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The effect of a beta‐alanine supplement on the muscle carnosine content during training
Author(s) -
Harris Roger,
Kim Chang Keun,
Kim Hyo Jeong,
Sale Craig,
Wise John
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a808-c
Subject(s) - carnosine , creatine , taurine , placebo , anaerobic exercise , medicine , endurance training , zoology , endocrinology , alanine , chemistry , physical therapy , biochemistry , biology , amino acid , alternative medicine , pathology
Carnosine (Carn) occurs in high concentrations in muscle where it contributes to H + buffering. The aim was to investigate the effect of a commercial supplement containing, per serving, 1.6g β‐alanine (β‐Ala), 5.25g creatine and 1g taurine (Tau), on muscle Carn synthesis during training. Trained cyclists (n=12, 20 ± (SD)1 yr, 78 ± 8 kg ) received either the β‐Ala (n=6) containing supplement or a placebo, 3xd (4.8 g.d −1 β‐Ala) during 12wk of combined endurance (5 h/d, 6 d/wk) and weight training (3 d/wk). Muscle biopsies of the v. lateralis were taken at 0 and 12 wks for fibre morphology and analysis of Carn and Tau. Subjects undertook a cycle test to determine VO 2 max, anaerobic threshold (AnT) and endurance, and an isokinetic test of the knee extensors at 240°/sec. Type II cross sectional was increased with training in both groups, P<0.05. Carn was unchanged with training (23.9 vs 25.7 mmol.kg −1 dm) but increased with supplementation (20.5 vs 30.0 mmol.kg −1 dm), P<0.01. Tau did not change. AnT and endurance increased with supplementation but not isokinetic power output. CONCLUSION Carn was unchanged by training alone but increased by β‐Ala supplementation. Whilst this will increase H + buffering capacity, gains in exercise capacity may equally have been mediated by other components present. Supported by Natural Alternatives Intl.