Role of β-Alanine Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Mood, and Physical Function in Older Adults; Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

This study investigated 10 weeks of β-alanine (BA) supplementation on changes in cognitive function, mood, and physical performance in 100 older adults (70.6 ± 8.7 y). Participants were randomized into a BA (2.4 g·d−1) or placebo (PL) group. Testing occurred prior to supplementation (PRE), at the midpoint (MID), and at week-10 (POST). Participants completed cognitive function assessments, including the Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA) and the Stroop pattern recognition test, at each testing session. Behavioral questionnaires [i.e., the profile of mood states, geriatric depression scale (GDS), and geriatric anxiety scale (GAS)] and physical function assessments (grip strength and timed sit-to-stand) were also conducted. No difference between groups was noted in MoCA scores (p = 0.19). However, when examining participants whose MOCA scores at PRE were at or below normal (i.e., ≤26), participants in BA experienced significant improvements in MOCA scores at MID (13.6%, p = 0.009) and POST (11.8%, p = 0.016), compared to PL. No differences were noted in mood scores, GAS, or any of the physical performance measures. A significant decrease was observed in the GDS for participants consuming BA but not in PL. Results suggested that BA supplementation can improve cognitive function in older adults whose cognitive function at baseline was at or below normal and possibly reduce depression scores.

Synthesis of versatile neuromodulatory molecules by a gut microbial glutamate decarboxylase

“…Considering the structural similarities between L-glutamate and L-aspartate and the ability of some GADs to use L-aspartate as a substrate 65,68,88 , we examined the possible role of Bf GAD in the production of β-alanine via the decarboxylation of L-aspartate. The neuromodulatory molecules, GABA, taurine and β-alanine generated by glutamate decarboxylases or enzymes similar to GADs, have the ability to reverse cognitive deficits in neurodegenerative disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s 12,13,24,80,85,86,89,90 . This prompted us to understand the modulation of these molecules by the members of the human gut microbiome.…”

“…Both carnosine and β-alanine show protective effects in individuals with cognitive deficits and Alzhiermer's [85][86][87] . Moreover, higher serum concentrations of β-alanine prevent dementia 85 .…”

“…In microbes, β-alanine is a precursor for coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, which is an important molecule in various metabolic pathways 73 . Both carnosine and β-alanine show protective effects in individuals with cognitive deficits and Alzhiermer's [74][75][76] . Moreover, higher serum concentrations of β-alanine prevent dementia 74 .…”

Amino acid profile alteration in age-related atrial fibrillation

“…Intriguingly, a negative correlation between alanine levels and age was observed in AF patients. Alanine supplementation has been documented to improve fatigue, increase strength, and enhance cognitive function in the elderly [ 40 , 41 ]. These health benefits of alanine for the elderly suggest its plausible benefits in age-related AF.…”

Differential Patterns of Gut and Oral Microbiomes in Hispanic Individuals with Cognitive Impairment

“…Elevated propionate levels, potentially resulting from the activity of the Bacteroidetes phylum-the primary producer of propionate in the human gutcould play a role in this process. 63,91 In contrast, methane metabolism has been recognized for its potential to mitigate spatial memory deficits, likely through the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation within the hippocampus. 64,92,93 Our pathway analysis identified several KEGG pathways relevant to the interaction between the saliva microbiome and cognitive function, as well as alterations in microbiome composition.…”