- Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients) ( 2005 ) /10 Protein and Amino Acids National Academic Press
- L-alanine PubChem
- List of foods high and low in alanine US Department of Agriculture
- Beta-alanine WebMD
- Hobson RM et al, 2012, Effects of β-alanine supplementation on exercise performance: a meta-analysis PubMed Central
- Stout JR et al, 2008, The effect of beta-alanine supplementation on neuromuscular fatigue in elderly (55–92 Years): a double-blind randomized study PubMed Central
Alanine
What is alanine?
Alanine is a nonessential amino acid [1]. In can be produced from pyruvate–which is produced from glucose–in your body, so you do not need to get it from food in order to be healthy [2].
In foods, alanine is incorporated into proteins.
Alanine abbreviation (symbol): Ala
Alanine Functions in the Human Body
Alanine is [2]:
- A building block of proteins
- A glucogenic acid — it can be converted to glucose
- An energy source for brain, muscles
- Involved in sugar and amino acid metabolism
- Involved in immunity
Foods High in Alanine
- ANIMAL FOODS: meet, fish, cheese [3]
- PLANT FOODS: legumes, seeds and nuts [3]
Foods low in alanine: fruits, vegetables [3]
Alanine Supplements
Available nonprescription (over-the-counter) oral alanine supplements:
- L-alanine
- Beta-alanine
Beta-Alanine Health Benefits
Beta-alanine supplements are POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE in:
- Increasing athletic performance (by about 3%) in exercise lasting 1-4 minutes [4,5].
- Increasing exercise performance in elderly [4,6]
There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE [4] about the effectiveness of beta-alanine supplements in the prevention or treatment of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.
Alanine Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity
Beta-alanine supplements are POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in recommended doses [4].
Side effects may include flushing and tingling [4].
During Pregnancy
Not enough studies have been done about the safety of beta-alanine supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so women in these periods should avoid them.