Skip to main content
Key Specialties
Cardiology Diabetology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Geriatrics and Gerontology Gynecology and Obstetrics Hematology Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Nephrology Neurology Oncology Pediatrics Respiratory Medicine Rheumatology Surgery
Congress Coverage
2024 ACC Congress 2023 ESMO Congress 2023 EASD Congress 2023 ERS Congress 2023 ESC Congress
Clinical Collections
Advances in Alzheimer’s

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

LIVE: Thursday 27th June 2024, 18:00-19:30 (CEST)
Join our expert panel to discover why you need to understand the drivers of non-adherence in your patients, and how you can optimize medication adherence in your clinics to drastically improve patient outcomes.
ADVANCED SEARCH
Log in
Top
Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 6/2013

01-06-2013 | Review Article

Sodium Phosphate as an Ergogenic Aid

Authors: Christopher L. Buck, Karen E. Wallman, Brian Dawson, Kym J. Guelfi

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 6/2013

Login to get access

Abstract

Legal nutritional ergogenic aids can offer athletes an additional avenue to enhance their performance beyond what they can achieve through training. Consequently, the investigation of new nutritional ergogenic aids is constantly being undertaken. One emerging nutritional supplement that has shown some positive benefits for sporting performance is sodium phosphate. For ergogenic purposes, sodium phosphate is supplemented orally in capsule form, at a dose of 3–5 g/day for a period of between 3 and 6 days. A number of exercise performance-enhancing alterations have been reported to occur with sodium phosphate supplementation, which include an increased aerobic capacity, increased peak power output, increased anaerobic threshold and improved myocardial and cardiovascular responses to exercise. A range of mechanisms have been posited to account for these ergogenic effects. These include enhancements in 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations, myocardial efficiency, buffering capacity and adenosine triphosphate/phosphocreatine synthesis. Whilst there is evidence to support the ergogenic benefits of sodium phosphate, many studies researching this substance differ in terms of the administered dose and dosing protocol, the washout period employed and the fitness level of the participants recruited. Additionally, the effect of gender has received very little attention in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to critically examine the use of sodium phosphate as an ergogenic aid, with a focus on identifying relevant further research.
Literature
1.
Benardot D. Advanced sports nutrition. Champaign: Human Kinetics; 2006.
2.
Maughan RJ. Nutritional ergogenic aids and exercise performance. Nutr Res Rev. 1999;12(2):255–80.PubMedCrossRef
3.
Fukuda DH, Smith AE, Kendall KL, et al. Phosphate supplementation: an update. Strength Cond J. 2010;32(5):53–6.CrossRef
4.
Kreider RB, Wilborn CD, Taylor L, et al. ISSN exercise and sport nutrition review: research and recommendations. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010;7:7–50.PubMedCrossRef
5.
Gaasbeek A, Meinders AE. Hypophosphatemia: an update on its etiology and treatment. Am J Med. 2005;118(10):1094–101.PubMedCrossRef
6.
Groff JL, Gropper SS. Macrominerals: advanced nutrition and human metabolism. Belmont: Wadsworth; 2000.
7.
Kreider RB. Phosphate supplementation in exercise and sport. In: Driskell JA, Wolinsky I, editors. Macroelements, water and electrolytes in sport nutrition. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1999. p. 29–46.
8.
Tremblay MS, Galloway SDR, Sexsmith JR. Ergogenic effects of phosphate loading: physiological fact or methodological fiction? Can J Appl Physiol. 1994;19(1):1–11.PubMedCrossRef
9.
10.
Ohnishi M, Razzaque MS. Dietary and genetic evidence for phosphate toxicity accelerating mammalian aging. FASEB J. 2010;24(9):3562–71.PubMedCrossRef
11.
Burnett SM, Gunawardene SC, Bringhurst FR, et al. Regulation of C-Terminal and intact FGF-23 by dietary phosphate in men and women. J Bone Miner Res. 2006;21(8):1187–96.PubMedCrossRef
12.
Czuba M, Zajac A, Poprzecki S, et al. Effects of sodium phosphate loading on aerobic power and capacity in off road cyclists. J Sports Sci Med. 2009;8(4):591–9.
13.
Avioli L. Calcium and phosphorus. In: Shils M, Young V, editors. Modern nutrition in health and disease. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1988. p. 254–88.
14.
Guyton A. Textbook of medical physiology. 8th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1990.
15.
Benesch R, Benesch RE. Intracellular organic phosphates as regulators of oxygen release by haemoglobin. Nature. 1969;221(5181):618–22.PubMedCrossRef
16.
17.
