TAURINE, BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINO ACIDS, AND BETA-ALANINE: AN EVALUATION OF THEIR EFFICACY AND APPLICATIONS IN SPORTS AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS. A REVIEW ARTICLE

In recent years, the use of dietary supplements has increased substantially, both among professional athletes and individuals engaging in physical activity for recreational purposes. The aim of this study was to critically review the literature available in the PubMed database regarding the efficacy of taurine, beta-alanine, and branched-chain amino acid (BCAAs) supplementation in enhancing athletic performance, as well as their potential applications beyond sport, including in selected medical conditions. Analysis of the available evidence demonstrates that each of these compounds exerts distinct physiological effects and mechanisms of action. Taurine, due to its antioxidant properties and ability to modulate the inflammatory response, may support recovery processes and reduce the concentration of biomarkers associated with skeletal muscle damage. Beta-alanine, by enhancing intracellular hydrogen ion buffering capacity, appears to improve performance during high-intensity physical activity. In contrast, findings related to BCAA supplementation remain inconclusive. Although BCAAs may exhibit anabolic potential and contribute to reduction in post-exercise muscle soreness, current evidence does not demonstrate a consistent or significant effect on muscle strength or overall physical performance. Interpretation of available data is limited by considerable heterogeneity across studies, including small sample sizes, and the variability in supplementation protocols. Therefore, further studies with high methodological rigor are required to establish definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy and clinical relevance of these supplements.