Effects of Beta-alanine Supplementation on Recovery and Performance Factors in Male Soccer Players

 There is growing interest in using dietary supplements to delay fatigue, accelerate recovery time, and improve the performance of athletes.

 In the present study, we investigated the effect of beta-alanine supplementation on the levels of some metabolic indexes related to recovery and the performance of soccer players.

 Sixteen young soccer players [age: 20 ± 1.19 years, weight: 67.67 ± 8.9 kg, height: 176.38 ± 5.54 cm and body mass index (BMI): 21.76 ± 2.12 kg/m2] completed this study. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. They were supplemented with 5g/day beta-alanine (BA) (BG, N = 8) or placebo (PG; N = 8; maltodextrin) for three weeks. Maximum oxygen consumption, explosive power, and recovery-related blood parameters (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, urea) were measured in two stages before and after supplementation.

 No significant change was observed in the serum creatine kinase level after the intervention (P = 0.061). Also, no significant difference was observed in serum levels of other blood factors, such as lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.061) and urea (P = 0.061). Regarding performance factors, no significant changes were observed in aerobic power (P = 0.061) and explosive power (P = 0.061).

 Our results suggest that beta-alanine has no effect on reducing metabolic factors related to recovery and may improve the aerobic power of soccer players.