Beta-Alanine Improves Muscle Endurance Among the Elderly
November 21, 2008 by ruth
Filed under Food & Nutrition
Beta-alanine is a dietary supplement that benefits not only athletes and body builders but also helps boost the muscle endurance among the elderly, according to a study published recently in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Before (pre) and after (post) the supplementation period, participants performed a discontinuous cycle ergometry test to determine the PWCFT [physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT)]. Results: Significant increases in PWCFT (28.6%) from pre- to post-supplementation were found for the BA treatment group (p<0.05), but no change was observed with PL treatment. These findings suggest that ninety days of BA supplementation may increase physical working capacity by delaying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in elderly men and women.
The researchers believe that beta-alanine supplementation may help in the prevention of falls, and the maintenance of health and independent living in elderly men and women.
As the article mentions about combining with histidine to form carnosine, which improves muscle endurance. Going into greater detail, the higher levels of carnosine increases the muscle’s ability to contract (regardless of activity: walking, weights, yoga) with more force and to do so for longer without fatiguing.