Cade R, Conte M, Zauner C, et al. Effects of phosphate loading on 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and maximal oxygen uptake. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1984;16(3):263–8.PubMed
18.
Kreider RB, Miller GW, Schenck D, et al. Effects of phosphate loading on metabolic and myocardial responses to maximal and endurance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr. 1992;2(1):20–47.PubMed
19.
Kreider RB, Miller GW, Williams MH, et al. Effects of phosphate loading on oxygen uptake, ventilatory anaerobic threshold, and run performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990;22(2):250–5.PubMed
20.
Bremner K, Bubb WA, Kemp GJ, et al. The effect of phosphate loading on erythrocyte 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate levels. Clin Chim Acta. 2002;323:111–4.PubMedCrossRef
21.
Duhm J. Effects of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and other organic phosphate compounds on oxygen affinity and intracellular pH of human erythrocytes. Pflügers Arch. 1971;326(4):341–56.PubMedCrossRef
22.
Goss F, Robertson R, Riechman S, et al. Effect of potassium phosphate supplementation on perceptual and physiological responses to maximal graded exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2001;11(1):53–62.PubMed
23.
Goran M, Fields DA, Hunter GR, et al. Total body fat does not influence maximal aerobic capacity. Int J Obes. 2000;24:841–8.CrossRef
24.
McArdle DW, Katch IF, Katch LV. Essentials of exercise physiology. 3rd ed. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006.
25.
Folland JP, Stern R, Brickley G. Sodium phosphate loading improves laboratory cycling time-trial performance in trained cyclists. J Sci Med Sport. 2008;11(5):464–8.PubMedCrossRef
26.
Stewart I, McNaughton L, Davies P, et al. Phosphate loading and the effects on VO2max in trained cyclists. Res Q Exerc Sport. 1990;61(1):80–4.PubMedCrossRef
27.
Llohn AH, Vetlesen A, Fagerhol MK, et al. The effect of pre-storage cooling on 2,3-DPG levels in red cells stored in SAG-M. Transfus Apher Sci. 2005;33(2):113–8.PubMedCrossRef
28.
Czuba M, Zajac A, Poprzecki S, et al. The influence of sodium phosphate supplementation on VO2max, serum 2,3-diphosphoglycerate level and heart rate in off-road cyclists. J Hum Kinet. 2008;19:149–64.CrossRef
29.
Rubin MF, Narins RG. Hypophosphatemia: pathophysiological and practical aspects of its therapy. Semin Nephrol. 1990;10(6):536–45.PubMed
30.
Fuller TJ, Nichols WW, Brenner BJ, et al. Reversible depression in myocardial performance in dogs with experimental phosphorus deficiency. J Clin Invest. 1978;62:1194–200.PubMedCrossRef
31.
Newman JH, Neff TA, Ziporin P. Acute respiratory-failure associated with hypophosphatemia. N Engl J Med. 1977;296(19):1101–3.PubMedCrossRef
32.
O’Connor LR, Wheeler WS, Bethune JE. Effect of hypophosphatemia on myocardial performance in man. N Engl J Med. 1977;297(17):901–3.PubMedCrossRef
33.
Lichtman MA, Miller DR, Cohen J, et al. Reduced red cell glycolysis, 2, 3-diphosphoglycerate and adenosine triphosphate concentration, and increased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity caused by hypophosphatemia. Ann Intern Med. 1971;74(4):562–8.PubMedCrossRef
34.
35.
Zazzo JF, Troche G, Ruel P, et al. High incidence of hypophosphatemia in surgical intensive care patients: efficacy of phosphorus therapy on myocardial function. Intensive Care Med. 1995;21(10):826–31.PubMedCrossRef
36.
Farber M, Sullivan T, Fineberg N, et al. Effect of decrease O2 affinity of hemoglobin on work performance during exercise in healthy humans. J Lab Clin Med. 1984;104:166–75.PubMed
37.
Lunne D, Zauner C, Cade R, et al. Effect of phosphate loading on RBC 2–3 DPG, cardiac-output, and oxygen utilization at rest and during vigorous exercise. Clin Res. 1990;28(5):810.
38.
Bredle DL, Stager JM, Brechue WF, et al. Phosphate supplementation, cardiovascular function, and exercise performance in humans. J Appl Physiol. 1988;65(4):1821–6.PubMed
39.
Wu F, Zhang EY, Zhang J, et al. Phosphate metabolite concentrations and ATP hydrolysis potential in normal and ischaemic hearts. J Physiol. 2008;586(17):4193–208.PubMedCrossRef
40.
Vander AJ, Shermanm JH, Luciano DS. Human physiology: the mechanisms of body function. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill; 1994.
41.
Galloway SDR, Tremblay MS, Sexsmith JR, et al. The effects of acute phosphate supplementation in subjects of different aerobic fitness levels. Eur J Appl Physiol. 1996;72:224–30.CrossRef
42.
Chasiotis D. Role of cyclic AMP and inorganic phosphate in the regulation of muscle glycogenolysis during exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1988;20(6):545–50.PubMed
43.
Brazy PC, Mandel LJ, Gullans SR, et al. Interactions between phosphate and oxidative metabolism in proximal renal tubules. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 1984;16(4):575–81.
44.
Passonneau JV, Lowry OH. Phosphofructokinase and the Pasteur effect. Mol Cell Biol Res Commun. 1962;7:10–5.
