β-Alanine:Functions, Synthesis, Dosage and Safety

β-Alanine is one of only a few naturally occurring β-amino acids endogenous to humans and mammals (with taurine being the most studied). Despite not being used in the synthesis of any protein or enzyme, β-alanine does exhibit physiological significance. β-Alanine occurs within the human central nervous system (CNS) and some authors have suggested that it functions probably as a neuromodulator or perhaps even a neurotransmitter.

Functions

β-Alanine is rapidly developing as one of the most popular sport supplements used by strength/power athletes worldwide. The popularity of A-alanine stems from its unique ability to enhance intramuscular buffering capacity and thereby attenuating fatigue.^[1]

Synthesis

β-Alanine can be produced from the pyrimidine metabolic cycle through the degradation of uracil and thymine . Both uracil and thymine are reduced to dihydro derivatives that are hydrolyzed to produce b-ureido compounds (Traut and Loechel, 1984); these intermediates then undergo further hydrolysis yielding specific b-amino acids. The metabolism of uracil results in b-alanine while thymine metabolism produces b-aminoisobu tyric acid.^[2]

Dosage

Recent studies have examined the use of time-release capsule technology and have demonstrated that dosages of 1.6 g per ingestion four times per day also can be consumed without any adverse effects and result in a 40% increase in muscle carnosine concentrations. This latter method appears to be a more practical dosing pattern that has slower absorption kinetics, improved whole-body retention, and sensory side effects that cannot be differ entiated from placebo.

Safety

Beta-alanine is possibly safe when used short-term. A specific commercial product (CarnoSyn, Natural Alternatives International) has been used safely for up to 12 weeks. High doses can cause flushing and tingling. Taking a tablet instead of drinking a solution made from beta-alanine powder might reduce these side effects.

References

[1] Hoffman, Jay R. PhD, FACSM;; Emerson, Nadia S. BS;; Stout, Jeffrey R. PhD. β-Alanine Supplementation. Current Sports Medicine Reports 11(4):p 189-195, July/August 2012. | DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e3182604983

[2] K.E. TIEDJE . β-Alanine as a small molecule neurotransmitter[J]. Neurochemistry international, 2010, 57 3: Pages 177-188. DOI:10.1016/j.neuint.2010.06.001.

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