Beta Alanine

Beta Alanine is an amino acid that increases muscle endurance by boosting carnosine levels, delaying muscle fatigue during high-intensity exercise.

Beta-Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that increases carnosine levels in muscles, helping to buffer acid buildup during intense exercise.

It is commonly used to delay fatigue and improve endurance, particularly in high-intensity or anaerobic training.

Beta-Alanine is used for performance enhancement. A common side effect is tingling (paresthesia), which is harmless and temporary.

Other names & forms of Beta Alanine supplement : β-alanine, beta-alanine supplement, carnosine precursor, endurance amino acid

Possible Benefits

Beta Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that combines with histidine to form carnosine in muscle tissue, buffering hydrogen ions and delaying muscle fatigue during high-intensity exercise.

  • Helps support Muscle Performance & Recovery by increasing intramuscular carnosine levels and reducing lactic acid buildup.
  • May boost Energy & Metabolism during workouts by enhancing muscle endurance and power output.
  • Contributes to General Health by supporting optimal muscle function and delaying fatigue.

Side Effects

Beta Alanine can enhance muscular endurance, but you might experience a harmless tingling sensation as it accumulates. Look out for:

  • Paresthesia, tingling or “pins and needles” on skin, common at higher doses
  • Mild flushing or warmth sensation across the face or limbs
  • Occasional mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea or cramps, if taken fast
  • Rare headache or dizziness in sensitive users
  • Temporary mild rash or itching in hypersensitive individuals

Interactions

Possible interactions include:

  • Amino acid supplements: Beta Alanine can form carnosine with histidine; balance use with other amino acids to prevent excess.
  • Pre-workout stimulants: Combined with caffeine sources may increase tingling sensations, monitor tolerance.

Precautions

Before incorporating Beta Alanine into your regimen, ensure none of these apply. If they do, consult your healthcare provider:

  • Individuals with paresthesia sensitivity: Start with lower doses to gauge tolerance
  • People on blood pressure medications: Monitor for additive vasodilatory effects
  • Those with renal impairment: Clearance may be reduced; use under supervision
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited research; avoid high supplemental doses
  • Patients scheduled for surgery: Discontinue one week prior, possible interactions with anesthesia and nerve sensitivity

Studies

These studies provide scientific insights into Beta Alanine benefits:

A 2013 randomized, double-blind trial in 60 healthy men found 4 g/day beta-alanine for 4 weeks increased muscle carnosine and improved 400 m sprint performance by 2.3 % versus placebo .

A 2012 crossover study in 20 cyclists showed beta-alanine for 4 weeks enhanced time‐to‐exhaustion by 13 % compared to placebo.

A 2015 RCT found no significant effect of 3 g/day on perceived muscle soreness or recovery markers versus placebo after resistance exercise .

No RCTs

have evaluated beta-alanine for cognitive function or clinical muscle-wasting conditions in humans.

Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you're pregnant, have a condition, or take medication, speak with a qualified professional.