The Effect Of A 4-week Supplementation Period Of β-alanine On The Vo2 Max Of Aerobically Trained College-aged Males

PURPOSE: Supplementation of β-alanine has been shown to have ergogenic effects with regard to exercise. Currently, research is vague and shows mixed results on the effect of β-alanine with regard to maximal aerobic performance. This study assesses the effects of a 4-week β-alanine supplementation on VO2 max, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and maximum heart rate (MHR) in aerobically trained college-aged males. METHODS: Seventeen college-aged males volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were supplemented orally for 4 weeks with either β-alanine (3.4 g/d) or placebo (sugar, 1.7 g/d) arbitrarily. VO2 max, RER, and MHR were measured during each test through a Hans Rudolph mask equipped with a pneumotach attached to a metabolic cart. A Bluetooth chest strap heart rate monitor was also worn by participants. Three maximal effort treadmill tests were conducted during the study, using a modified Astrand protocol. A baseline test (timepoint 1) was completed at the start of the study and a second and third test were completed at timepoint 2 and timepoint 3, respectively. Each time point represents two weeks of supplementation. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistic Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer package to analyze descriptive statistics for variables including VO2 max, RER, and MHR between each group and trial. RESULTS: When VO2 is compared over time, a significant improvement was found in both groups from timepoint 1 to timepoint 3, F = 3.59, MSE = 23.455, p = 0.04, df = 2.0, ηp2 = .193). This being statistically significant suggests that although the participants increased their VO2 max throughout the study, it was not due to the supplement, but instead likely a training effect. This is supported by comparing differences between groups as there was no significant difference in the change in VO2 max between the β-alanine and placebo group. Supplementation of β-alanine did not show a significant change in VO2 max, RER, or MHR (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study suggest that a 4-week β-alanine supplementation had no effect on VO2 max, RER, or MHR, and thus does not improve aerobic performance in endurance athletes. Young Scholars Grant (Summer 2023)