Effects of β-alanine supplementation on physical performance, cognition, endocrine function, and inflammation during a 24 h simulated military operation.

Abstract

Sustained military operations (SUSOPs) are associated with performance decrements and cognitive dysfunction. β-Alanine (BA) supplementation may have a role in increasing soldier resiliency by enhancing muscle-buffering capacity and reducing oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of BA on physical performance, cognition, endocrine function, and inflammation during a 24 h simulated SUSOP. Nineteen males were randomized into one of two groups: BA (n = 10) or placebo (n = 9; PLA) (12 g/day) for 14 days preceding the 24 h SUSOP. Assessments were performed at 0 h (0H), 12 h (12H), and 24 h (24H) during the SUSOP. No changes in visual tracking ability, jump power, or upper-body muscular endurance were observed between groups or time points (P's > 0.05). Increases in subjective feelings of soreness and fatigue were noted at 12H compared to 0H (P < 0.05) in PLA, but not in BA. Visual reaction time for PLA was slower at 24H compared to 0H (P = 0.035), and PLA made more errors on reaction time testing at 12H compared to BA (P = 0.048), but motor reaction time was faster (P = 0.016) for PLA. Simulated litter carry and 1 km run completion times increased at 24H compared to 0H in both groups (P < 0.05), however, PLA had a longer 1 km time compared to BA at 24H (P = 0.050). Increases in inflammatory and endocrine markers were observed over the SUSOP, with no differences between groups. BA supplementation appears to maintain some aspects of cognition and physical performance during a 24 h SUSOP, with no effects on endocrine function or inflammation.

• Authors: Alyssa N Varanoske, Adam J Wells, Gregory J Kozlowski, Yftach Gepner, Cheyanne L Frosti, David Boffey, Nicholas A Coker, Idan Harat, Jay R Hoffman
• Journal: Physiological reports (Physiol Rep) Vol. 6 Issue 24 Pg. e13938 (12 2018) ISSN: 2051-817X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30565426 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2018 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• beta-Alanine
• Testosterone
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Cognition (drug effects)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (blood)
• Male
• Military Personnel
• Muscle Fatigue (drug effects)
• Physical Endurance (drug effects)
• Testosterone (blood)
• beta-Alanine (administration & dosage, pharmacology)