Beta-Alanine for Bigger Muscles

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”wysiwyg”,”fid”:”90166″,”attributes”:{“alt”:””,”class”:”media-image media-image-right”,”style”:”margin: 6px; float: right;”,”title”:””,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”}}]]FLEX Magazine has been recommending the use of beta-alanine longer than most bodybuilding magazines have even been aware of the supplement. Over the years, the research has been building up in favor of this amino acid. The latest study shows that it helps build muscle and improve performance.

THE STUDY Researchers from Adams State College (Alamosa, Colorado) had 22 collegiate wrestlers and 15 collegiate football players supplement with 4 grams of beta-alanine per day or a placebo for eight weeks. The scientists measured the athletes’ 300-yard shuttle time, 90-degree flexed-arm hang time and body composition before and after the eight-week trial.

THE RESULTS The researchers reported in a 2011 issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research that the beta-alanine group improved their 300-yard shuttle time by about one full second more than the placebo group and increased their hang time by almost three full seconds. Among the wrestlers, although both groups lost bodyweight and bodyfat due to the fact that they were trying to make weight
classes, those taking the beta-
alanine gained more than one
pound of muscle, while the placebo
group lost one pound of muscle. 
Among the football players, who
 were trying to gain weight, those tak
ing beta-alanine increased muscle mass by more
 than two pounds, while those taking the placebo only gained a pound. The placebo group also gained about 1% bodyfat, while the beta-alanine group added no bodyfat—just muscle.

THE DOSAGE To help increase muscle strength, power and endurance, as well as help you gain muscle and keep off body-fat, take 2–3 g of beta-alanine with your pre- and postworkout shakes on workout days. And go with 2–3 g with your morning protein shake on rest days.

**For a great way to boost muscle recovery, check out Growth Factor-9.