If you’re taking a pre-workout before hitting the gym, chances are that excited tingle you may feel walking through the door isn’t just from seeing your favorite squat rack unoccupied. Beta-alanine is regarded as one of the best pre-workout ingredients—and it might already be in your favorite formula. So, why include it alongside pre-workout powerhouses like creatine supplement or caffeine?
Related Reading: Beta-Alanine Basics: What Is It and What Does It Do?
BETA, YOU CAN DRIVE MY CARNOSINE
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid found naturally in the body. Like niacin, it may create a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, but this is common with beta-alanine supplementation and even desired by many workout supplement users. However, beta-alanine’s key benefit as a pre-workout ingredient is its ability to increase muscle carnosine levels.
CARNOSINE—A BREAKDOWN ON BREAKDOWN
Carnosine is a functionally active peptide that has muscle pH buffering capabilities and is recognized as a key and critical muscle fatigue controlling factor—but what does this actually mean?
During exercise, the body uses oxygen to break down glucose (carbohydrates) for energy. As exercise intensity rises, oxygen availability decreases, and to compensate, the body produces lactate. While the body can convert some of the lactate to energy, over time it can build up faster than the body can use it, and muscle pH decreases. This results in a burning feeling in the muscles and may lead to a decrease in the intensity of exercise…which means your muscle pH could be holding you back from a new PR.
Although carnosine has the capability to increase muscle pH, the carnosine from foods such as beef or chicken unfortunately may not be enough for your muscles to do its job after being metabolized during digestion. How can you bridge this gap?
BETA-ALANINE FUELS A BUFFERING BOOST
Once consumed, beta-alanine is able to make its way into muscle and is used to make carnosine. In fact, CarnoSyn® beta-alanine is clinically shown to increase muscle pH buffering carnosine levels. Along with its antioxidant properties, this role as a precursor to carnosine makes beta-alanine ideal to take alone or as part of a pre-workout blend for a variety of fitness goals.
Even if you don’t feel the “tingle”—it’s nothing short of exciting to see what beta-alanine can offer your supplement regimen.
