Beta alanine is one of the semi-essential amino acids. This means that our body can produce this amino acid itself as well as ingest it through the diet. Beta-alanine is channeled from the bloodstream into skeletal muscle. Once there, it forms the dipeptide carnosine together with the amino acid histidine. Carnosine in turn works as a defense against hydrogen ions (H +). In the so-called carnosine synthesis, the pH of the muscles is maintained, thus protecting the muscles against acidification. This means that after an intense effort, such as in strength and endurance sports, the lactic acid level in the muscle increases and the lactic acid is thereby split into lactate and hydrogen ions (H +). As a result of increasing lactic acid levels, too many hydrogen ions (H +) can be produced in the muscle and thus the pH value in the muscle decreases. You then feel the familiar "burning" in the muscle. Ultimately, beta alanine has a very positive effect on the pH in the muscles and ensures that the muscles can be powerfully tense. In addition, beta alanine is a building block for vitamin B5 and thus involved in the assembly and breakdown of macronutrients proteins, carbohydrates and fats. As a component of Coenzyme A it equally supports the metabolism. The body absorbs a large part of beta alanine via food. Especially in animal protein are the substances carnosine and anserine. For example, pig and beef contain large quantities of carnosine. Anserin, however, is contained in tuna, for example. By one-sided diet, diet or a vegetarian / vegan lifestyle, however, is not enough beta alanine fed through the diet. To protect the muscles against acidification and to do more repetitions during training, an additional intake of beta alanine on supplements is therefore recommended. As a natural amino acid, beta alanine supplementation has no side effects. The additional intake one feels more or less an effect in the form of tingling, for example on the lips or under the skin. For many bodybuilders, this tingling sensation is a sign of Beta Alanine's mode of action and is therefore associated with a motivational boost. If you feel the tingling sensation, the active ingredient has been used and you are able to increase your repetition rate and thus can train more intensively.
