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Beta-Alanine

Research reviewed: To review -Added 07/2024

Beta-Alanine is a dietary supplement with 22 published peer-reviewed studies involving 369 participants, researched for Performance enhancement, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials.

22
Studies
369
Participants
2007–2025
Research Span

Evidence at a Glance

Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes

Overall: Moderate Evidence

Performance enhancement

Moderate
7 studies 1 of 7 positive 106 participants

Systematic reviews

Weak
8 studies 1 of 8 positive 263 participants 0 human

Clinical trials

Moderate
7 studies 0 of 7 positive 0 participants

Research Visualised

Visual breakdown of the clinical data.

Study Quality Breakdown

What types of studies were conducted

14/22
Randomised
14/22
Double-Blind
14/22
Placebo-Controlled

Participants Per Study

Larger samples = more reliable results

Study 1 (2008)
8
Study 2 (2007)
13
Study 2 (2007)
13
Study 3 (2009)
17
Study 4 (2014)
17
Study 5 (2018)
12
Study 6 (2008)
26
Study 1 (2025)
0

Research Timeline

When the studies were published

2
2007
2
2008
1
2009
1
2014
1
2018
1
2024
14
2025

All Studies

Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.

Performance enhancement

1

To investigate the effect of beta-alanine supplementation on resistance exercise performance in experienced resistance-trained men.

2008 8 participants 30 days 4.8 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To investigate the effect of beta-alanine supplementation on resistance exercise performance in experienced resistance-trained men.

Dose

4.8 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo

Participants

8 experienced resistance-trained men with an average age of 20 years

Duration

30 days

Results

The researchers observed that beta-alanine supplementation allowed participants to perform 22% more repetitions of the squat exercise and significantly increased their power output compared to the placebo group. However, there were no significant changes in growth hormone, stress hormone, or testosterone levels between the groups. This suggests that beta-alanine improves muscular endurance during workouts without affecting hormone levels.

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2

To determine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the production of carnosine, a substance in muscles that helps improve endurance and performance, in the thigh muscle of physically active men.

2007 13 participants 4 -10 weeks 4-6.4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To determine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the production of carnosine, a substance in muscles that helps improve endurance and performance, in the thigh muscle of physically active men.

Dose

4-6.4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo

Participants

13 physically active men with an average age of 27 years

Duration

4 -10 weeks

Results

The researchers observed that beta-alanine supplements significantly increased muscle carnosine levels, a substance that helps muscles perform better, by 58.8% after 4 weeks and 80.1% after 10 weeks. This boost was seen in both endurance and strength muscles. Participants also demonstrated increased work capacity by 13% after 4 weeks and 3.2% more after 10 weeks during a high-intensity cycling test, while the control group showed no changes. The improvements in work capacity were linked to the increased muscle carnosine levels, indicating that beta-alanine may have helped enhance exercise performance.

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2

To determine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the production of carnosine, a substance in muscles that helps improve endurance and performance, in the thigh muscle of physically active men.

2007 13 participants 4 -10 weeks 4-6.4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To determine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the production of carnosine, a substance in muscles that helps improve endurance and performance, in the thigh muscle of physically active men.

Dose

4-6.4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo

Participants

13 physically active men with an average age of 27 years

Duration

4 -10 weeks

Results

The researchers observed that beta-alanine supplements significantly increased muscle carnosine levels, which help improve performance. This boost was seen in both endurance and strength muscles. The participants also demonstrated improved exercise capacity after taking the beta-alanine supplements, while the control group showed no changes. These improvements suggest the potential of beta-alanine to enhance exercise performance.

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3

To investigate the effects of beta-alanine administration in moderately to well-trained cyclists on sprint performance.

2009 17 participants 8 weeks 2-4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To investigate the effects of beta-alanine administration in moderately to well-trained cyclists on sprint performance.

Dose

2-4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo

Participants

17 healthy young males with an average age for 25 years

Duration

8 weeks

Results

The researchers observed that during the final sprint, the beta-alanine group showed a significant 11.4% increase in peak power output and a 5.0% increase in average power output compared to the placebo group. This means that participants were able to generate more power during the most intense, highest-effort moments of the exercise, such as during a final sprint.

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4

To explore how beta-alanine supplements and a mix of high and low-intensity workouts affect important physical factors that influence intense exercise performance.

2014 17 participants 38 days 3.2 g/day of beta-alanine (4 x 800 mg capsules) or placebo
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To explore how beta-alanine supplements and a mix of high and low-intensity workouts affect important physical factors that influence intense exercise performance.

Dose

3.2 g/day of beta-alanine (4 x 800 mg capsules) or placebo

Participants

17 healthy athletes with average age of 31 years

Duration

38 days

Results

The researchers observed that beta-alanine significantly increased carnosine levels, a compound in muscles that helps improve endurance. They also noted a significant improvement in the body's ability to use oxygen during short bursts of intense cycling, along with reduced muscle lactate buildup, which can cause fatigue. Additionally, participants reported better motivation and perceived effort.

