ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the theoretical rationale of phosphate supplementation and provides an overview of the literature relative to the effect of phosphate loading on human performance. Because phosphorus acts as a threshold substance, serum levels of phosphorus are regulated in part by an overflow mechanism. Although maintenance of bone integrity is important in certain athletic populations susceptible to premature bone mass loss, the theoretical ergogenic value of phosphate supplementation primarily resides in the metabolic role of phosphorus in soft tissues. While the specific effects of variations of extracellular and intracellular phosphate concentrations on oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle remain unclear, basic research findings support the hypothesis that alterations in extracellular and intracellular availability of phosphorus may affect oxidative metabolism and thereby exercise performance. Analysis of well-controlled contemporary research tends to support the hypothesis that short-term supplementation of phosphate may alter various physiological parameters which may affect endurance exercise performance.
