Effects of Four Weeks of Beta-Alanine Supplementation Combined with One Week of Creatine Loading on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel.

2022-06-29
International journal of environmental research and public health 19(13)
- Mohammad Samadi
- Ali Askarian
- Hossein Shirvani
- Alireza Shamsoddini
- Abolfazl Shakibaee
- Scott C Forbes
- Mojtaba Kaviani

PubMed: 35805647
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137992

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 10
Population: Twenty male military personnel (age: 21.5 ± 1.5 yrs; height: 1.78 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 78.5 ± 7.0 kg; BMI: 23.7 ± 1.64 kg/m2)
Methods: Randomized into two groups: BA + Cr or BA + placebo; supplemented with 6.4 g/day of BA for 28 days; after third week, Cr (0.3 g/kg/day) or placebo for 7 days; physical and cognitive tests, blood samples
Duration: 28 days of BA; 7 days of creatine loading

The purpose was to investigate the effects of a 7-day creatine (Cr) loading protocol at the end of four weeks of β-alanine supplementation (BA) on physical performance, blood lactate, cognitive performance, and resting hormonal concentrations compared to BA alone. Twenty male military personnel (age: 21.5 ± 1.5 yrs; height: 1.78 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 78.5 ± 7.0 kg; BMI: 23.7 ± 1.64 kg/m2) were recruited and randomized into two groups: BA + Cr or BA + placebo (PL). Participants in each group (n = 10 per group) were supplemented with 6.4 g/day of BA for 28 days. After the third week, the BA + Cr group participants were also supplemented with Cr (0.3 g/kg/day), while the BA + PL group ingested an isocaloric placebo for 7 days. Before and after supplementation, each participant performed a battery of physical and cognitive tests and provided a venous blood sample to determine resting testosterone, cortisol, and IGF-1. Furthermore, immediately after the last physical test, blood lactate was assessed. There was a significant improvement in physical performance and mathematical processing in the BA + Cr group over time (p < 0.05), while there was no change in the BA + PL group. Vertical jump performance and testosterone were significantly higher in the BA + Cr group compared to BA + PL. These results indicate that Cr loading during the final week of BA supplementation (28 days) enhanced muscular power and appears to be superior for muscular strength and cognitive performance compared to BA supplementation alone.

Research Insights

Beta-Alanine→Improved Cognitive Function
These results indicate that Cr loading ... appears to be superior for ... cognitive performance compared to BA supplementation alone.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Improved Mathematical Processing
There was a significant improvement in ... mathematical processing in the BA + Cr group over time (p < 0.05), while there was no change in the BA + PL group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Improved Muscular Strength
These results indicate that Cr loading ... appears to be superior for muscular strength ... compared to BA supplementation alone.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Improved Physical Performance
There was a significant improvement in physical performance ... in the BA + Cr group over time (p < 0.05), while there was no change in the BA + PL group.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Improved Vertical Jump Performance
Vertical jump performance ... were significantly higher in the BA + Cr group compared to BA + PL.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Increased Butyrate Levels
Before and after supplementation ... venous blood sample to determine resting testosterone, cortisol, and IGF-1.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Increased Testosterone Level
Vertical jump performance and testosterone were significantly higher in the BA + Cr group compared to BA + PL.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Cortisol Level
Before and after supplementation ... venous blood sample to determine resting testosterone, cortisol, and IGF-1.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days
Beta-Alanine→Reduced Lactate Levels
Furthermore, immediately after the last physical test, blood lactate was assessed.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
6.4 g/day for 28 days