Effects of Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Brain Homocarnosine/Carnosine Signal and Cognitive Function: An Exploratory Study

Author(s):Show less -

Solis, Marina Yazigi ^[1] ; Cooper, Simon ^[2] ; Hobson, Ruth M. ^[2] ; Artioli, Guilherme G. ^[1] ; Otaduy, Maria C. ^[3] ; Roschel, Hamilton ^[1] ; Robertson, Jacques ^[2] ; Martin, Daniel ^[2] ; Painelli, Vitor S. ^[1] ; Harris, Roger C. ^[4] ; Gualano, Bruno ^[1] ; Sale, Craig ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Phys Educ & Sport, BR-05508030 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Nottingham Trent Univ, Biomed Life & Hlth Sci Res Ctr, Nottingham NG11 8NS - England

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, LIM44, BR-05403900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[4] Junipa Ltd, Newmarket, Suffolk - England

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 10, n. 4 APR 14 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 10

Abstract

Objectives Two independent studies were conducted to examine the effects of 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4 g d(-1) on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in omnivores and vegetarians (Study 1) and on cognitive function before and after exercise in trained cyclists (Study 2). Methods In Study 1, seven healthy vegetarians (3 women and 4 men) and seven age-and sex-matched omnivores undertook a brain 1H-MRS exam at baseline and after beta-alanine supplementation. In study 2, nineteen trained male cyclists completed four 20-Km cycling time trials (two pre supplementation and two post supplementation), with a battery of cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm, Rapid Visual Information Processing task) being performed before and after exercise on each occasion. Results In Study 1, there were no within-group effects of beta-alanine supplementation on brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either vegetarians (p = 0.99) or omnivores (p = 0.27); nor was there any effect when data from both groups were pooled (p = 0.19). Similarly, there was no group by time interaction for brain homocarnosine/ carnosine signal (p = 0.27). In study 2, exercise improved cognitive function across all tests (P<0.05), although there was no effect (P>0.05) of beta-alanine supplementation on response times or accuracy for the Stroop test, Sternberg paradigm or RVIP task at rest or after exercise. Conclusion 28 d of beta-alanine supplementation at 6.4g d(-1) appeared not to influence brain homocarnosine/carnosine signal in either omnivores or vegetarians; nor did it influence cognitive function before or after exercise in trained cyclists. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/04806-0 - Effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity intermittent training on intramuscular carnosine concentrations
• Grantee: Vitor de Salles Painelli
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 10/11221-0 - Artificial elevation of muscle buffering capacity: effects upon muscle performance and function and underlying mechanisms
• Grantee: Antonio Herbert Lancha Junior
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants