Effect of beta-alanine supplementation in performance: a critical review

  • Bruna Amorim Zandoná Universidade Federal do Paraná. Paraná. Brasil
  • Cleyton dos Santos de Oliveira Universidade Federal do Paraná. Paraná. Brasil.
  • Ragami C. Alves Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba-PR, Brasil.
  • André de Camargo Smolarek Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba-PR, Brasil.
  • Tácito Pessoa de Souza Junior Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba-PR, Brasil.
Keywords: Carnosine, Exercise, Training, Fatigue, Acidosis

Abstract

Beta-alanine is a non-proteogenic amino acid limiting precursor of carnosine synthesis. The increase of muscular carnosine has been considered a factor of physical capacities reinforcement and neuromuscular fatigue decrease. In this context, the use of beta-alanine as an ergogenic aid has been frequently described. This review aims to analyze the main investigations directly related to beta-alanine supplementation effects on sports performance, as well establish adequate guidelines to elucidate supplementation posology that promotes positive results minimizing possible collaterals effects. The literature review included national and international publications, with dates between January 1990 and May 2017, in the electronic databases: Elsevier, Medline, Pubmed, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science. Key words used in search were included in the Thesaurus Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) developed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Several studies support that beta-alanine supplementation around 6,4g/day may improve performance in high-intensity and short-term exercises.

Author Biography

Bruna Amorim Zandoná, Universidade Federal do Paraná. Paraná. Brasil

Nutricionista graduada pela UFPR, especialista em Bases Nutricionista da Atividade Fí­sica pela UGF, especializanda em Treinamento de Força e Hipertrofia pela UFPR, mestranda em Desempenho Esportivo pela UFPR e membro do Grupo de Pesquisa em Metabolismo, Nutrição e Treinamento de Força da UFPR.

References

-Abe, H. Role of Histidine-related Compounds the Intracellular Proton Buffering Constituents in Vertebrate Muscle. Biochemistry (mosc). Vol. 65. Num. 7. 2000. p. 757-765.

-Artioli, G.G.; Gualano, B.; Smith, A.; Stout, J.; Lancha, A.H.JR. Role of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol. 42. Num. 6. 2010. p. 1162-1173.

-Baguet, A.; Bourgois, J.; Vanhee, L.; Achten. E.; Derave, W. Important Role of Muscle Carnosine in Rowing Performance. Journal of Applied. Physiology. Vol. 109. Num. 4. 2010. p. 1096-1101.

-Baguet, A.; Reyngoudt, H.; Pottier, A.; Everaert, I.; Callens, S.; Achten, E.; Derave, W.Carnosine Loading and Washout in Human Skeletal Muscles. Journal of applied physiology. Vol. 106. Num. 3. 2009. p. 837-842.

-Bellinger, P. M.; Minahan, C. L. Additive Benefits of β-Alanine Supplementation and Sprint-Interval Training. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. Vol. 48. Num. 12. 2016. p. 2417-2425.

-Chung, W.; Shaw, G.; Anderson, M.E.; Pyne, D.B.; Saunders, P.U.; Bishop, D.J.; Burke, L.M. Effect of 10 Week Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Competition and Training Performance in Elite Swimmers. Nutrients. Vol. 4. Num. 10. 2012. p. 1441-1453.

-De Salles Painelli, V.; Saunders, B.; Sale, C.; Harris, R. C.; Solis, M. Y.; Roschel, H.; Lancha Jr, A. H. Influence of Training Status on High-Intensity Intermittent Performance in Response to Β-Alanine Supplementation. Amino acids. Vol. 46. Num. 5. 2014. p. 1207-1215.

-De Salles Painelli, V.; Roschel, H.; De Jesus, F.; Sale, C.; Harris, R. C.; Solis, M. Y.; Artioli, G. G. The ergogenic effect of beta-alanine combined with sodium bicarbonate on high-intensity swimming performance. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. Vol. 38. Num. 5. 2013. p. 525-532.

-Décombaz, J.; Beaumont, M.; Vuichoud, J.; Bouisset, F.; Stellingwerff, T. Effect of Slow-Release Β-Alanine Tablets On Absorption Kinetics and Paresthesia. Amino acids. Vol. 43. Num. 1. 2012. p. 67-76.

