Lee EC, Maresh CM, Kraemer WJ, Yamamoto LM, Hatfield DL, Bailey BL, Armstrong LE, Volek JS, McDermott BP, Craig SA. Ergogenic effects of betaine supplementation on strength and power performance.. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2010 Jul 19;7:27.
- Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Kang J, Rashti SL, Faigenbaum AD. Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue.. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2009 Feb 27;6:7.
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