Dietary Supplementation, Healthy Vollunteer
Conditions
Keywords
β-alanine, Exercise training, Dietary supplementation, Physical performance, Untrained adults
Brief summary
This study enrolled untrained young adults to evaluate the effects of β-alanine supplementation combined with a structured exercise training program. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either β-alanine or a placebo while completing a six-week training regimen. Before and after the intervention, physical performance tests and blood samples were collected to assess changes in performance measures and biochemical markers in the blood. The purpose of the study was to determine how β-alanine supplementation influences exercise performance and related physiological outcomes in individuals who had not previously engaged in regular training.
Detailed description
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of β-alanine supplementation combined with a structured exercise training program in untrained young adults. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either β-alanine supplementation or a matching placebo while completing a six-week supervised training intervention. Both participants and investigators responsible for training supervision and outcome assessments were blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measures focused on changes in physical performance capacity. Maximal muscle strength was assessed using standardized dynamometric measurements, and aerobic capacity was evaluated using a validated shuttle run test performed before and after the intervention. Secondary outcome measures included changes in anthropometric parameters, pulmonary function, and exercise-related metabolic responses. Blood lactate concentrations were measured during standardized exercise testing to characterize metabolic responses to training and supplementation. In addition, fasting venous blood samples were collected before and after the intervention to determine plasma concentrations of β-alanine, histidine, and carnosine as biochemical outcome measures related to supplementation and training adaptation. All outcome measures were collected at baseline and following completion of the six-week intervention period. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study duration through participant self-report and investigator observation. All study procedures were performed in accordance with ethical approval and institutional guidelines.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTβ-Alanine
β-alanine was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day, divided into multiple daily doses and consumed with meals, throughout the six-week training intervention.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPlacebo
Participants received visually identical placebo capsules following the same dosing schedule as the β-alanine group during the six-week training intervention.
Sponsors
University of Pecs
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either β-alanine supplementation or a matchin
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy young adults aged 18-30 years. * Untrained individuals without participation in structured resistance or endurance training during the previous 6 months. * Not physically inactive, but not engaged in regular structured exercise training. * Ability to participate in a six-week supervised multicomponent exercise training program. * Willingness to comply with study procedures, training sessions, and supplementation protocol. * Provision of written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Known cardiovascular, metabolic, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal disease. * Acute injury at the time of enrollment. * Regular use of medications or dietary supplements affecting muscle metabolism or exercise performance. * Participation in structured resistance or endurance training during the previous 6 months. * Failure to comply with the study protocol or training requirements.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in aerobic capacity | Baseline and 6 weeks | Aerobic capacity was estimated by VO₂max derived from the 20-m multistage fitness test (shuttle run). |
| Change in maximal muscle strength | Baseline and 6 weeks | Maximal muscle strength was assessed by dynamometric measurements of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body mass index (BMI) | Baseline and 6 weeks | Body mass index calculated from measured height and body mass.. |
| Body fat percentage | Baseline and 6 weeks | Body fat percentage estimated from standardized skinfold thickness measurements. |
| Forced vital capacity (FVC) | Baseline and 6 weeks | Forced vital capacity measured by spirometry using a portable spirometer to assess respiratory function. |
| Acute blood lactate response to dynamometric exercise | Baseline and 6 weeks | Acute blood lactate responses were measured during standardized dynamometric exercise testing. |
| Plasma histidine concentration | Baseline and 6 weeks | Plasma histidine concentration measured from fasting venous blood samples. |
| Plasma β-alanine concentration | Baseline and 6 weeks | Plasma β-alanine concentration measured from fasting venous blood samples. |
| Plasma carnosine concentration | Baseline and 6 weeks | Plasma carnosine concentration measured from fasting venous blood samples. |
Countries
Hungary
Outcome results
None listed