Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Considering thiamin's role in reducing the buildup of lactic acid, wouldn't this be a no-brainer supplement for athletes to improve performance and/or recovery?

Is it commonly used and I've just missed the boat so far?

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/field/jimr/2008/00000036/00000006/art00008

It is concluded that TPP caused serum lactate levels and heart rate to be lower than placebo and Vo2max to be higher in athletes performing aerobic physical activity.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/t8785n5w6612w875/

Thiamine supplementation significantly suppressed the increase in blood glucose in the normal thiamine group and significantly decreased the number of complaints shortly after exercise in the subjective fatigue assessment of 30 items.

I took a B-complex after a long bike ride yesterday and feel pretty good today. I think I'll keep trying it.

Anyone else use B supplements?

And in case you all tell me to eat liver, I eat it fairly regularly.

edited Apr 27 2012 at 16:18

tdgor
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asked Jan 8 2012 at 20:07

Jeff
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I also think that endurance athletes are eating more carbs, and therefore probably have a higher B1 requirement. – smartcookie Jan 8 2012 at 22:29

Thought you may find this thread of interest, as I have noticed profound effects from Thiamine. paleohacks.com/questions/196540/… – Cory151 May 20 at 20:13

sam_acw · Answer 1 · 2012-05-02 13:00:11Z UTC

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Another odd supplement can be baking soda - it's meant to reduce lactic acid buildup. http://www.livestrong.com/article/408081-recommended-dose-of-sodium-bicarbonate-for-alkalizing-lactic-acid-when-exercising/

answered May 2 2012 at 13:00

sam_acw
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This is the only thing that made a noticeable difference for me and I tried all sorts, including B vits. Never high dose thiamine in isolation though. – Scotty Von Porkchop May 2 2012 at 15:25

kathleen · Answer 2 · 2012-04-27 15:55:13Z UTC

i've seen distance runners take beta-alanine and glucosamine. i haven't seen thiamine as a seperate supplement. perhaps because there's some 250% daily value in my multi-vutamin. i don't personally view a seperate b1 supplement as necessary. maybe others feel the same?

with that being said, i currently take a b-complex but not for distance running recovery, more because i am breastfeeding and read that b6 helps to level out your hormones. though i haven't noticed any marked improvement from taking the b-complex on recovery or energy levels. my problem stems from not getting enough sleep.

if you notice improvement, i say keep taking it. from my understanding, it can't hurt you as long as you don't exceed some 500mg of b6 which can cause nerve damage.

also, have you tried wearing compression socks, shorts, and ice baths? some swear by those too.

Endurance athletes and thiamine

2 Answers