Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #anaerobic-threshold #body-composition #creatine #dietary-supplements

Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes

Hoffman et al., 2006 | Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab | Rct

Citation

Hoffman Jay, Ratamess Nicholas, ... Stout Jeffrey. Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006-Aug;16(4):430-46

Abstract

The effects of creatine and creatine plus beta-alanine on strength, power, body composition, and endocrine changes were examined during a 10-wk resistance training program in collegiate football players. Thirty-three male subjects were randomly assigned to either a placebo (P), creatine (C), or creatine plus beta-alanine (CA) group. During each testing session subjects were assessed for strength (maximum bench press and squat), power (Wingate anaerobic power test, 20-jump test), and body composition. Resting blood samples were analyzed for total testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, IGF-1, and sex hormone binding globulin. Changes in lean body mass and percent body fat were greater (P < 0.05) in CA compared to C or P. Significantly greater strength improvements were seen in CA and C compared to P. Resting testosterone concentrations were elevated in C, however, no other significant endocrine changes were noted. Results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of creatine and creatine plus beta-alanine on strength performance. Creatine plus beta-alanine supplementation appeared to have the greatest effect on lean tissue accruement and body fat composition.

Key Findings

Creatine plus beta-alanine supplementation appeared to have the greatest effect on lean tissue accruement and body fat composition.

Outcomes Measured

  • cortisol levels

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Anaerobic Threshold
  • Body Composition
  • Creatine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Synergism
  • Football
  • Growth Hormone
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Male
  • Physical Endurance
  • Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
  • Testosterone
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Lifting
  • beta-Alanine

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: beta-alanine

Provenance

  • PMID: 17136944
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10