Amino Acids β-Alanine CAS 107-95-9 Beta Alanine Food Grade

β-Alanine More Info

β-Alanine is a naturally occurring beta amino acid that plays a significant role in muscle metabolism and athletic performance. It is distinct from α-alanine, as the amino group in β-alanine is attached to the β-carbon rather than the α-carbon, and it lacks a stereocenter, making it non-chiral

Biosynthesis and Sources

β-Alanine is produced in the body primarily through the degradation of dihydrouracil and carnosine. It can also be synthesized industrially by reacting with β-propiolactone. Furthermore, it is derived from the catabolism of pyrimidines, particularly from cytosine and uracil

Food Sources

Dietary sources of β-alanine include:
Meat
Fish
Poultry, especially chicken breasts
These foods contain carnosine, which is composed of β-alanine and histidine.

Biochemical Functions

β-Alanine is crucial for synthesizing carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine), an important dipeptide that acts as a buffer against lactic acid accumulation in muscles during high-intensity exercise. This buffering capacity helps delay fatigue, allowing for improved performance in activities lasting from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Carnosine levels in muscle are limited by the availability of β-alanine, making supplementation effective for increasing muscle carnosine concentrations.

Athletic Performance Enhancement

Research indicates that β-alanine supplementation can enhance exercise performance, particularly in high-intensity activities. Studies have shown that athletes using β-alanine may experience improved endurance and reduced fatigue during strenuous workouts. However, its effectiveness can vary based on individual responses and specific exercise modalities

Recommended Dosage

Typical doses for β-alanine supplementation range from 4 to 6 grams daily, often taken over several weeks to achieve significant increases in muscle carnosine levels. It's important to note that while some studies report benefits, others suggest inconsistent results regarding overall athletic performance improvements