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h2s
11-12-2012, 11:27 AM
Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis.


Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis.
Hobson RM, Saunders B, Ball G, Harris RC, Sale C.
Source

Biomedical, Life and Health Sciences Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
Abstract

Due to the well-defined role of β-alanine as a substrate of carnosine (a major contributor to H+ buffering during high-intensity exercise), β-alanine is fast becoming a popular ergogenic aid to sports performance. There have been several recent qualitative review articles published on the topic, and here we present a preliminary quantitative review of the literature through a meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of the literature was employed to identify all studies suitable for inclusion in the analysis; strict exclusion criteria were also applied. Fifteen published manuscripts were included in the analysis, which reported the results of 57 measures within 23 exercise tests, using 18 supplementation regimes and a total of 360 participants [174, β-alanine supplementation group (BA) and 186, placebo supplementation group (Pla)]. BA improved (P=0.002) the outcome of exercise measures to a greater extent than Pla [median effect size (IQR): BA 0.374 (0.140-0.747), Pla 0.108 (-0.019 to 0.487)]. Some of that effect might be explained by the improvement (P=0.013) in exercise capacity with BA compared to Pla; no improvement was seen for exercise performance (P=0.204). In line with the purported mechanisms for an ergogenic effect of β-alanine supplementation, exercise lasting 60-240 s was improved (P=0.001) in BA compared to Pla, as was exercise of >240 s (P=0.046). In contrast, there was no benefit of β-alanine on exercise lasting <60 s (P=0.312). The median effect of β-alanine supplementation is a 2.85% (-0.37 to 10.49%) improvement in the outcome of an exercise measure, when a median total of 179 g of β-alanine is supplemented.

Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise... [Amino Acids. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22270875)

h2s
11-12-2012, 11:29 AM
Effect of slow-release β-alanine tablets on absorption kinetics and paresthesia.


Effect of slow-release β-alanine tablets on absorption kinetics and paresthesia.
Décombaz J, Beaumont M, Vuichoud J, Bouisset F, Stellingwerff T.
Source

Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland. decombaz.jac@bluewin.ch
Abstract

Oral β-alanine (βA) doses larger than 800 mg commonly result in unpleasant sensory symptoms (paresthesia). However, the association of form (pure vs. slow-release) with side-effects has not been fully described. The aim of this single-blinded, randomized three-arm clinical trial was to compare plasma kinetics and symptoms following βA bolus administration in solution or in slow-release tablet form. Eleven healthy adults ingested 1.6 g of a pure βA reference solution (REF), 1.6 g in slow-release βA tablets (TAB) or a placebo (PLA) after an overnight fast. During the next 6 h, urinary and plasma βA concentrations were measured and questionnaires about intensity, nature (pins and needles, itching, flushing, irritation, numbness, soreness), and spatial distribution of unusual sensations were filled in. TAB resulted in a smaller peak plasma concentration than REF (82 vs. 248 μmol L(-1), p<0.001), delayed time to peak (1.0 vs. 0.5 h, p<0.01) no difference in area under the curve, reduced loss in urine (202 vs. 663 μmol, p<0.0001), and improved retention (98.9 vs. 96.3%, p<0.001). Symptoms described as "pins and needles" were perceived rapidly on the skin of the arms and trunk after REF (Tmax=15 min) and their time course nearly mimicked plasma concentrations. Maximum intensity scores were weaker with TAB ("very low") than with REF ("low", p<0.001), while TAB and PLA did not differ with respect to side-effects. In summary, ingesting 1.6 g βA in slow-release tablets rather than pure in solution results in slower absorption kinetics, improved whole body retention and sensory side-effects that cannot be differentiated from PLA.

Effect of slow-release β-alanine tablets on abso... [Amino Acids. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22139410)