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Influence of β-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity

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Summary.

Muscle carnosine synthesis is limited by the availability of β-alanine. Thirteen male subjects were supplemented with β-alanine (CarnoSyn™) for 4 wks, 8 of these for 10 wks. A biopsy of the vastus lateralis was obtained from 6 of the 8 at 0, 4 and 10 wks. Subjects undertook a cycle capacity test to determine total work done (TWD) at 110% (CCT110%) of their maximum power (Wmax). Twelve matched subjects received a placebo. Eleven of these completed the CCT110% at 0 and 4 wks, and 8, 10 wks. Muscle biopsies were obtained from 5 of the 8 and one additional subject. Muscle carnosine was significantly increased by +58.8% and +80.1% after 4 and 10 wks β-alanine supplementation. Carnosine, initially 1.71 times higher in type IIa fibres, increased equally in both type I and IIa fibres. No increase was seen in control subjects. Taurine was unchanged by 10 wks of supplementation. 4 wks β-alanine supplementation resulted in a significant increase in TWD (+13.0%); with a further +3.2% increase at 10 wks. TWD was unchanged at 4 and 10 wks in the control subjects. The increase in TWD with supplementation followed the increase in muscle carnosine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Sports, Exercise & Health Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, U.K.

    C. A. Hill, R. C. Harris & B. D. Harris

  2. Human Exercise Physiology, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Korea

    H. J. Kim & C. K. Kim

  3. Centre for Human Sciences, QinetiQ, Farnborough, U.K.

    C. Sale

  4. Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, U.K.

    L. H. Boobis

  5. Natural Alternatives International, San Marcos, CA, U.S.A.

    J. A. Wise

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  1. C. A. Hill
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  2. R. C. Harris
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Hill, C., Harris, R., Kim, H. et al. Influence of β-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. Amino Acids 32, 225–233 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-006-0364-4

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