What is Beta-Alanine? What It’s for & How It Works

by James Denlinger Digital Marketing Strategist

People who frequently visit the gym, body build or those just looking to lead healthier lifestyles overall have likely heard of the benefits of dietary supplements that aid in sports performance. Supplements have varying benefits, but one supplement that is growing increasingly popular in the athletic community is beta-alanine. According to studies, in its supplement form, beta-alanine may be effective in helping increase muscle mass and reducing fatigue. The researcher responsible for many of the studies on beta-alanine is Dr. Roger Harris, who was one of the first to bring the term to the bodybuilding world.

In order to understand and effectively use beta-alanine as a supplement, it’s important to understand it as a natural substance in the body. What effect does it have? Why do people use it? And is it right for you?

What is Beta-Alanine?

Beta-alanine is a non-essential, natural occurring amino acid in the body synthesized by the liver. But unlike most amino acids, it doesn’t synthesize proteins. Beta-alanine’s effect on endurance during exercise has been attributed to its capacity to work with a substance called histidine to produce and synthesize another substance called carnosine.

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What is Histidine?

For a long time, experts considered histidine a semi-essential amino acid. However, some studies label it an essential amino acid, showing that the absence of dietary histidine is associated with the body’s failure to produce red blood cells. Histidine is essential for producing histamine, a vital chemical the body uses for breathing, digestion, immunity and sexual function.

The body uses histamine to create myelin sheaths, the protective layers that surround the nerves in the body. This is important because research states it provides protection against the effects of degenerative neurological diseases. Histidine works with beta-alanine to create carnosine, which is stored in the skeletal muscles to strengthen bones and promote endurance during exercise. According to research, histidine is used to potentially treat conditions like arthritis and anemia and also alleviate allergic reactions. Additionally, its other uses include reducing high blood pressure, acting as skin protection from the damaging effects of UV radiation and aiding sexual pleasure.

What is Carnosine?

Carnosine is a dipeptide synthesized by carnosine synthase from beta-alanine and L-histidine. Naturally it acts as an antioxidant, promoting sensitivity of muscle fibers to calcium in order for the bones to absorb and streng