Effects of β-Alanine Supplementation on Subjects Performing High-Intensity Functional Training.

2024-07-19
Nutrients 16(14)
- Eduardo Cimadevilla-Fernández-Pola
- Cristina Martínez-Roldán
- Jose Luis Maté-Muñoz
- Jesús Guodemar-Pérez
- Maria Aránzazu Sánchez-Calabuig
- Pablo García-Fernández
- Juan Pablo Hervás-Pérez
- Juan Hernández-Lougedo

PubMed: 39064783
DOI: 10.3390/nu16142340

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 27
Population: 27 subjects engaging in High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT)
Methods: Randomized controlled trial, 4 weeks of β-alanine or sucrose powder supplementation, high-intensity interval training on the first day
Duration: 4 weeks

Rigorous Journal

Background

β-alanine, a non-essential amino acid found in the diet and produced through nucleotide catabolism, is significant for muscle performance due to its role in carnosine synthesis. This study aims to assess the impact of a 4-week β-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in individuals engaging in High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and its subsequent effect on sports performance, distinguishing between central fatigue from the CNS and peripheral fatigue from the muscular system.

Materials and methods

This study (a randomized controlled trial) comprised a total of 27 subjects, who were divided into two groups. Group A (the control group) was administered sucrose powder, while Group B (the experimental group) was given β-alanine powder. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. This study lasted four weeks, during which both groups participated in high-intensity interval training (HIFT) on the first day to induce fatigue and work close to their VO₂ max.

Results

Statistically significant changes were in the sports performance variables, specifically vertical jump and jumping power (p = 0.027). These changes were observed only in the group that had been supplemented with β-alanine. Nevertheless, no alterations were observed in any other variables, including fatigue, metabolic intensity of exercise, or perceived intensity (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

A four-week β-alanine intake program demonstrated an improvement in the capacity of subjects, as evidenced by enhanced vertical jump and power performance. Nevertheless, it does result in discernible alterations in performance.

Research Insights

Beta-Alanine→Improved Jumping Power
Statistically significant changes were in the sports performance variables, specifically vertical jump and jumping power (p = 0.027). These changes were observed only in the group that had been supplemented with β-alanine.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
not specified
Beta-Alanine→Improved Vertical Jump Performance
Statistically significant changes were in the sports performance variables, specifically vertical jump and jumping power (p = 0.027). These changes were observed only in the group that had been supplemented with β-alanine.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
not specified
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Exercise Metabolic Intensity
Nevertheless, no alterations were observed in any other variables, including fatigue, metabolic intensity of exercise, or perceived intensity (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not specified
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Neuromuscular Fatigue
Nevertheless, no alterations were observed in any other variables, including fatigue, metabolic intensity of exercise, or perceived intensity (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not specified
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Perceived Intensity
Nevertheless, no alterations were observed in any other variables, including fatigue, metabolic intensity of exercise, or perceived intensity (p > 0.05).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
not specified