Abstract
Carnosine (Carn) occurs in high concentrations in muscle where it contributes to H+ buffering. The aim was to investigate the effect of a commercial supplement containing, per serving, 1.6g β-alanine (β-Ala), 5.25g creatine and 1g taurine (Tau), on muscle Carn synthesis during training. Trained cyclists (n=12, 20 ± (SD)1 yr, 78 ± 8 kg ) received either the β-Ala (n=6) containing supplement or a placebo, 3xd (4.8 g.d−1 β-Ala) during 12wk of combined endurance (5 h/d, 6 d/wk) and weight training (3 d/wk). Muscle biopsies of the v. lateralis were taken at 0 and 12 wks for fibre morphology and analysis of Carn and Tau. Subjects undertook a cycle test to determine VO2 max, anaerobic threshold (AnT) and endurance, and an isokinetic test of the knee extensors at 240°/sec. Type II cross sectional was increased with training in both groups, P<0.05. Carn was unchanged with training (23.9 vs 25.7 mmol.kg−1 dm) but increased with supplementation (20.5 vs 30.0 mmol.kg−1 dm), P<0.01. Tau did not change. AnT and endurance increased with supplementation but not isokinetic power output. CONCLUSION Carn was unchanged by training alone but increased by β-Ala supplementation. Whilst this will increase H+ buffering capacity, gains in exercise capacity may equally have been mediated by other components present. Supported by Natural Alternatives Intl.
Published Version
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