Effects of High-Dose, Short-Duration β-Alanine Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Mood, and Circulating Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) in Recreationally-Active Males Before Simulated Military Operational Stress

Abstract

Introduction

β-alanine (BA) supplementation may improve cognition and mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with aging, neurological disorders, and physical exertion, which has been attributed to increases in brain carnosine and/or brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). BA also provides beneficial effects on cognition, mood, and physical performance during military operations; however, whether BA can attenuate mood disruptions and cognitive dysfunction associated with the anticipatory stress prior to simulated military operations is unknown.

Purpose

The present study examined the effects of 14 days of BA (12 g·day⁻¹) supplementation on cognitive function, mood, and circulating BDNF concentrations in recreationally-active, healthy males with limited inflammation and oxidative stress prior to a 24h simulated military operation.

Methods

Participants were randomized into BA (n = 10) or placebo (n = 9; PL) for 14 days. Cognitive function, mood, and circulating BDNF were assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) supplementation. Cognition was assessed via multiple object tracking (Neurotracker™), visuomotor reaction time (Dynavision™), mathematical processing (Serial Subtraction Test), and neuropsychological assessments (ANAM™). Mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire. After POST testing, subjects underwent a 24h simulated military operation.

Results

No change in measures of cognitive function or BDNF concentrations were observed (p > 0.05). However, BA experienced significant reductions (p = 0.046) in subjective feelings of depression, while PL experienced significant reductions (p = 0.021) in feelings of vigor from PRE to POST.

Conclusions

High-dose, short-duration BA supplementation does not appear to affect cognitive function or circulating BDNF, but may mitigate the onset of negative mood states in healthy, recreationally-active males prior to a simulated military operation.

Keywords:

• carnosine
• cognition
• depression
• military
• profile of mood states

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Natural Alternatives International (NAI; Carlsbad, CA, USA) for donating the BA and PL supplements for this investigation. The NAI did not have had any involvement in collection, interpretation, or analysis of data, or of writing the manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alyssa N. Varanoske

Alyssa N. Varanoske, PhD, CSCS; At the time of this study, a PhD student at the University of Central Florida studying Exercise Physiology. Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in the Military Nutrition Division.

Adam J. Wells

Adam J. Wells, PhD, CSCS,*D, SCYM(ASCP)CM; At the time of this study/currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida in the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science in the College of Health Professions and Sciences.

David Boffey

David Boffey, MA, CSCS; At the time of this study/currently, a PhD student in Exercise Physiology and Graduate Teaching Associate in the School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Central Florida. Conducts research on tactical strength and conditioning and velocity-based training.

Idan Harat

Idan Harat, MS; At the time of this study, a Master’s student at the University of Central Florida studying Applied Exercise Physiology. Currently a sport scientist in The Ribstein Center for Sport Medicine Sciences and Research at the Wingate Institute in Israel and a strength and conditioning coach for the Israeli Basketball Association. Research interests include athletic performance enhancement.

Cheyanne L. Frosti

Cheyanne L. Frosti, MS; At the time of this study, a Master’s student at the University of Central Florida studying Applied Exercise Physiology. Currently a fitness coordinator at Babson College.

Gregory J. Kozlowski

Gregory J. Kozlowski, MS; At the time of this study, a Master’s student at the University of Central Florida studying Applied Exercise Physiology. Currently serving active duty in the U.S. Army.

Yftach Gepner

Yftach Gepner, MPH, PhD; At the time of this study, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Central Florida in the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science. Currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. Specializes in the effect of lifestyle intervention on human health.

Jay R. Hoffman

Jay R. Hoffman, PhD; At the time of this study, a Full Professor at the University of Central Florida in the College of Health Professions and Sciences. Currently holds the rank of full professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Ariel University in Israel.