45.
Brazy PC, Gullans SR, Mandel LJ, et al. Metabolic requirement for inorganic phosphate by the rabbit proximal tubule. Evidence for a crabtree effect. J Clin Invest. 1982;70(1):53–62.PubMedCrossRef
46.
Brazy PC, Mandel LJ. Does the availability of inorganic phosphate regulate cellular oxidative metabolism. News Physiol Sci. 1986;1:100–3.
47.
Embden G, Grafe E, Schmitz E. Increase of working capacity through administration of phosphate. Z Phys Chem. 1921;113:67–107.
48.
Riabuschinsky NP. The effect of phosphate on work and respiratory exchange. Z Gesamte Exp Med. 1930;72(1):20–31.CrossRef
49.
Flinn F. The so-called action of sodium in delaying onset of fatigue. Public Health Rep. 1926;41:1463–76.CrossRef
50.
Johnson W, Black D. Comparison of effects of certain blood alkalinizers and glucose upon competitive endurance performance. J Appl Physiol. 1953;5:577–8.PubMed
51.
Keller W, Kraut H. Work and nutrition. World Rev Nutr Diet. 1959;3:65–81.
52.
Mannix ET, Stager JM, Harris A, et al. Oxygen delivery and cardiac output during exercise following oral phosphate-glucose. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1990;22(3):341–7.PubMed
53.
Schenck D, Kreider RB, Miller GW, et al. Effects of phosphate loading on 40 km cycling performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1991;23(4):S76.
54.
Brennan KM, Connolly DAJ. Effects of sodium phosphate supplementation on maximal oxygen consumption and blood lactate. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2001;33(5):S164.
55.
Chobanian MC, Anderson ME, Brazy PC. An NMR-study of cellular phosphates and membrane-transport in renal proximal tubules. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 1995;268(3):F375–84.
56.
West JS, Ayton T, Wallman KE, Guelfi KJ. The effect of 6 days of sodium phosphate supplementation on appetite, energy intake, and aerobic capacity in trained men and women. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2012;22(6):422–9.PubMed
57.
58.
Casais MN, Rosa Diez G, Pérez S, et al. Hyperphosphatemia after sodium phosphate laxatives in low risk patients: Prospective study. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(47):5960–5.
59.
Brodthagen UA, Norregaard Hansen K, et al. Red cell 2,3-DPG, ATP, and mean cell volume in highly trained athletes: effect of long-term submaximal exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1985;53(4):334–8.
60.
Hespel P, Lijnen P, Fagard R, et al. Effects of training on erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in normal men. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1988;57(4):456–61.PubMedCrossRef
61.
Mairbaurl H, Humpeler E, Schwaberger G, et al. Training-dependent changes of red-cell density and erythrocytic oxygen-transport. J Appl Physiol. 1983;55(5):1403–7.PubMed
62.
Remes K, Vuopio P, Harkonen M. Effect of long-term training and acute physical exercise on red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1979;42(3):199–207.PubMedCrossRef
63.
Humpeler E, Amor H. Sex differences in the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin. Pflügers Arch. 1973;343(2):151–6.PubMedCrossRef
64.
Samaja M, Rovida E, Motterlini R, et al. Human red cell age oxygen affinity and oxygen transport. Respir Physiol. 1990;79(1):69–80.PubMedCrossRef
65.
Bonner HW, Tate CA, Buffington CK. Changes in erythrocyte 2,3 diphosphoglycerate in women following short term maximal exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1975;34(4):227–32.PubMedCrossRef
66.
Janse de Jonge XAK. Effects of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance. Sports Med. 2003;33(11):833–51.CrossRef
67.
Dick IM, Devine A, Beilby J, et al. Effects of endogenous estrogen on renal calcium and phosphate handling in elderly women. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2005;288:430–5.CrossRef
68.
Birch K. Circamensal rhythms in physical performance. Biol Rhythm Res. 2000;31(1):1–14.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Sodium Phosphate as an Ergogenic Aid
Authors
Christopher L. Buck
Karen E. Wallman
Brian Dawson
Kym J. Guelfi
Publication date
01-06-2013
Publisher
Springer International Publishing AG
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0042-0

Other articles of this Issue 6/2013

Sports Medicine 6/2013 Go to the issue

Review Article

The Latest on the Effect of Prior Exercise on Postprandial Lipaemia

Review Article

Doping in Sport: A Review of Elite Athletes’ Attitudes, Beliefs, and Knowledge

Review Article

Crawling to the Finish Line: Why do Endurance Runners Collapse?

Review Article

Eccentric Exercise Training: Modalities, Applications and Perspectives

Systematic Review

The Effect of Exercise on Fitness and Performance-Based Tests of Function in Intermittent Claudication: A Systematic Review

Review Article

On Self-Propagating Methodological Flaws in Performance Normalization for Strength and Power Sports