Comparison of Effects of Certain Blood Alkalinizers and Glucose Upon Competitive Endurance Performance

Abstract

Students of athletic sports have traditionally utilized various food substances in an effort to improve competitive performances of athletes. In Germany marked improvement in endurance performance has been observed as a result of the ingestion of certain blood alkalinizers and alkalinizer-sugar combinations; evidence is conflicting as to the value of sugar ingestion. No studies have taken into account the influence of physical conditioning or competitive motivation. 11 members of a champion team of cross-country runners were divided into 4 groups and given an alkalinizer, glucose, phosphated sugar or a placebo 4 hrs. before competing in 8 official meets over the same course during a single season. Every test substance was administered to each group twice. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the times of the runners were not affected by the ergogenic aids under study.