β-Alanine Supplementation in Adults with Prediabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
β-Alanine Supplementation in Adults with Prediabetes (BASA-P): A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial.
IRAS ID
279587
Contact name
Joseph Matthews
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham Trent University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
The study will investigate the safety and feasibility of beta-alanine supplementation in adults with prediabetes. Beta-alanine is a widely used dietary supplement that can increase the amount of carnosine in skeletal muscle. Both carnosine and beta-alanine occur naturally in animal food products. Previous research shows that supplementation with beta-alanine leads to an improvement in exercise performance; more recently, we have shown that increasing carnosine can also help to detoxify skeletal muscle and improve glucose (sugar) uptake into muscle cells.
We will recruit thirty participants with prediabetes who meet the study criteria. Those who are eligible will be required to receive three short telephone calls and attend three laboratory sessions. Participants will be randomised to receive either beta-alanine or placebo (an inactive sugar pill) for the study period.
To see whether beta-alanine supplementation is feasible in this population we will measure recruitment, adherence (how well people can stick to the supplement regime), the number and nature of side effects, and blinding to the intervention. We will also explore markers of cardiac function, glycaemic control, and metabolic health. Measurements will take place before and after a 3-month supplementation period. This will provide us with novel information of the role of beta-alanine and carnosine in prediabetes; and will aid in the planning of a larger, sufficiently powered trial to assess the efficacy of beta-alanine supplementation as a therapeutic strategy.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0280
Date of REC Opinion
5 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion