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  • Effects of beta-alanine on muscle carnosine and exercise performance: a review of the current literature.

Effects of beta-alanine on muscle carnosine and exercise performance: a review of the current literature.

Nutrients (2010-01-01)
Julie Y Culbertson, Richard B Kreider, Mike Greenwood, Matthew Cooke
ABSTRACT

Muscle carnosine has been reported to serve as a physiological buffer, possess antioxidant properties, influence enzyme regulation, and affect sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium regulation. Beta-alanine (β-ALA) is a non-essential amino acid. β-ALA supplementation (e.g., 2-6 grams/day) has been shown to increase carnosine concentrations in skeletal muscle by 20-80%. Several studies have reported that β-ALA supplementation can increase high-intensity intermittent exercise performance and/or training adaptations. Although the specific mechanism remains to be determined, the ergogenicity of β-ALA has been most commonly attributed to an increased muscle buffering capacity. More recently, researchers have investigated the effects of co-ingesting β-ALA with creatine monohydrate to determine whether there may be synergistic and/or additive benefits. This paper overviews the theoretical rationale and potential ergogenic value of β-ALA supplementation with or without creatine as well as provides future research recommendations.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
β-Alanine, BioUltra, ≥99.0% (NT)
Sigma-Aldrich
β-Alanine, BioXtra, ≥99.0% (NT)
Sigma-Aldrich
β-Alanine, 99%
Sigma-Aldrich
β-Alanine, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture
Supelco
β-Alanine, analytical standard
Supelco
Beta Alanine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material