Optimum Nutrition Beta-Alanine Powder
Improves lactic acid buffering
Supports the production of a muscle-specific antioxidant
Improves hydration
Optimum Nutrition Beta-Alanine Powder is primarily composed of the non-essential amino acid called Beta-Alanine, at 1.6g per scoop, and also contains L-Histidine at 550mg per scoop. Beta-Alanine is the rate-limiting precursor to an important dipeptide called Carnosine, that we naturally manufacture in skeletal muscle tissue. It is termed a rate-limiting precursor because this biochemical pathway, which ends in Carnosine synthesis, can be somewhat slowed down due to the availability of this important amino acid. Therefore, supplementing with a rate-limiting precursor can support an evener flow of production, just like an assembly line may be slowed if a valuable production worker had one hand tied behind their back.
Carnosine has been shown to buffer lactic acid, and may, therefore, be useful for those performing an aerobic exercise or weight lifters working in higher repetition ranges. This is due to the fact that oxygen delivery to the muscle is never optimal in these situations, and lactate or lactic acid is produced as pyruvate can not be converted to Acetyl-CoA, which then goes on to support the flow of the Citric Acid Cycle (Kreb’s Cycle). Carnosine is also a noted skeletal muscle antioxidant and may help to mop up free-radical damage during aerobic and high repetition weight training.
L-Histidine is the other amino acid that makes up the dipeptide (two-amino-acid-containing) L-Carnosine. L-Histidine and Beta-Alanine are acted upon by an enzyme called Carnosine Synthase to produce Carnosine. ON Beta-Alanine Powder goes above and beyond your average Beta-Alanine supplement by providing you with both amino acids, just in case your dietary or supplemental L-Histidine levels are not adequate. Additionally, electrolytes Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium are included to support hydration. Malic acid has been added as an excipient, though it is believed to be therapeutically active, and may assist in the functioning of the Citric Acid Cycle, involved in ATP or energy production, as it is a constituent of this cycle.
How to Use Optimum Nutrition Beta-Alanine Powder
Mix 1-2 scoops in water and consume 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
Beta Alanine Powder May be Used for:
lactic acid muscle burn; excessive delayed-onset-muscle-soreness; dehydration; aerobic exercise capacity
Optimum Nutrition Beta-Alanine Powder is Great for:
Recreational trainers, athletes, and sports enthusiasts; muscle soreness during and/or after training (not related to low repetition muscle micro-tears); subjective muscle fatigue; fibromyalgia.
Ingredients:
Each Scoop of ON Beta-Alanine Powder Contains:
*Phosphorus (as dimagnesium phosphate, monosodium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate) 70mg
*Magnesium (as dimagnesium phosphate) 15mg
*Sodium (as monosodium phosphate) 20mg
*Potassium (as dipotassium phosphate) 55mg
*Beta-Alanine 1.6g
*L-Histidine 550mg
Other Ingredients: Malic Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavours, Silicon Dioxide, Citric Acid, Beet Powder, Tartaric Acid, Sucralose, FD&C Yellow #5 and FD&C Yellow #6
More information on Beta-Alanine Powder
Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid that comes into the body through foods that are rich in protein. The performance-enhancing aspect of beta-alanine (BA) is due to its ability to increase intra-muscular levels of carnosine. Increasing beta-alanine through supplementation may raise carnosine levels by over 60 percent in as quickly as four weeks.[6]
This is significant because during high-intensity exercise, our bodies accumulate a large amount of hydrogen ions, which cause the blood pH to drop. This acidification can cause severe fatigue, decrease muscle performance, and shorten the time to muscular failure. What people chalk up to lactic acid is actually usually happening from hydrogen.
Beta-alanine is thought to “buffer” these ions, delaying the buildup in the blood and allowing you to knock out a few more reps, last longer in your workout, and increase your gains over the long term.
Benefits of Beta-Alanine Supplementation
Delayed fatigue during intense training[7]
Increased total training volume[7]
Improved power production[8]
Increased muscle building[9]
Improved endurance during hard training[10]
Increases effectiveness of creatine, and vice versa[11,12]
Recommended Dose: 4-6 grams per day. Beta-alanine has to be taken regularly to be effective, so don’t trust your pre-workout to give you everything you need. Consider taking it in smaller doses throughout the day to reduce the harmless skin-tingling sensation that can accompany higher doses.
