Beta Alanine

Beta-alanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid. This means that while beta-alanine is an amino acid, it is not directly involved in the formation of muscle tissue. Beta-alanine is non-essential, and can be found in many everyday foods such as chicken, beef and fish.

The real magic of beta-alanine happens when it combines with another amino acid, histidine, and the two form carnosine. Carnosine is a powerful intracellular buffer, which means it keeps pH levels balanced longer, fending off the familiar “burn” associated with exercise. Benefits of beta-alanine supplementation include:

• Increased muscular strength and power
• Greater muscle mass
• Improved anaerobic performance
• Gives you the ability to train longer and harder

Beta-alanine supplements are often combined with creatine, due to their similar natures of strength and endurance improvements, as well as greater ATP production. Typical dosages of beta-alanine are 2 to 4 grams prior to a workout. It is generally recommended to supplement with beta-alanine for at least 3 months to maximize carnosine levels within the body.