Beta-alanine has gained attention for its potential to enhance muscle endurance and combat fatigue during intense workouts.
Here we delve into these beta-alanine benefits further, explaining everything from the buffering effects to delayed muscular failure. We’ll also shed light on potential side effects, ensuring you have a well-rounded knowledge of the supplement.
This is one for the diligent gainer. The ones who want to know the intricate details about the supplements they’re taking.
If that’s you, enjoy. This is beta-alanine and it’s benefits. For the gym nerds.
What is beta-alanine?
Beta-alanine is a nutritional supplement widely used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve performance. This nonessential amino acid occurs naturally in the body and is found in foods such as chicken, beef, pork and fish.
It’s a key ingredient in quality pre-workout.
What does beta-alanine do?
Beta-alanine plays a crucial role in enhancing muscle endurance by elevating carnosine concentrations within muscles. Carnosine, a combination of histidine and alanine, acts as a buffering agent, maintaining an optimal muscle pH range. This buffering effect is essential for delaying muscular failure by neutralizing the rise in hydrogen ions generated during muscle contractions.
In the context of exercise physiology, beta-alanine emerges as a potential solution to combat muscle fatigue. During intense training, the breakdown of carbohydrates produces lactic acid and releases hydrogen ions. The subsequent increase in ions lowers muscle tissue pH, causing the familiar burning sensation and limiting muscle contraction, leading to decreased performance and fatigue.
Beta-alanine comes to the rescue by increasing intramuscular carnosine levels, especially in fast-twitch muscle fibres highly responsive to growth stimuli. This heightened carnosine acts as a buffer for hydrogen ions, effectively prolonging the point of muscular failure.
In essence, beta-alanine offers a promising solution to postpone the fatigue-inducing effects of heightened acidity during rigorous training sessions.
Beta-alanine benefits
Delayed muscular fatigue
Beta-alanine increases intramuscular levels of carnosine, buffering the impact of hydrogen ions during intense exercise and delaying the onset of muscular failure.
Enhanced exercise performance
By mitigating the acidic environment in muscles, beta-alanine helps maintain optimal pH levels, allowing for improved muscle contraction and overall exercise performance
Support for fast-twitch muscle fibres
Beta-alanine has a specific impact on fast-twitch muscle fibres, enhancing their responsiveness to growth stimuli and contributing to increased strength and power.
Improved endurance
The buffering effect of beta-alanine on hydrogen ions extends the point of muscular failure, leading to improved endurance during high-intensity workouts and delaying the feeling of exhaustion.
Beta-alanine side effects
Paraesthesia (beta-alanine tingling)
One common side effect of beta-alanine supplementation is paraesthesia, a harmless tingling or prickling sensation on the skin, particularly in the face and hands. While not harmful, it can be discomforting for some people.
But as seasoned pre-workout takers will tell you, it’s something you get used to.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Some users may experience mild gastrointestinal issues such as nausea or stomach discomfort when taking beta-alanine supplements. Adjusting the dosage or taking it with food may help alleviate these symptoms.
Individual Sensitivity
Certain individuals may be more sensitive to beta-alanine, experiencing side effects like flushing or a temporary redness of the skin. Monitoring individual responses and adjusting dosage accordingly can help manage these sensitivities.
What causes beta-alanine tingling?
As the body naturally produces beta-alanine, ingesting extra quantities through supplementation increases the elicitation of certain neurons in the brain that are responsible for the sensation of tingling. The sensation is called paresthesia.
For a more detailed insight as to why pre-workout causes itchiness, see our blog.
Can you get pre-workout without beta-alanine?
Yes, many pre-workout supplements are available without beta-alanine. If you’re sensitive to its tingling sensation or simply prefer to exclude it from your supplement regimen, several beta-alanine-free pre-workouts cater to different fitness needs and preferences.
When should you take beta-alanine?
For optimal results, we recommended taking beta-alanine (or pre-workout) about 20 to 30 minutes before your workout. This timing allows the amino acid to be absorbed, reaching peak levels in your bloodstream when your exercise intensity is at its highest. Consistent daily supplementation is key to maximising beta-alanine’s benefits.
How much beta-alanine per day?
A common dosage for beta-alanine is around 3 to 6 grams per day, divided into smaller doses taken throughout the day. This strategy helps minimise the beta-alanine tingling sensation.
Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert to determine the ideal dosage based on your individual health and fitness goals.
Summary: Beta-alanine benefits and side effects
Beta-alanine is renowned for its ability to enhance muscular endurance by increasing carnosine levels in muscles. This helps buffer lactic acid buildup during intense exercise, delaying muscle fatigue.
While beta-alanine is safe, some individuals may experience a harmless tingling sensation known as paresthesia. To minimise this effect, consider splitting your daily dose.
As with any supplement, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating beta-alanine into your regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
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