What is beta-alanine?
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that stimulates the synthesis of carnosine in the body. Carnosine is needed to increase muscle power and endurance. Therefore, beta-alanine is important for athletes whose activity requires intense effort.
Benefits of beta-alanine
Beta-alanine increases muscle endurance and power. In addition, it helps prevent the formation of lactic acid in the muscles. Together with L-histidine, beta-alanine helps to form carnosine, which helps, among other things, reduce fatigue and increase muscle capacity. Thanks to this, beta-alanine helps athletes to achieve better results.
Uses of beta-alanine
Beta-alanine is used in sports that require a lot of physical effort, such as cycling, especially sprinters to improve speed and athletics. In addition, the use of beta-alanine is widespread among rowers, swimmers, and people practicing handball, basketball, and football. In particular, the amino acid is beneficial to runners.
Beta-alanine can also help to adapt to heavy loads of stress. The higher the amount of carnosine in the muscle tissue, the better the muscles cope with the intense effort and the better the possible results.
Beta-alanine side effects and overdose
Excess beta-alanine can cause paraesthesia, a tingling sensation in the face, neck and hands. The higher the overdose, the more intense the symptoms of paresthesia. However, there is currently no evidence that paraesthesia is dangerous to humans. Overdose may also be associated with a decrease in taurine levels in the body.