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Safety of beta-alanine supplementation in humans: a narrative review

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Abstract

Carnosine levels play a significant role in intracellular pH buffering during exercise. The limiting factor for muscle carnosine synthesis is the availability of β-alanine. Results from meta-analysis showed a significant positive effect of β-alanine supplementation on high-intensity exercise performance. Nonetheless, much less has been described about the safety of β-alanine. The available literature indicates no adverse events related to β-alanine usage; side effects such as paresthesia may be observed if a large single high dose of β-alanine is taken, but the symptom can be attenuated either by using splitting doses (< 1.6 g) or a sustained-release formula. No adverse effects have been reported up to 24 weeks of β-alanine supplementation (3.2 g.day−1), but the adverse effects of longer supplementation periods are still unknown. Most of the existing clinical studies were not designed with safety evaluations as primary end points. β-Alanine is currently considered to be safe in healthy populations, at recommended doses, by the International Society of Sports Nutrition stands position, while the Australian Institute of Sports has established β-alanine as a safe performance-enhancing supplement with strong scientific evidence (grade A). Cohort studies are needed evaluating  the safety of β-alanine among representative populations, and the effects of co-variables such as sex, age, and ethnicity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Nutrition, Exercise and Health (LaNES), School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlandia, Av. Para, 1.720 Bloco 2U, Sala 20, Campus Umuarama, Uberlandia, MG, 38400902, Brazil

    Erick P. de Oliveira

  2. Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK

    Guilherme G. Artioli

  3. Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil

    Roberto Carlos Burini

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  1. Erick P. de Oliveira
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  2. Guilherme G. Artioli
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  3. Roberto Carlos Burini
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EPO, GGA and RCB wrote the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Erick P. de Oliveira.

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GGA acted as a co-investigator in a study funded by Natural Alternatives International. This same company has also covered article publication fees in papers authored by GGA. The other authors declare no conflict of interest.

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de Oliveira, E.P., Artioli, G.G. & Burini, R.C. Safety of beta-alanine supplementation in humans: a narrative review. Sport Sci Health 19, 757–763 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-023-01052-0

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