Beta alanine

Beta Alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that the body uses to produce protein. Unlike most amino acids, it is not used by the body to synthesize proteins. Instead, it is used in the production of carnosine, a compound that helps to buffer acid in muscles, which can improve athletic performance.

Chemical Structure

Beta Alanine is a beta-amino acid, which means that the amino group is at the beta-position from the carboxylate group. The IUPAC name for beta alanine is 3-aminopropanoic acid. Its molecular formula is C3H7NO2 and its molar mass is 89.09 g/mol.

Sources

Beta Alanine is not commonly found in food sources. It is primarily produced in the liver and is also available as a dietary supplement. Some of the food sources that contain beta alanine include chicken, beef, and fish.

Health Benefits

Beta Alanine has been shown to improve athletic performance and exercise capacity, and it may also help to increase muscle mass. It is often used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve their performance and build lean muscle mass. It may also have antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and anti-aging properties.

Side Effects

While Beta Alanine is generally safe for most people when taken by mouth, it can cause some side effects such as tingling and flushing. High doses can also lead to an imbalance in the body's taurine levels.

Research

Research on Beta Alanine has primarily focused on its effects on athletic performance and muscle mass. Studies have shown that supplementation with beta alanine can improve exercise performance, particularly in high-intensity and short-duration exercises.

See Also

• Amino Acid
• Carnosine
• Dietary Supplement

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