Latest research findings on Dr Auer’s Base Powder Sport

Jacques Rossouw: Sport Scientist, Institute for Sport Research (UP) DSc (Biochemistry); Hons (Pharmacology); MBA

Introduction

The superior performance of today’s athletes is the result of a complex blend of many factors. Perhaps the major factor determining an athlete’s potential to excel in his or her sport is genetic endowment. Another factor that is known to have a profound effect on performance is the amount and suitability of the training that precedes competition. Finally, performance on any given occasion can be influenced by the health and nutritional status of the athlete.

Athletes train hard to optimize performance. Inherent in all training programmes is the application of the progressive overload principle, which implies working beyond a comfortable level in order to maximize athletic ability. Unfortunately, there is a fine line between improved performance and deterioration. When deterioration in performance occurs in association with an arduous training schedule, it is referred to as overtraining, staleness, or burnout.

The universal criterion associated with overtraining is a decrease in performance. However, not all aspects of performance are affected simultaneously nor are they impacted to the same degree, making prediction and/or interpretation confusing. It is also probable that other signs/symptoms typically associated with overtraining are evident before deterioration in performance. These might include generalized fatigue, depression, muscle and joint pain, and a loss of appetite. However, it is the decline in performance frequently associated with an increased volume or load of training that captures the attention of athlete and coach. A large number of symptoms associated with overtraining, have been reported in the literature.

One limiting factor during high intensity (anaerobic) exercise is the build-up of acidity or excess hydrogen ions. This causes a 'burning' sensation as well as an inability to maintain the exercise intensity. Sports, which fit this description, are those of 1-7 minutes of high intensity exercise and include 200-400m swims, 800-1500m runs and rowing or kayaking events. It has been proposed that extra muscle buffering capacity could improve performance in such sports by mopping up more of the excess hydrogen ion than the body's present capacity will handle. Bicarbonate is such a buffer. Many studies have shown that a dose of 300mg of bicarbonate per kilogram of an athlete's weight (or about 20g for a typical 70kg athlete) will increase the blood buffer capacity.

Furthermore, in many though not all of these studies, this was shown to delay fatigue when anaerobic exercise was undertaken. Again, the positive effects seem to be specific to individuals and to the event. Some athletes already have such a well-developed buffering system that extra bicarbonate does not appear to be useful, and some events are not limited by hydrogen ion excess. While bicarbonate loading is not considered illegal by sporting organisations, there are some side effects. The bicarbonate dose is usually taken 1-2 hours prior to the event and can be taken either as common household bicarbonate of soda, or in the form of special pharmaceutical products known as urinary alkanisers. Some people suffer gastrointestinal cramping and diarrhoea as a side effect, although it appears that drinking a liter or more of fluid with the bicarbonate can reduce this risk. In addition, alkaline urine is thought to mask the presence of a number of illegal substances, so if the athlete is chosen for a drug test after the event he/she may have to wait a while until his/her urine reverts to a more acidic level that is considered acceptable for testing.

The Institute for Sport Research at the University of Pretoria conducted research on 20 Comrades athletes using Dr Auer’s Base Powder Sport. The athletes took 8 grams of the powder before their respective training sessions and the same amount directly after training. During the laboratory tests their oxygen consumption, CO2 production, heart rate and lactate levels, amongst others, were assessed. The results of the group drinking the Base Powder, when compared to the control group (no intervention), showed a reduction in the lactate levels 10 minutes after the test were concluded. During each workload the heart rate of the Base Powder group was also statistically reduced.

It is clear from the results that the lactic acid level can be lowered considerably and at the same time the partial pressure of carbon dioxide decreased. This demonstrates that Dr Auer’s Base Powder Sport is capable of decreasing the stress-induced lactacidosis significantly (lower heart rate). A lowering of the lactate level means an improved fat oxidation, which is good news for Comrades runners. Regular intake of Base Powder Sport promotes well-being and the vitamins and minerals increase training performance and aids recovery and regeneration.

Comrades runners are advised to train with the powder every day, include the powder while carbo-loading, and take some on the route at the 30km and 60km mark. Since Dr Auer’s Base Powder does not contain any banned substances, and it has none of the side effects of bicarbonate, it should be part of everyone’s training regime.