The plasma concentration‐time profile of beta‐alanine using a controlled‐release formulation (Carnosyn®)

Abstract

Carnosine (β‐Alanylhistidine) synthesis in muscle cells is limited by the availability of β‐Alanine, but can be increased 80% or more when the diet is supplemented with β‐Ala. This is of interest to athletes since increased levels of muscle Carnosine have been shown to improve exercise performance. Above 10mg/kg bwt, however, β‐Ala in solution or rapidly‐dissolving capsules causes symptoms of paraesthesia, despite the amount being less than that available from normal‐size portions of meat.PURPOSETo investigate β‐Ala absorption using a controlled‐release formulation.METHODThree males and 3 females were given 1600mg β‐Ala dissolved in water (C), 2 × 800mg β‐Ala controlled release tablets (T2) and 4 tablets (T4), on separate occasions. Controlled release tablets were Carnosyn™ supplied by Collegiate Sports Nutrition. Plasma from 100μl capillary blood samples was collected over 6h, initially every 0.25h, and analysed for β‐Ala by HPLC.RESULTSSubjects reported significant paraesthesia with C, no symptoms with T2 and zero/trace symptoms with T4. Peak β‐Ala (P) with C was 219±78μM with return to ~10uM at 3h. Increases in P were greatly attenuated with T2 (126±36μM) and T4 (177±123μM) but greatly extended (>50μM at 3h). Areas under the plasma concentration curve were C: 286±48; T2: 309±154; T4: 518±220 μM.h. with C or T2 vs T4: P<0.05; C vs T2: P>0.05.CONCLUSION: T2 was bioequivalent to C but did not cause paraesthesia.