Beta-Alanine for Improving Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength, and Functional Performance of Older Adults: A
Júlio Benvenutti Bueno de Camargo1, Felipe Alves Brigatto2
1Laboratory of Neuromuscular Adaptations to Resistance Training (MUSCULAB), Federal University of São Carlos-UFSCar, São Paulo, Brazil.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
|December 26, 2024
Summary
Beta-alanine supplementation may enhance exercise capacity in older adults, with dosages of 2.4–3.2 g/day showing potential benefits. However, it does not appear to significantly improve muscle strength or functional performance in this population.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Beta-alanine supplementation is known to increase muscle carnosine content and improve exercise performance in younger adults.
- Existing research on beta-alanine's effects in older adults shows mixed results.
- A systematic review is needed to consolidate findings on beta-alanine for older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence on beta-alanine supplementation in older adults.
- To assess the impact of beta-alanine on exercise capacity, muscle strength, and functional performance.
- To provide insights into optimal supplementation protocols for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searches conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to March 2024.
- Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and PEDro scale used for quality assessment.
Main Results:
- Five studies involving 163 older adults (mean age 69.1 years) were included.
- Intervention durations averaged 11.7 weeks with daily dosages of 2.4–3.2 g/day.
- Studies predominantly included both genders.
Conclusions:
- Beta-alanine supplementation may improve exercise capacity in older adults at dosages of 2.4–3.2 g/day.
- Muscle strength and functional performance were not significantly improved.
- These outcomes suggest that beta-alanine's benefits may be linked to buffering acidosis, which has less impact on strength and function.
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