A Closer Look at Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine, also known as 3-aminopropanoic acid, is a non-essential amino acid.  It’s found naturally in the body, which can synthesize beta-alanine from the breakdown of pyrimidine nucleotides. We can also get beta-alanine from our diets via carnosine, and to a lesser extent from anserine and balenine.

Carnosine is a dipeptide –- a molecule made up of two amino acids bonded together — composed of beta-alanine and histidine. These dipeptides are found in chicken, beef, fish, and pork. (Think of the word “carnivore” to help you remember where to get carnosine.) In humans, carnosine seems to be concentrated in tissues that have a high energy demand, such as muscle and brain.

In the body, beta alanine helps produce carnosine, a molecule found in skeletal muscles that plays a role in muscle fatigue and performance.

Why is Beta-Alanine important?

During exercise (especially at high intensity), the formation of energy (ATP) and rise in hydrogen (H+) ions occurs.  The rise in H+ ions is mainly due to lactic acid production, which lowers the body’s pH (i.e. creating a more acidic state).  As the acidity rises, it’s harder to contract the muscle, and fatigue can result. Thus, if the body can combat the acidity, it can keep working harder.

Benefits of Beta-Alanine as supported by scientific studies:

• Increase Muscular Strength & Power Output.
• Increases Muscle Mass
• Increase Anaerobic Endurance
• Increases Aerobic Endurance
• Delay Muscular Fatigue- Train Harder & Longer

• Who can benefit from Beta-Alanine?
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  1. Weight lifters and bodybuilders. 
  2. High Intensity Cross Trained Athletes.
  3. MMA Fighters and sport specific training that require both strength and endurance.
  4. Runners, Cyclists, soccer players, hockey players
  5. Active individuals who have reached a training plateau and are looking for something to take them to the next level.
  6. Men and women

  
  

  
  
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