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5

To explore the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance and executive function (the brain's ability to plan, organise, and manage tasks) in middle aged individuals.

2018 12 participants 28 days 2.4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To explore the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on physical performance and executive function (the brain's ability to plan, organise, and manage tasks) in middle aged individuals.

Dose

2.4 g/day of beta-alanine or placebo

Participants

12 men and women with an average age of 61 years

Duration

28 days

Results

The study found that beta-alanine supplementation significantly improved performance compared to the placebo group. The beta-alanine group cycled longer and maintained their performance on cognitive tests, while the placebo group showed no improvement and a decline in executive function. Executive function includes skills like planning and self-control. Overall, beta-alanine may help extend exercise duration and preserve cognitive function after exercise.

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6

To examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the physical working capacity before reaching the point of muscle fatigue in elderly men and women.

2008 26 participants 90 days 2,400 mg/day of beta-alanine (3 x 800 mg capsules) or placeb...
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Positive

Study Type

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Purpose

To examine the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on the physical working capacity before reaching the point of muscle fatigue in elderly men and women.

Dose

2,400 mg/day of beta-alanine (3 x 800 mg capsules) or placebo

Participants

26 elderly men and women with an average age of 73 years

Duration

90 days

Results

The researchers observed that after 90 days of taking beta-alanine, participants were able to exercise significantly longer before feeling tired, with a 28.6% increase compared to the start of the study. In the placebo group, there was no significant change observed. Additionally, 67% of people in the beta-alanine group reported improvements in their ability to exercise longer, compared to only 21.5% in the placebo group.

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Systematic reviews

1

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effect of carnosine or beta-alanine supplementation therapy for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rand

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Mixed

Study Type

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effect of carnosine or beta-alanine supplementation therapy for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rand

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

Carnosine and beta-alanine (β-alanine) have shown potential in the management of chronic conditions, including metabolic disorders. However, their therapeutic efficacy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes remains inconclusive due to heterogeneity in clinical trial results and limited synthesis of human evidence.

How They Measured It

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2

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of different dietary supplements combined with conditioning training on muscle strength, jump performance, sprint speed, and muscle mass in at

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Mixed

Study Type

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of different dietary supplements combined with conditioning training on muscle strength, jump performance, sprint speed, and muscle mass in at

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

the efficacy of some supplements-most notably branched-chain amino acids and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB)-open to debate. To clarify which products offer the greatest benefit, we undertook a systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed at identifying the supplements most effective for athletes, including protein, creatine, β-alanine, HMB, vitamin D, caffeine, and others.

How They Measured It

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3

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in efficacy of schisandra chinensis in liver injury: a systematic review and preclinical meta-analysis.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Positive

Study Type

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in efficacy of schisandra chinensis in liver injury: a systematic review and preclinical meta-analysis.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

y oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Schisandra chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a history of use spanning over 2,000 years, exhibits significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. This study aims to review the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Schisandra chinensis in mitigating liver injury in animal models.

How They Measured It

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4

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of different dietary supplements on athletic performance in soccer players: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Mixed

Study Type

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of different dietary supplements on athletic performance in soccer players: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

f studies are exploring the effects of dietary supplements on athletic performance in soccer players. The effectiveness of certain supplements, such as caffeine and creatine, remains debated due to inconsistent results across studies. Therefore, this systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted to tentatively identify the most effective dietary supplements for soccer players.

How They Measured It

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5

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of creatine and β-alanine co-supplementation on exercise performance and body composition: a systematic review.

2025 263 participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Mixed

Study Type

Systematic review

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of creatine and β-alanine co-supplementation on exercise performance and body composition: a systematic review.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

263 participants

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

: The combination of creatine and β-alanine supplementation may be effective for enhancing high-intensity exercise performance but has no greater effect on maximal strength, body composition, or measures of aerobic capacity compared to creatine or β-alanine alone.

How They Measured It

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6

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of different dietary supplements on swimming performance: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

2024 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Mixed

Study Type

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of different dietary supplements on swimming performance: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

Nutritional supplements are widely used by swimmers, but the effectiveness of various supplements and the identification of the most effective intervention require further investigation.

How They Measured It

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7

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in sport supplementation in competitive swimmers: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Mixed

Study Type

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in sport supplementation in competitive swimmers: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

SS are scientifically proven to be safe, effective, and legal. Therefore, before incorporating supplements to enhance performance and health in competitive swimming, it is crucial to conduct an analysis and review to assess their effects. The objective of this study was to analyze the demonstrated effects of SS, as reported in published studies, on the swimming performance of competitive swimmers.