-Derave, W.; Everaert, I.; Beeckman, S.; Baguet, A. Muscle Carnosine Metabolism and Beta-Alanine Supplementation in Relation to Exercise and Training. Sports Medicine. Vol. 40. Num. 3. 2010. p. 247-263.

-Derave, W.; Özdemir, M. S.; Harris, R. C.; Pottier, A.; Reyngoudt, H.; Koppo, K.; Achten, E. β-Alanine Supplementation Augments Muscle Carnosine Content And Attenuates Fatigue During Repeated Isokinetic Contraction Bouts In Trained Sprinters. Journal of applied physiology. Vol. 103. Num. 5. 2007. p. 1736-1743.

-Ducker, K.; Dawson, B.; Wallman, K.E. Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on 2000-m Rowing-Ergometer Performance. International Journal Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Vol. 23. Num. 4. 2013. p. 336-343.

-Drozak, J.; Veiga-da-Cunha, M.; Vertommen, D.; Stroobant, V.; Van Schaftingen, E. Molecular Identification of Carnosine Synthase as Atp-Grasp Domain-Containing Protein 1 (ATPGD1). Journal of Biological Chemistry. Vol. 285. Num. 13. 2010. p. 9346-9356.

-Gardner, M. L.; Illingworth, K. M.; Kelleher, J. E. R. R. Y.; Wood, D. I. A. N. A. Intestinal Absorption of the Intact Peptide Carnosine in Man, and Comparison with Intestinal Permeability to Lactulose. The Journal ofphysiology. Vol. 439. Num. 1. 1991. p. 411-422.

-Glenn, J. M.; Gray, M.; Stewart Jr, R. W.; Moyen, N. E.; Kavouras, S. A.; DiBrezzo, R.; Stone, M. S. Effects of 28-Day Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Isokinetic Exercise Performance and Body Composition in Female Masters Athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. Vol. 30. Num. 1. 2016. p. 200-207.

-Hannah, R.; Stannard, R. L.; Minshull, C.; Artioli, G. G.; Harris, R. C.; Sale, C. Β-Alanine Supplementation Enhances Human Skeletal Muscle Relaxation Speed but Not Force Production Capacity. Journal of applied physiology. Vol. 118. Num. 5. 2015. p. 604-612.

-Harris, R. C.; Jones, G. A.; Kim, H. J.; Kim, C. K.; Price, K. A.; Wise, J. A. Changes in Muscle Carnosine of Subjects with 4 Weeks Supplementation with a Controlled Release Formulation of Beta-Alanine (Carnosyn™), and for 6 Weeks Post. The FASEB Journal. Vol. 23. Num. 1 Supplement. 2009. p. 599-604.

-Harris, R. C.; Jones, G.; Hill, C. A.; Kendrick, I. P.; Boobis, L.; Kim, C.; Wise, J.A. The Carnosine Content of V Lateralis in Vegetarians and Omnivores. The FASEB Journal. Vol. 21. Num. 6. 2007. p. A944-A944.

-Harris, R.C.; Tallon, M.J.; Dunnett, M.; Boobis, L.; Coakley, J.; Kim, H.J.; Fallowfield, J.L.; Hill, C.A.; Sale, C.; Wise, J.A. The Absorption of Orally Supplied Beta-Alanine and its Effect on Muscle Carnosine Synthesis in Human Vastus Lateralis. Amino Acids. Vol. 30. Num. 3. 2006. p. 279-289.

-Hill, C.A.; Harris, R.C.; Kim, H.J.; Harris, B.D.; Sale, C.; Boobis, L.H.; Kim, C.K.; Wise, J.A. Influence of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Carnosine Concentrations and High Intensity Cycling Capacity. Amino Acids. Vol. 32. Num. 2. 2007. p. 225-233.

-Hobson, R.M.; Saunders, B.; Ball, G.; Harris, R.C.; Sale, C. Effectsof β-Alanine Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Meta-Analysis. Amino Acids. Vol. 43. Num. 1. 2012. p. 25-37.

