Research article

The effect of beta-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in elderly (55–92 Years): a double-blind randomized study

Jeffrey R Stout^1*, B Sue Graves², Abbie E Smith¹, Michael J Hartman², Joel T Cramer¹, Travis W Beck¹ and Roger C Harris³

• * Corresponding author: Jeffrey R Stout jrstout@ou.edu

Author Affiliations

¹ Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA

² Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University, Davie, FL, USA

³ School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, UK

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Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:21 doi:10.1186/1550-2783-5-21

Published: 7 November 2008

Abstract

Background

Ageing is associated with a significant reduction in skeletal muscle carnosine which has been linked with a reduction in the buffering capacity of muscle and in theory, may increase the rate of fatigue during exercise. Supplementing beta-alanine has been shown to significantly increase skeletal muscle carnosine. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the effects of ninety days of beta-alanine supplementation on the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC_FT) in elderly men and women.

Methods

Using a double-blind placebo controlled design, twenty-six men (n = 9) and women (n = 17) (age ± SD = 72.8 ± 11.1 yrs) were randomly assigned to either beta-alanine (BA: 800 mg × 3 per day; n = 12; CarnoSyn™) or Placebo (PL; n = 14) group. Before (pre) and after (post) the supplementation period, participants performed a discontinuous cycle ergometry test to determine the PWC_FT.

Results

Significant increases in PWC_FT (28.6%) from pre- to post-supplementation were found for the BA treatment group (p < 0.05), but no change was observed with PL treatment. These findings suggest that ninety days of BA supplementation may increase physical working capacity by delaying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in elderly men and women.

Conclusion

We suggest that BA supplementation, by improving intracellular pH control, improves muscle endurance in the elderly. This, we believe, could have importance in the prevention of falls, and the maintenance of health and independent living in elderly men and women.