Acid-base buffer: H+ load or the supplement rush?

Abstract

to the editor: We have carefully reviewed the recent Viewpoint by Wolf (1) considering that the perspective put forward by Giosa et al. (2), who consider albumin to be a blood buffer, is not supported by physicochemical mathematical models, according to studies conducted by Krbec et al. (3) that graphically demonstrate the low buffering capacity of albumin; thus, going against what is argued (2). This discussion raised in the recent Viewpoints highlights the fact that certain nutritional supplements are mislabeled and misused for purposes not intended, in this case, albumin. A careful reading of Wolf’s (1) great work makes it clear that albumin has little or no action as a buffering factor in the absorption of H+, which invalidates its use as a nutritional supplement for short-duration, high-intensity exercise. We believe that the collaboration of our group is justified in this context because we report that the results presented by Giosa et al. (2) should be interpreted with caution and that more data and discussions are needed to confirm this finding. Rossing et al. (4) also demonstrates that the βPS technique to determine the buffering capacity of albumin is weak and not scientifically supported. In our group’s experience, the addition of new data that support these findings highlights the importance of good dissemination on the part of the scientific community, because when there is an argument in favor of the benefits of some supplements, a rush to publicize and use these products ensues, even without scientific ratification. In the light of the data of Wolf (5), it seems clear to us that the authors sought scientific brilliance, considering the robust data on H+ absorption. Our group welcomes these data and the presented discussion because we work with the prescription of exercise and nutritional supplements that are scientifically validated, and the publication of data that prove their efficacy encourages us to continue studying and understanding H+ buffering, which is essential for controlling and prescribing exercise and preventing early fatigue. Therefore, Wolf (1) clarifies the mathematical expressions used to explain the buffering capacity of albumin in the blood; however, Assis Moreira et al. (6) emphasize the importance of interpreting new findings with caution so that the relevant clinical implications are provided.