Effects of Creatine and β-Alanine Co-Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Body Composition: A Systematic Review

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Effects of Creatine and β-Alanine Co-Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Body Composition: A Systematic Review

Ashtary-Larky et al., 2025 | Nutrients | Systematic Review

Citation

Ashtary-Larky Damoon, Candow Darren G, ... Suzuki Katsuhiko. Effects of Creatine and β-Alanine Co-Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Body Composition: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2025-Jun-21;17(13). doi:10.3390/nu17132074

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Creatine and β-alanine are two widely used dietary supplements known to enhance exercise performance and improve body composition; however, less is known regarding the synergistic effects of combining the two supplements. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to March 2025. Eligible studies included adult participants receiving creatine and β-alanine together compared to creatine or β-alanine alone for at least four weeks and assessed measures of exercise performance and/or body composition. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: A total of 7 randomized controlled trials (n = 263 participants; 231 males and 32 females) met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, the combination of creatine and β-alanine supplementation enhanced high-intensity exercise performance, particularly anaerobic power and repeated-bout performance, compared to creatine or β-alanine alone. Co-ingestion of creatine and β-alanine supplementation did not increase measures of maximal strength compared to creatine alone. The effects of creatine and β-alanine supplementation on body composition were equivocal, with one study reporting greater lean mass gains and fat mass reductions compared to creatine and β-alanine supplementation individually, while another found no significant improvements. Additionally, no significant improvements in aerobic endurance capacity (VO2max, lactate threshold, or time to exhaustion) were observed from creatine and β-alanine supplementation co-ingestion. Conclusions: The combination of creatine and β-alanine supplementation may be effective for enhancing high-intensity exercise performance but has no greater effect on maximal strength, body composition, or measures of aerobic capacity compared to creatine or β-alanine alone.

Key Findings

A total of 7 randomized controlled trials (n = 263 participants; 231 males and 32 females) met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, the combination of creatine and β-alanine supplementation enhanced high-intensity exercise performance, particularly anaerobic power and repeated-bout performance, compared to creatine or β-alanine alone. Co-ingestion of creatine and β-alanine supplementation did not increase measures of maximal strength compared to creatine alone. The effects of creatine and β-ala

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 263
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • beta-Alanine
  • Creatine
  • Body Composition
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Male
  • Adult
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Athletic Performance
  • Muscle Strength

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: creatine

Provenance

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