Recently hailed as the next creatine, beta-alanine is now looking more like the next in a long line of supplements to disappoint athletes after initially raising high hopes.
Beta-alanine is the rate-limiting amino acid in the formation of carnosine, a compound that acts as an acid buffer in muscle tissue, delaying fatiguing during maximal-intensity exercise efforts. Early studies found that beta-alanine supplementation increased anaerobic capacity and muscle endurance. But the best study yet on beta-alanine supplementation--conducted by researchers at the University of Chichester, England, and published in the journal Amino Acids--has contradicted earlier findings.
Twenty-six subjects engaged in a ten-week strength training program. Half received a daily beta-alanine supplement and half received a placebo. Subjects were assessed prior to and after training for whole body strength, isokinetic force production, muscular endurance, body composition. While the muscle carnosine composition increased significantly in the supplement group and did not change in the placebo group, there were no differences between the two groups whole body strength, isokinetic force production, muscular endurance, or body composition after the 10-week study period.
This study also provided evidence against the notion that strength training itself increases the muscle carnosine concentration.
Zitat von M.T Iron
Zitieren
Lesezeichen