Taurine and Beta Alanine

IronMaidenfan#1 · 08-03-2008, 02:35 PM

Hello guys,
Sorry to post a new thread regarding this but I just want some reassurance over something. I've been re-reading a lot of old threads lately, I find I always fail to take in information the 1st time round. One thread I looked at was Sonny's about Taurine and Anxiety
Effects Of Taurine on Anxiety - anyway, all I want reassurance on is the Taurine and BA clash. Different people (including senior members) on here have expressed different opinions on whether or not BA and Taurine should be taken together or not. From what I've read independently I'm of the opinion that it's ok to take both without the effects of BA being lessened much but I'd like to hear it from a few other senior people around here.

If MM, Vedic and others could offer their opinions on this then I'd be grateful as I'm interested in adding taurine to my supplements.
Thanks.

joshetc · 08-03-2008, 06:27 PM

This and Sonny's thread has also piqued my curiosity about taurine.

Gavriel · 08-03-2008, 06:31 PM

I know BA has a bunch of clinical studies to it's credit, but other then feeling I was in the beginning stages of an acid trip, I didn't feel/notice any benefit.

joshetc · 08-03-2008, 06:51 PM

I pretty much don't dispute the effects of beta-alanine. It is relatively well-researched and I have had good experience with it myself. I'm curious about the effects of taurine, and possibly repercussions of taking both of them together. Though other than ironmaidenfans concerns, I've never heard of any negative side effects to taking both, or a cancellation type effect.

Edit: Also, the effects of beta alanine aren't supposed to be noticed immediately.

**MikeMartial** · 08-03-2008, 07:59 PM

School of Sports, Exercise & Health Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, U.K..

Muscle carnosine synthesis is limited by the availability of beta-alanine. Thirteen male subjects were supplemented with beta-alanine (CarnoSyntrade mark) for 4 wks, 8 of these for 10 wks. A biopsy of the vastus lateralis was obtained from 6 of the 8 at 0, 4 and 10 wks. Subjects undertook a cycle capacity test to determine total work done (TWD) at 110% (CCT(110%)) of their maximum power (W(max)). Twelve matched subjects received a placebo. Eleven of these completed the CCT(110%) at 0 and 4 wks, and 8, 10 wks. Muscle biopsies were obtained from 5 of the 8 and one additional subject. Muscle carnosine was significantly increased by +58.8% and +80.1% after 4 and 10 wks beta-alanine supplementation. Carnosine, initially 1.71 times higher in type IIa fibres, increased equally in both type I and IIa fibres. No increase was seen in control subjects. Taurine was unchanged by 10 wks of supplementation. 4 wks beta-alanine supplementation resulted in a significant increase in TWD (+13.0%); with a further +3.2% increase at 10 wks. TWD was unchanged at 4 and 10 wks in the control subjects. The increase in TWD with supplementation followed the increase in muscle carnosine.

Good stuff on the topic by Monger here, also:

Beta Alanine

joshetc · 08-03-2008, 08:02 PM

So basically taurine and beta alanine have nothing to do with each other. I really didn't expect beta alanine would increase taurine concentrations. The only concern really arisen by ironmaidens post was the possibility of beta alanine lowering taurine concentrations or taurine supplementation lowering carnosine concentration. I may consider giving a 1kg tub a shot. $20 at bulknutrition really isn't that bad compared to what some supplements cost..

edit: Also, wouldn't most studies involving cats be irrelevant? I was under the impression that taurine was an EAA for cats, and not for humans. I'll read through all of Ian's thread, now. :p

IronMaidenfan#1 · 08-04-2008, 03:57 AM

Thanks a lot Mike.

IronMaidenfan#1 · 08-04-2008, 04:01 AM

Josh, my worry was the same as yours but what what Mike has just said BA isn't effected negatively by Taurine.

Ian Coe · 08-04-2008, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshetc

So basically taurine and beta alanine have nothing to do with each other. I really didn't expect beta alanine would increase taurine concentrations. The only concern really arisen by ironmaidens post was the possibility of beta alanine lowering taurine concentrations or taurine supplementation lowering carnosine concentration. I may consider giving a 1kg tub a shot. $20 at bulknutrition really isn't that bad compared to what some supplements cost..

edit: Also, wouldn't most studies involving cats be irrelevant? I was under the impression that taurine was an EAA for cats, and not for humans. I'll read through all of Ian's thread, now. :p

I was wondering what I posted until I clicked on mikes link.

From what I understand the only conflict is from uptake competition from the same receptors, but I think you have to take high doses of both for that to occur.

joshetc · 08-04-2008, 11:42 AM

I was under the impression that it would show more in cats because cats need taurine from their diets. Also as you had mentioned before, the concentrations of beta alanine were ridiculous. I'm already taking beta alanine, and don't intend to stop. I'll go ahead and give taurine a 1-2 month test run and see what happens. It doesn't really look like there is anything negative that will come from it.