The carnosine content of vastus lateralis is elevated in resistance-trained bodybuilders
Observational studyHumans
- Design
- Observational study
- Subjects
- 6 bodybuilders and 6 untrained controls
- What was measured
- Vastus lateralis biopsy carnosine, histidine and taurine by HPLC in national-level bodybuilders versus age-matched moderately active untrained men.
What the authors reported
Bodybuilders had about twice the muscle carnosine of controls (p < 0.001) and higher muscle histidine (p < 0.05). The authors say these are the highest carnosine contents recorded in human muscle, representing about 20% of buffering capacity. Muscle taurine was 38% lower in bodybuilders, a difference that was not significant. The authors list possible causes as repeated exposure to low muscle pH, diet or supplement change, or anabolic steroid use.
Limits of this study
Very small cross-sectional comparison; cannot separate training effects from supplement or dietary differences. Full text not read.
Source
PubMed 16287364 · doi:10.1519/00124278-200511000-00001
Entry checked against PubMed abstract (E-utilities) on 2026-10-19. The dose shown is the dose the researchers used. It is not a recommendation. How to read this page.