Effects of β-alanine supplementation and high-intensity interval training on endurance performance and body composition in men; a double-blind trial
2009

Effects of Beta-Alanine and High-Intensity Interval Training on Endurance Performance

Sample size: 46 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Abbie E Smith, Ashley A Walter, Jennifer L Graef, Kristina L Kendall, Jordan R Moon, Christopher M Lockwood, David H Fukuda, Travis W Beck, Joel T Cramer, Jeffrey R Stout

Primary Institution: University of Oklahoma

Hypothesis

Combining beta-alanine supplementation with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) will enhance endurance performance and aerobic metabolism in recreationally active college-aged men.

Conclusion

HIIT is effective for improving aerobic performance, and beta-alanine supplementation may further enhance these benefits.

Supporting Evidence

  • Significant improvements in VO2peak, VO2TTE, and TWD were observed after three weeks of training.
  • Only the beta-alanine group showed significant increases in lean body mass after six weeks.
  • Both groups improved in endurance performance, but the beta-alanine group had greater enhancements in the second training phase.

Takeaway

This study shows that doing intense exercise and taking a supplement called beta-alanine can help you run longer and get stronger.

Methodology

Forty-six college-aged men participated in a double-blind trial, receiving either beta-alanine or placebo while undergoing six weeks of HIIT.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-reported dietary logs and the specific demographic of participants.

Limitations

The study only included recreationally active college-aged men, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

College-aged men, recreationally active, aged 22.2 ± 2.7 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1550-2783-6-5

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