🏃Endurance

beta alanine

Beta-alanine increases muscle carnosine levels, which buffers lactic acid and delays muscle fatigue.

Clinical Dose: 3.2gFound in: 100 products

What Does Beta-Alanine Do?

Beta-Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that combines with histidine in muscle tissue to form carnosine, a key intracellular buffer against acid buildup during high-intensity exercise.

  • Increased Muscular Endurance: Buffers hydrogen ions, delaying the "burn" during high-rep sets.
  • Improved Performance in the 60–240s Range: Most effective for exercises lasting 1–4 minutes.
  • Cumulative Effect: Carnosine levels build over weeks of consistent supplementation.
  • Tingling Sensation (Paresthesia): The harmless "beta-alanine tingles" are a well-known side effect.

Clinical vs. Gym Bro Dosing

TierDoseNotes
Clinical Minimum1,600 mgBelow threshold for meaningful carnosine increase
Standard Effective3,200 mgThe clinically validated daily dose
High Performance3,200–6,400 mgMay split across multiple servings to reduce tingling
Loading Phase6,400 mg/day for 4 weeksSaturates muscle carnosine faster

Key Insight: Beta-Alanine is a saturation ingredient. The timing does not matter -- what matters is hitting 3.2g daily, consistently, for at least 2–4 weeks.

Side Effects & Warnings

  • Paresthesia (Tingling): Harmless tingling/itching of the skin, typically in the face, neck, and hands. Dose-dependent.
  • Flushing: Some users experience skin flushing, especially at higher single doses.
  • No Serious Adverse Effects: Extensive research shows beta-alanine is safe for long-term use at recommended doses.

Tip: Split your daily dose into two servings (e.g., 1.6g twice) to minimize paresthesia if it bothers you.