Are you looking to improve your athletic performance and muscle endurance? If so, you may have come across beta-alanine as a dietary supplement. Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid in foods such as meat and poultry. It’s also available as a standalone supplement for boosting exercise performance and delaying fatigue.
This blog post will look at this popular supplement and explore its potential benefits and drawbacks. So, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, read on to learn more about beta-alanine and how it could impact your training.
What is Beta-Alanine?
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is naturally produced by the body and can also be obtained through dietary sources, such as meat and poultry. Beta-alanine differs from other amino acids because it is not used to build proteins but to produce carnosine, a dipeptide stored in muscle tissue.
Carnosine is an important compound that helps to buffer hydrogen ions produced during high-intensity exercise and can lead to muscle fatigue and decreased performance. By increasing carnosine levels in muscle tissue, beta-alanine supplementation has been shown to improve athletic performance and delay fatigue.
Beta-alanine is available as a dietary supplement in powder or capsule form and is often used by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance their exercise performance. However, like any supplement, beta-alanine should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Reasons Beta-alanine can make you itch?
There are instances when Beta-alanine can make you itch. So, why does beta-alanine cause an itching sensation? However, one of the most common side effects of beta-alanine supplementation is an itching sensation known as paresthesia, which can be uncomfortable for some users. While the exact mechanism of paresthesia caused by beta-alanine is not fully understood, several theories may help explain why some people experience itching after taking beta-alanine supplements.
- One theory is that beta-alanine activates specific nerve fibers in the skin, called C-fibers, responsible for transmitting sensations of itchiness, pain, and temperature. When the body absorbs beta-alanine and reaches the skin, it may activate these nerve fibers and trigger an itching sensation.
- Another theory is that beta-alanine may increase the release of histamine. This compound is involved in the immune response and is known to cause itching and other allergic symptoms. Histamine is released by mast cells, found in tissues throughout the body, including the skin. Beta-alanine supplementation may stimulate histamine release from mast cells in the skin, leading to an itching sensation.
It is also possible that individual differences in beta-alanine metabolism may play a role in the development of paresthesia. Some people may be more sensitive to beta-alanine or metabolize it differently, leading to a greater likelihood of experiencing itching after taking a supplement.
While the itching sensation caused by beta-alanine supplementation is generally considered harmless and temporary, it can be uncomfortable for some individuals. However, several strategies may help alleviate the itching, such as gradually increasing the dose of beta-alanine, taking the supplement with food, or using topical creams to soothe the skin. If the itching sensation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues or allergic reactions.
Final Remarks
Suppose you’re considering taking beta-alanine as a dietary supplement to enhance your athletic performance or improve your muscle endurance. In that case, it’s important to be aware of its potential side effects, including the itching sensation known as paresthesia. However, don’t let that discourage you from exploring the benefits of beta-alanine.
