Beta Alanine: Is It An Effective Ergogenic Aid?

Beta alanine is a popular dietary supplement that may have some ergogenic properties. In particular, beta alanine can be converted to carnosine in humans where it accumulates in skeletal muscle and may act to buffer acidic pH conditions during and after exercise. In this way the maximum amount of tolerable exercise may increase, which potentially makes beta alanine an effective supplement for those involved in resistance training. In one systematic review of the literature, the authors claimed that a certain amount of evidence supports the theoretical benefit of beta alanine supplementation. In particular, beta alanine has beneficial effects on body composition and muscle power and strength. Other studies attest to the safety of beta alanine, and this therefore suggests that beta alanine may be a supplement worthy of consideration for athletic performance, particularly for strength athletes.  

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Quesnele, J.J., Laframboise, M.A., Wong, J.J., Kim, P. and Wells, G.D. 2014. The effects of beta-alanine supplementation on performance: a systematic review of the literature. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. 24(1): 14-27

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.
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