Infographic. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of β-alanine supplementation on exercise capacity and performance

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is an abundant compound in skeletal muscle, suggesting it plays an important role during exercise, with a key physiological role considered to be intracellular pH regulation.1 Chronic β-alanine supplementation can increase muscle carnosine content when taken for several weeks,2 and studies have shown that supplementation between 4 and 24 weeks can improve high-intensity exercise capacity, with the gains in exercise associated with the increase in muscle carnosine content.3 4 Although several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of β-alanine supplementation as an ergogenic aid, there are a number of confounding factors that may modify its effect, including exercise …