What physiological effect does carnosine's buffering capacity have during exercise?

Carnosine is a dipeptide composed of the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine, and it plays a significant role in muscle function, particularly during high-intensity exercise. Its buffering capacity is crucial for maintaining acid-base balance in the body, especially in skeletal muscle.

During intense physical activity, the body produces lactic acid, leading to an accumulation of hydrogen ions, which can decrease blood pH and result in a more acidic environment within the muscles. This drop in pH can impair muscle function, leading to fatigue and diminished exercise performance. Carnosine acts as a buffer by binding to these hydrogen ions, thus helping to neutralize the acidity. As a result, it attenuates the drop in blood pH, allowing for sustained performance during strenuous exercise.

This buffering action helps maintain optimal muscle function, delaying the onset of fatigue and possibly improving overall exercise output. Understanding the role of carnosine in exercise physiology highlights the importance of factors that influence performance, such as supplementation with beta-alanine, which can increase carnosine levels in the muscles. While the other choices touch on important aspects of exercise physiology, they don't directly relate to the specific function of carnosine's buffering capacity.