What is alanine used for

Alanine may help treat diabetes. This is because it helps the body use glucose. It helps prevent low blood sugar hypoglycemia. Amino acids are available as single amino acids or in amino-acid combinations.

The forms they come in include tablets, fluids, and powders. If you eat enough protein in your diet, you should be getting all the amino acids you need. Using a single amino acid supplement may lead to negative nitrogen balance. Anyone with diabetes should work with their doctor to monitor their blood sugar levels before taking alanine supplements.

Always read dosage directions carefully when starting any new supplement, including amino acids. Taking high doses of amino acids can possibly cause digestive issues, skin itchiness and tingling, and be hard for the kidneys and liver to process. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world What Is Alanine? More Nutrition Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr. Axe on Twitter 13 Dr.

Axe on Instagram Dr. Axe on Google Plus Dr. Axe on Youtube Dr. Read More. Axe on Twitter 5 Dr. Axe on Facebook 7 Dr. Axe on Twitter 1 Dr. Are there really foods that make you taller and foods that make Axe on Facebook 19 Dr. Protein is incredibly important when it comes to your health. It makes View All. Most Popular Nutrition. However, humans studies are needed. The antioxidant benefits of carnosine include neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress 23 , 24 , Moreover, test-tube studies suggest that carnosine elevates nitric oxide production.

This may help fight the aging process and improve heart health Lastly, carnosine may increase the quality and function of muscles in older adults 16 , Carnosine has antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties. It also benefits muscle function in older adults. The top food sources of beta-alanine are meat, poultry and fish. It is a part of larger compounds — mainly carnosine and anserine — but breaks free when they are digested.

Although most people can get sufficient amounts of beta-alanine from their diet, supplements raise its levels even further. The standard dosage of beta-alanine is 2—5 grams daily Consuming beta-alanine with a meal can further increase carnosine levels Beta-alanine supplements seem to be better at replenishing muscle carnosine levels than taking carnosine itself It is generally recommended to consume 2—5 grams of beta-alanine daily.

Taking it with a meal may be even more effective. The intensity of this tingling increases with dosage size. It can be avoided by taking small doses — around mg at a time 3. There is no evidence that paraesthesia is harmful in any way Another possible side effect is a decline in taurine levels. This is because beta-alanine can compete against taurine for absorption in your muscles.

Side effects include tingling and decreases in taurine. The data is limited, but beta-alanine seems safe for healthy individuals. Beta-alanine is often combined with other supplements, including sodium bicarbonate and creatine. Sodium bicarbonate , or baking soda, enhances exercise performance by reducing acid in your blood and muscles 3.

The results suggest some benefits from combining the two supplements — especially during exercises in which muscle acidosis inhibits performance 33 , Creatine helps high-intensity exercise performance by increasing ATP availability. When used together, creatine and beta-alanine have been shown to benefit exercise performance, strength and lean muscle mass 35 , 36 , Beta-alanine may be even more effective when combined with supplements like sodium bicarbonate or creatine.

It also has antioxidant , immune-enhancing and anti-aging properties. You can get beta-alanine from foods that contain carnosine or through supplements. The recommended dose is 2—5 grams daily.