May 10, 2023Study: Beta-alanine may help with cognitive decline
A new study co-authored by prominent supplement researchers concludes the popular sports supplement beta-alanine could have benefits for older adults experiencing cognitive decline and depression.
The amino acid beta-alanine has been immensely popular among lifters and athletes for years, and it is a common ingredient in pre-workout supplement blends.
A recent story from NaturalProductInsider.com detailed the study’s findings. Below is an excerpt from the NaturalProductInsider.com story.
The study, which was published in the journal Nutrients in January, listed among its co-authors Ishay Ostfelt, M.D., and Jay Hoffman, Ph.D. These two researchers have collectively authored dozens of studies on beta-alanine, including most of the foundational research into the athletic applications of the supplement.
Hoffman spoke via email with Natural Products Insider about this particular study, which he said was “very exciting” and showed several promising new prospects for beta-alanine research.
The research focused on 100 sedentary Israeli adults between the ages of 60 and 80, none of whom had been diagnosed with dementia or were suffering from neurocognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. After an initial physical and cognitive screening, subjects were given either a placebo, or two daily doses of SR CarnoSyn, the popular patented version of beta-alanine owned by Natural Alternatives International Inc. (NAI), a manufacturer of nutritional supplements.
“When we looked at the subject population in its entirety, no benefits were noted,” Hoffman said. “However, when we examined the older adults, whose cognitive function was on the threshold of normal or below, then beta-alanine supplementation was significantly beneficial for improving cognitive function. This was the most promising aspect of the study.”
To read the full article from NaturalProductsInsider.com, click here.
