---
title: "Evidence: carnosine precursor, pH buffer"
description: "Beta-alanine supplementation improved exercise endurance and prevented post-exercise cognitive decline in healthy older adults."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s137.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s137.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s137.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s137"
journal: "J Int Soc Sports Nutr"
year: 2018
pmid: "29996843"
doi: "10.1186/s12970-018-0238-7"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: carnosine precursor, pH buffer

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | J Int Soc Sports Nutr |
| Year | 2018 |
| PMID | [29996843](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29996843/) |
| DOI | [10.1186/s12970-018-0238-7](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0238-7) |
| Study key | s137 |

## Takeaway

Beta-alanine supplementation improved exercise endurance and prevented post-exercise cognitive decline in healthy older adults.

## The question

Can beta-alanine supplementation improve exercise capacity and executive function in healthy older adults?

## Hypothesis

Increasing systemic carnosine levels via beta-alanine supplementation will enhance anti-oxidant, neuro-protective, and pH buffering capabilities, leading to improved exercise capacity and executive function in aging populations.

## Methods

Twelve healthy adults (average age 60.5 years) were randomized to receive either 2.4 g/d of beta-alanine (BA) or placebo (PL) for 28 days. Exercise capacity was assessed using a cycle ergometer at 70% VOpeak, and executive function was measured by Stroop Tests at four time points relative to exercise. Lactate, heart rate, and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were also recorded.

## Results

Before supplementation, time-to-exhaustion (TTE) was not significantly different between groups. After supplementation, the BA group cycled significantly longer (14.6 minutes) than their pre-supplementation duration (11.1 minutes), while the PL group showed no significant change. Placebo subjects were slower in completing the Stroop test post-exercise at T4 compared to T3, a decline not observed in the BA group. The BA group produced 2.4 mmol/L more lactate than the PL group post-supplementation, showing a trend towards significance.

## Conclusion

Beta-alanine supplementation increased exercise capacity and prevented the decline in executive function observed after endurance exercise in the placebo group. The extended exercise duration with similar lactate production suggests an improved ability to sustain exercise. This could allow older adults to maintain exercise benefits with improved safety.

## Limitations

The study involved a small sample size of 12 healthy adults, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> beta-alanine increased exercise capacity and eliminated endurance exercise induced declines in executive function

## Average Time-to-Exhaustion (minutes)

| Measure | Time-to-Exhaustion (minutes) |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo PRE | 9.4 |
| Placebo POST | 8.7 |
| Beta-Alanine PRE | 11.1 |
| Beta-Alanine POST | 14.6 |

*Beta-alanine supplementation significantly increased time-to-exhaustion POST-supplementation compared to PRE-supplementation in the beta-alanine group, while the placebo group showed no significant change.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Beta-Alanine | Moderate evidence | [Beta-Alanine](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/137.md) |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: carnosine precursor, pH buffer**
   J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2018 · [PMID 29996843](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29996843/) · [DOI 10.1186/s12970-018-0238-7](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0238-7)

   > beta-alanine increased exercise capacity and eliminated endurance exercise induced declines in executive function

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Beta-Alanine](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/137.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [beta-alanine supplementation to improve exercise capacity and performance: a systematic…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27797728.md)
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- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).