-Hoffman, J. R.; Landau, G.; Stout, J. R.; Dabora, M.; Moran, D. S.; Sharvit, N.; Ostfeld, I. β-Alanine Supplementation Improves Tactical Performance but not Cognitive Function In Combat Soldiers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Vol. 11. Num. 1. 2014. p. 15.

-Hoffman, J. R.; Ratamess, N. A.; Faigenbaum, A. D.; Ross, R.; Kang, J.; Stout, J. R.; Wise, J. A. Short-Duration Β-Alanine Supplementation Increases Training Volume and Reduces Subjective Feelings of Fatigue in College Football Players. Nutrition research. Vol. 28. Num. 1. 2008. p. 31-35.

-Hostrup, M.; Bangsbo, J. Improving Beta‐Alanine Supplementation Strategy to Enhance Exercise Performance in Athletes. The Journal of physiology. Vol. 594. Num. 17. 2016. p. 4701-4702.

-Jones, R. L.; Barnett, C. T.; Davidson, J.; Maritza, B.; Fraser, W. D.; Harris, R.; Sale, C. β-Alanine Supplementation Improves In-Vivo Fresh and Fatigued Skeletal Muscle Relaxation Speed. European Journal of Applied Physiology. Vol. 117. Num. 5. 2017. p. 867-879.

-Jordan, T.; Lukaszuk, J.; Misic, M.; Umoren, J. Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on the Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation (Obla) During Treadmill Running: Pre/Post 2 Treatment Experimental Design. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Vol. 7. Num. 1. 2010. p. 20.

-Kendrick, I. P.; Harris, R. C.; Kim, H. J.; Kim, C. K.; Dang, V. H.; Lam, T. Q.; Wise,J. A. The Effects of 10 Weeks of Resistance Training Combined with Β-Alanine Supplementation on Whole Body Strength, Force Production, Muscular Endurance and Body Composition. Amino acids. Vol. 34. Num. 4. 2008. p. 547-554.

-Kern, B.; Robinson, T. Effects of β-alanine Supplementation on Performance and Body Composition in Collegiate Wrestlers and Football Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Vol. 25. Num. 7. 2011. p. 1804-1815.

-Sale, C.; Hill, C. A.; Ponte, J.; Harris, R. C. β-Alanine Supplementation Improves Isometric Endurance of the Knee Extensor Muscles. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Vol. 9 Num. 1. 2012. p.26.

-Sale, C.; Saunders, B.; Hudson, S.; Wise, J. A.; Harris, R. C.; Sunderland, C. D. Effectof β-Alanine Plus Sodium Bicarbonate on High-Intensity Cycling Capacity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol. 43. Num. 10. 2011. p. 1972-1978.

-Sale, C.; Saunders, B.; Harris, R. C. Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Muscle Carnosine Concentrations and Exercise Performance. Amino acids. Vol. 39. Num. 2. 2011. p. 321-333.

-Saunders, B.; Elliott-Sale, K.; Artioli, G. G.; Swinton, P. A.; Dolan, E.; Roschel, H.; Gualano, B. β-Alanine Supplementation to Improve Exercise Capacity and Performance: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2016.

-Saunders, B.; Sunderland, C.; Harris, R. C.; Sale, C. β-Alanine Supplementation Improves Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test Performance. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Vol. 9. Num. 1. 2012a. p. 39.

-Saunders, B.; Sale, C.; Harris, R. C.; Sunderland, C. Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Repeated Sprint Performance During the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test. Amino acids. Vol. 43. Num. 1. 2012b. p. 39-47.

-Smith‐Ryan, A. E.; Woessner, M. N.; Melvin, M. N.; Wingfield, H. L.; Hackney, A. C. The Effects of Beta‐Alanine Supplementation on Physical Working Capacity at Heart Rate Threshold. Clinical physiology and functional imaging. Vol. 34. Num. 5. 2014. p. 397-404.

