4 replies to this topic

[smithx]

Beta-alanine is the rate-limiting precursor for production of carnosine in muscle tissue.
http://en.wikipedia....ki/Beta-alanine

Carnosine scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as alpha-beta unsaturated aldehydes formed from peroxidation of cell membrane fatty acids during oxidative stress. It can oppose glycation and it can chelate divalent metal ions. Chronic glycolysis is suspected to accelerate aging. (From http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Carnosine).

Intra-muscular carnosine appears to improve muscle function:

http://www.springerl...50832pg4v12218/
Subjects undertook a cycle capacity test to determine total work done (TWD)... 4 wks β-alanine supplementation resulted in a significant increase in TWD (+13.0%); with a further +3.2% increase at 10 wks. TWD was unchanged at 4 and 10 wks in the control subjects. The increase in TWD with supplementation followed the increase in muscle carnosine.

I've been supplementing with carnosine for a while, but it's expensive.

So besides improving muscle function (which I'd like to do), beta-alanine might also give me the benefits of carnosine at a lower price. But then there's this:

Beta-alanine, provided in solution or as powder in gelatine capsules, however, causes paraesthesia when ingested in amounts above 10 mg per kg body weight (bwt).

That sounds bad, and makes me wonder if lower doses could be causing some nerve damage or other problem that could show up in time.

Thoughs? Facts?

[4eva]

That reaction is like a niacin flush but not as intense.

Beta alanine also effects histidine levels. Histidine is what causes that mild tingling sensation.

This is nothing to worry about.

[pycnogenol]

Beta-alanine and protein folding:

The Origami of Aging: How Small Molecules Help Maintain Proper
Protein Folding for Better Health and Longevity

http://www.life-enha...ate.asp?id=2006

Edited by pycnogenol, 06 November 2008 - 04:38 PM.

[wydell]

I have migrated to Beta Alanine. The suggested doses seem high when comparing them to the standard carnosine suggested doses. NOW brand recommends 2 grams up to 4 to 6 times a day. I think I will just stick with 2 grams for the entire day.

Also, was there ever any consensus on the negative effect that carnosine could have on taurine and copper levels. My guess is the same negative effect might apply to Beta-alanine.

[wydell]

http://www.lef.org/w...mproves-fitness

"Sports supplement improves fitness in older individuals

An article published online on November 7 2008 in BioMed Central's Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition provides evidence that beta-alanine, a dietary supplement used by athletes, improves fitness in older men and women."