Cited by 3Biochemical effects in animalsMuscle metabolism and nutritionCardiovascular and exercise physiology

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Beta-Alanine for Improving Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength, and Functional Performance of Older Adults: A Systematic Review

de Camargo, Júlio Benvenutti Bueno, Brigatto, Felipe Alves·2025·Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

DOI 10.1123/japa.2024-0118

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Abstract

Background/Objective: Beta-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine content and also improves exercise capacity and performance in young adults, with mixed findings emerging from the few studies investigating its effects on older participants. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding the effects of beta-alanine on exercise capacity, muscle strength, and functional performance of older adults. Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the specific methodological guidelines of the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Furthermore, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used. The search was carried out in five relevant databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) from inception up to March 2024. Results: Of the 1,749 registers identified, only five met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. A total of 163 older adults (mean age ± SD: 69.1 ± 2.8 years; range: 66.2–72.7 years) were included across all five studies. The majority of studies included participants from both genders. The mean intervention duration ± SD was 11.7 ± 1.0 weeks. The mean daily dosage was 2.7 ± 0.4 g/day (range: 2.4–3.2 g/day). Conclusion: Overall, exercise capacity may be improved following supplementation protocols with dosages ranging from 2.4 to 3.2 g/day. Muscle strength and functional performance do not seem to be improved by beta-alanine since these tasks are not significantly impacted by acidosis buildup.

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Authors: de Camargo, J. B. B., & Brigatto, F. A.
Affiliations: Universidade Federal de São Carlos (BR)
Methodist University of Piracicaba (BR)
ORCID: de Camargo, Júlio Benvenutti Bueno
Brigatto, Felipe Alves
Venue: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Published: 2025-08-01
Volume: 33
Issue: 4
Pages: 399-407
ISSN: 1063-8652 (ISSN-L)
1543-267X
DOI: 10.1123/japa.2024-0118
OpenAlex: W4405813072
Semantic Scholar: d79ac8400b43e6c1bc0ab1807a5a1b72b5824861
Cited by: 3
References: 42
Citations by year: 2026: 3
FWCI: 0.14
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Biochemical effects in animals
Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
Keywords: beta-alanine, dietary supplementation, older adults, exercise capacity, muscle strength, functional performance, muscle carnosine, acidosis, aging
MeSH terms: Physical Functional Performance, Aged, Female, Humans, Male, beta-Alanine, Exercise Tolerance, Dietary Supplements, Muscle Strength

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Beta-Alanine for Improving Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength, and Functional Performance of Older Adults: A Systematic Review

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