-Smith, A.E.; Walter, A.A.; Crael, J.I.; Kendall, K.I.; Moon, J.R.; Lockwood, C.M.; Fukuda, D.H.; Beck, T.W.; Cramer, J.T.; Stout, J.R. Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation and High-Intensity Interval Training on Endurance Performance and Body Composition in Men: A Double-Blind Trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Vol. 6. Num. 5. 2009. p. 9.

-Stegen, S.; Blancquaert, L.; Everaert, I.; Bex, T.; Taes, Y.; Calders, P.; Derave, W. Meal and Beta-Alanine Coingestion Enhances Muscle Carnosine Loading. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol. 45. Num. 8. 2013. p. 1478-1485.

-Stellingwerff, T.; Anwander, H.; Egger, A.; Buehler, T.; Kreis, R.; Decombaz, J.; Boesch, C. Effect of Two Β-Alanine Dosing Protocols on Muscle Carnosine Synthesis and Washout. Amino acids. Vol. 42. Num. 6. 2012. p. 2461-2472.

-Stout, J. R.; Graves, B. S.; Smith, A. E.; Hartman, M. J.; Cramer, J. T.; Beck, T. W.; Harris, R. C. The Effect of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Neuromuscular Fatigue in Elderly (55–92 Years): A Double-Blind Randomized Study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Vol. 5. Num. 1. 2008. p. 21.

-Stout, J.R.; Cramer, J.T.; Zoeller, R.F.; Torok, D.; Costa, P.; Hoffman, J.R.; Harris, R.C.; O'Kroy, J. Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on The Onset of Neuromuscular Fatigue and Ventilatory Threshold in Women. Amino Acids. Vol. 32. Num. 3. 2007. p. 381-386.

-Stout, J. R.; Cramer, J. T.; Mielke, M.; O'kroy, J.; Torok, D. J.; Zoeller, R. F. Effects of Twenty-Eight Days of Beta-Alanine and Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on the Physical Working Capacity at Neuromuscular Fatigue Threshold. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. Vol. 20. Num. 4. 2006. p. 928-931.

-Suzuki, Y.; Nakao, T.; Maemura, H.; Sato, M.; Kamahara, K.; Morimatsu, F.; Takamatsu, K. Carnosine and Anserine Ingestion Enhances Contribution of Nonbicarbonate Buffering. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. Vol. 38. Num. 2. 2006. p. 334-338.

-Trexler, E. T.; Smith-Ryan, A. E.; Stout, J. R.; Hoffman, J. R.; Wilborn, C. D.; Sale, C.; Campbell, B. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Vol. 12. Num. 1. 2015. p. 30.

-Van Thienen, R.; Van Proeyen, K.; Eynde, B. V.; Puype, J.; Lefere, T.; Hespel, P. Β-Alanine Improves Sprint Performance in Endurance Cycling. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol. 41. Num. 4. 2009. p. 898-903.

-Vanhatalo, A.; Mcnaughton, L. R.; Siegler, J.; Jones, A. M. Effect of Induced Alkalosis on the Power-Duration Relationship of “All-Out” Exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. Vol. 42. Num. 3. 2010. p. 563-570.

Published
2018-02-06
How to Cite
Zandoná, B. A., de Oliveira, C. dos S., Alves, R. C., Smolarek, A. de C., & Junior, T. P. de S. (2018). Effect of beta-alanine supplementation in performance: a critical review. RBNE - Brazilian Journal of Sports Nutrition, 12(69), 116-124. Retrieved from https://www.rbne.com.br/index.php/rbne/article/view/984
Issue
Vol. 12 No. 69 (2018)
Section
Scientific Articles - Review

Authors who publish in this journal agree to the following terms:

  • Authors retain the copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication, with work simultaneously licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License BY-NC which allows the sharing of the work with acknowledgment of the authorship of the work and initial publication in this journal.
  • Authors are authorized to enter into additional contracts separately for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in this journal (eg, publishing in institutional repository or book chapter), with acknowledgment of authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  • Authors are allowed and encouraged to post and distribute their work online (eg, in institutional repositories or on their personal page) at any point before or during the editorial process, as this can bring about productive change as well as increase impact and impact. citation of published work (See The Effect of Free Access).

Most read articles by the same author(s)