Utilização da suplementação de beta-alanina como recurso ergogênico: uma revisão da literatura sobre seus efeitos no desempenho esportivo.

Abstract

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is either synthesized endogenously or obtained through the diet. In muscle tissue, it serves as a precursor to carnosine—a compound crucial for the intracellular buffering of hydrogen ions—thereby contributing to the regulation of muscle pH and delaying fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Supplementation with this amino acid is widely used by individuals engaged in physical activity to optimize sports performance. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate, through a literature review, the efficacy of beta-alanine supplementation on the physical performance of both professional and recreational athletes. The research utilized several databasesŚ PubMed, SciELO, Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and the Virtual Health Library (BVS). Articles were retrieved using keywords and descriptors related to beta-alanine supplementation and physical performance. Following the application of eligibility criteria and the removal of duplicates, relevant articles were selected for analysis, resulting in a total of 15 articles included in this review. The studies predominantly involved male participants, including athletes and physically active individuals. The results demonstrate that beta-alanine supplementation enhances physical performance metrics such as muscle power, exercise endurance, time to exhaustion, and performance maintenance, while reducing muscle fatigue and the subjective perception of effort. However, the supplement's ergogenic effects across various sports disciplines depend on the type of exercise performed, as well as administration protocols regarding dosage, dosing frequency, and duration. Notably, a gap identified in the literature is the scarcity of studies focusing on female subjects, highlighting the need for further research that includes this demographic.