Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis

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#athletic-performance #carnosine #dietary-supplements #exercise #exercise-test

Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis

Hobson et al., 2012 | Amino Acids | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hobson R M, Saunders B, ... Sale C. Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis. Amino Acids. 2012-Jul;43(1):25-37. doi:10.1007/s00726-011-1200-z

Abstract

Due to the well-defined role of β-alanine as a substrate of carnosine (a major contributor to H+ buffering during high-intensity exercise), β-alanine is fast becoming a popular ergogenic aid to sports performance. There have been several recent qualitative review articles published on the topic, and here we present a preliminary quantitative review of the literature through a meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of the literature was employed to identify all studies suitable for inclusion in the analysis; strict exclusion criteria were also applied. Fifteen published manuscripts were included in the analysis, which reported the results of 57 measures within 23 exercise tests, using 18 supplementation regimes and a total of 360 participants [174, β-alanine supplementation group (BA) and 186, placebo supplementation group (Pla)]. BA improved (P=0.002) the outcome of exercise measures to a greater extent than Pla [median effect size (IQR): BA 0.374 (0.140-0.747), Pla 0.108 (-0.019 to 0.487)]. Some of that effect might be explained by the improvement (P=0.013) in exercise capacity with BA compared to Pla; no improvement was seen for exercise performance (P=0.204). In line with the purported mechanisms for an ergogenic effect of β-alanine supplementation, exercise lasting 60-240 s was improved (P=0.001) in BA compared to Pla, as was exercise of >240 s (P=0.046). In contrast, there was no benefit of β-alanine on exercise lasting <60 s (P=0.312). The median effect of β-alanine supplementation is a 2.85% (-0.37 to 10.49%) improvement in the outcome of an exercise measure, when a median total of 179 g of β-alanine is supplemented.

Key Findings

The median effect of β-alanine supplementation is a 2.85% (-0.37 to 10.49%) improvement in the outcome of an exercise measure, when a median total of 179 g of β-alanine is supplemented.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 360
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Athletic Performance
  • Carnosine
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Exercise
  • Exercise Test
  • Humans
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances
  • Physical Endurance
  • beta-Alanine

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: beta-alanine-performance

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09