How They Measured It

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8

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in advantages of different dietary supplements for elite combat sports athletes: a systematic review and bayesian network meta-analysis.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Review/Other Positive

Study Type

Systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in advantages of different dietary supplements for elite combat sports athletes: a systematic review and bayesian network meta-analysis.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

eine (SMD: 0.35, 95% CrI: 0.081, 0.61) was associated with a statistically significant increase in the number of throws. This study suggests that a range of dietary supplements, including caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate combined with caffeine, creatine, creatine combined with sodium bicarbonate, and beta-alanine can improve the athletic performance of elite combat sports athletes.

How They Measured It

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Clinical trials

1

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in topical carnosine gel improves intermittent high-intensity exercise performance in world-class rugby sevens players.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Mixed

Study Type

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in topical carnosine gel improves intermittent high-intensity exercise performance in world-class rugby sevens players.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

The topical application of a carnosine gel may increase intramuscular carnosine concentrations and thereby improve exercise performance. This study investigated the effect of a topical carnosine gel on intermittent high-intensity exercise performance in rugby sevens players.

How They Measured It

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2

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in comparison of dorzolamide and netarsudil on intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion in early glaucoma: a randomized controlled trial.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Mixed

Study Type

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in comparison of dorzolamide and netarsudil on intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion in early glaucoma: a randomized controlled trial.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

Netarsudil shows promise as a second-line drug in early glaucoma patients with an increase in most OCTA parameters as compared with Dorzolamide, with comparable rates of side effects.

How They Measured It

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3

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in efficacy and safety of biweekly single-dose actinomycin d versus multiday methotrexate in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a prospective

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Mixed

Study Type

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in efficacy and safety of biweekly single-dose actinomycin d versus multiday methotrexate in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a prospective

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

Cure rates for low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) are high, but there is no consensus on optimal first-line chemotherapy. Here we evaluated the efficacy and safety of biweekly single-dose actinomycin D (Act-D) versus an 8-day methotrexate (MTX)-folinic acid regimen as first-line single-agent chemotherapy for low-risk GTN.

How They Measured It

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4

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of combined versus single supplementation of creatine, beta-alanine, and l-citrulline during short sprint interval training on basketball play

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Mixed

Study Type

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in effects of combined versus single supplementation of creatine, beta-alanine, and l-citrulline during short sprint interval training on basketball play

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

s to improve their physical and physiological performance. This randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL) -controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of combined versus single supplementation of creatine (Cr), beta-alanine (BA), and L-citrulline (L-Cit) during short sprint interval training (SSIT) on basketball players' physical and physiological performance over a period of 28 days.

How They Measured It

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5

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in beta-alanine supplementation improves time to exhaustion, but not aerobic capacity, in competitive middle- and long-distance runners.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Mixed

Study Type

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in beta-alanine supplementation improves time to exhaustion, but not aerobic capacity, in competitive middle- and long-distance runners.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

ntial amino acid purportedly used to enhance aerobic exercise performance. While previous research indicates the benefits of βA on time to exhaustion (TTE) and aerobic capacity (VO 2peak ) in adults, evidence is lacking in adolescent athletes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 4 weeks of βA supplementation on aerobic performance in adolescent runners.

How They Measured It

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6

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in netarsudil v/s ripasudil: the battle of supremacy between two rocks-i (rho kinase inhibitors).

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Mixed

Study Type

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in netarsudil v/s ripasudil: the battle of supremacy between two rocks-i (rho kinase inhibitors).

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and safety of topical netarsudil 0.02% once daily with topical ripasudil 0.4% twice daily in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients.

How They Measured It

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7

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in randomized-controlled trial comparing safety and efficacy of repairing balm vs topical antimicrobial for post-procedural wounds.

2025 ? participants Duration not specified Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)
Human Study RCT Double-Blind Placebo Mixed

Study Type

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Purpose

To investigate the effects of Beta-Alanine in randomized-controlled trial comparing safety and efficacy of repairing balm vs topical antimicrobial for post-procedural wounds.

Dose

Beta-Alanine (dose not specified)

Participants

Participants not specified

Duration

Duration not specified

Results

rcinoma. Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen freezing is the most common method for treating AKs. Following cryotherapy, wound care often involves antimicrobial ointments as prophylactics against infection. However, given the rise in antibacterial resistance and possible contact dermatitis, equivalent alternatives should be identified. Cutaneous wound healing is important in dermatologic conditions.

How They Measured It

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Beta-Alanine research

What does the research say about Beta-Alanine?

There are currently 22 peer-reviewed studies on Beta-Alanine, involving 369 total participants. Research covers Performance enhancement, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.

How strong is the evidence for Beta-Alanine?

The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (14 human studies), and reported outcomes.

What health goals has Beta-Alanine been studied for?

Beta-Alanine has been researched for: Performance enhancement, Systematic reviews, Clinical trials. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.

Are the studies on Beta-Alanine based on human trials?

Yes, 14 out of 22 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.