Effect of creatine and β-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes

Jay Hoffman, Nicholas Ratamess, Jie Kang, Gerald Mangine, Avery Faigenbaum, Jeffrey Stout

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

127 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effects of creatine and creatine plus β-alanine on strength, power, body composition, and endocrine changes were examined during a 10-wk resistance training program in collegiate football players. Thirty-three male subjects were randomly assigned to either a placebo (P), creatine (C), or creatine plus β-alanine (CA) group. During each testing session subjects were assessed for strength (maximum bench press and squat), power (Wingate anaerobic power test, 20-jump test), and body composition. Resting blood samples were analyzed for total testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, IGF-1, and sex hormone binding globulin. Changes in lean body mass and percent body fat were greater (P < 0.05) in CA compared to C or P. Significantly greater strength improvements were seen in CA and C compared to P. Resting testosterone concentrations were elevated in C, however, no other significant endocrine changes were noted. Results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of creatine and creatine plus β-alanine on strength performance. Creatine plus β-alanine supplementation appeared to have the greatest effect on lean tissue accruement and body fat composition.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)430-446
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anaerobic exercise
  • Ergogenic aids
  • Nutritional supplementation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of creatine and β-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this