Beta-alanine Fails to Improve on 5000 M Running Time Despite Increasing PAT1 Expression in Long-Distance Runners

BACKGROUND: Beta-alanine has become a dietary supplement widely used by athletes due to its ergogenic effect. However, there is still no consensus on the performance benefit of beta-alanine on exercise lasting longer than ten minutes. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of beta-alanine supplementation on running performance and the expression of TauT and PAT1. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized study enrolled 16 long-distance runners (37 +/- 8 years) who were randomly allocated to two groups: placebo (PLA) and beta-alanine (BA) (4.8 g/day 1) for four weeks. Maximal oxygen consumption, anthropometry, body composition, and food intake were determined. Before and after the intervention, the athletes undertook a 5000 m running time trial. Venous blood (TauT and PAT1 expressions) and ear lobe capillary blood (lactate) collected before and after exercise. Between tests, we monitored the training variables. RESULTS: The results were analyzed by t-tests and an ANOVA of repeated measures, with Sidak's post hoc (P<0.05). PLA exhibited lower body fat than BA (8.7 +/- 2.2 vs. 11.5 +/- 2.8%, P=0.04). After supplementation, there was an increase in PAT1 expression in BA when compared to PLA (1.17 +/- 0.47 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.18, P=0.04). No significant differences were shown for the 5000 m running time in PLA (PRE: 1128 +/- 72; POST: 1123 +/- 72s) and BA (PRE: 1107 +/- 95; POST: 1093 +/- 86s). CONCLUSIONS: Although beta-alanine supplementation increased PAT1 expression, there was no statistically significant improvement in 5000 m running performance. However, individual responses should be considered as the BA showed a higher delta than the PLA.