In addition, the benefits of performing a field study are often offset by the inability to control all aspects of the participant’s daily activity. For instance, the structure of the training did not provide an opportunity to control or record the participant’s diet. However, considering that participants were provided the same meals we made certain assumptions that the dietary intake would be similar between groups. The training schedule also forced several volunteers to miss their scheduled ingestion time for the supplement or

placebo. It was in those situations where incidences of paresthesia occurred when the volunteer ingested multiple doses at the same time. Although volunteers were required to show the empty bottle and receive the following week’s supply at the

end of each week, the daily control for ingestion during meals was not possible. BMN 673 ic50 However, this study provided a unique opportunity to examine the efficacy of this supplement under real-life conditions involving military operations. This opportunity is not common and the results provided important information for potential dietary LEE011 ic50 interventions on sustaining tactical performance in stressful conditions. Conclusions The results of this study did not provide any evidence in support of β-alanine’s selleck screening library role on enhancing cognitive function in fatigued soldiers. It is likely of that the serial subtraction test performed with participants seated was not sufficient to ascertain the potential effects that β-alanine may have in improving cognitive performance following fatiguing activity. This study demonstrated that β-alanine ingestion for 4 weeks in young, healthy soldiers in an elite combat unit can enhance jump power performance, marksmanship and target engagement speed. These improvements occurred following 4 weeks of highly intense training and an

acute fatiguing event (4-km run). The results of this study were unable to support any cognitive benefits from the 4-week supplement period. In consideration of the highly intense and fatiguing nature of sustained combat and prolonged military training, ingestion of β-alanine does appear to provide specific benefits for military personnel. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Natural Alternatives International (San Marcos, CA, USA) for providing support for this study. References 1. Hill CA, Harris RC, Kim HJ, Harris BD, Sale C, Boobis LH, Kim CK, Wise JA: Influence of β-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. Amino Acids 2007, 32:225–233.PubMedCrossRef 2. Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Kang J, Mangine G, Faigenbaum AD, Stout JR: Effect of creatine and β-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2006, 16:430–446.PubMed 3.