Beta-Alanine: Bogus Ineffective Supplement Save Your Money

With literally hundreds of different supplements available and so many that are based on bogus claims and ridiculous hype, it’s almost impossible to find even one that delivers results. In my opinion after using the supplement Beta-Alaine for over 2 months along with my own unbiased research you can now add Beta Alanine to the over hyped bogus supplement list.

What is Beta-Alanine and where do we get it?

Beta-Alanine is a non-essential amino acid and is the only naturally occurring beta-amino acid. Beta- alanine is classified as a non-proteinogenic amino acid, as it is not believed to be used in the building of proteins.

The greatest natural dietary sources of beta-alanine are believed to be obtained through ingesting the beta-alanine containing dipeptides: carnosine, anserine and balenine, rather than directly ingesting beta-alanine. These dipeptides are found in protein rich foods such as chicken, beef, pork and fish. Of course, it can also be ingested through direct supplementation which is the focus of this article.

Below is a list of the supposed benefits (bogus dont believe it) from beta-alanine, supported by peer-reviewed university research, (again more b.s.) published in reputable science journals.

Benefits of Beta-Alanine as supported by scientific studies:

• Increase Muscular Strength & Power Output.
• Increases Muscle Mass.
• Increase Anaerobic Endurance.
• Increases Aerobic Endurance.
• Delay Muscular Fatigue- Train Harder & Longer.

Who can benefit from beta-alanine?

1. Weight lifters & Bodybuilders.
2. High Intensity Cross Trained Athletes, MMA Fighters and sport specific training that require both strength and endurance.
3. Runners, Cyclists, soccer players, hockey players.
4. Active individuals who have reached a training plateau and are looking for something to take them to the next level.
5. Men and women.

What causes our muscles to lose strength,power and endurance during intense exercise?

When we exercise, especially when it’s high intensity exercise, our bodies accumulate a large amount of hydrogen ions (H+), causing our muscles pH to drop (become more acidic). This process is occurring whether you feel a burn or not.

How does beta-alanine work?

Much of Beta-Alanine’s effects come through boosting the synthesis of an intramuscular dipeptide (two amino acids) called carnosine. To function effectively, muscle cells rely on carnosine to avoid becoming acidic (low pH) during exercise. If you want your muscles to remain strong and maintain powerful contractions, they need to be in an optimal pH range. If your muscles don’t and the pH drops below that optimal range you have significantly less strength and fatigue quicker.

You know this is happening when you feel that familiar burn in your muscles or even when you’re lifting heavy and reach muscular failure. Muscle pH has dropped and it’s largely a result of an increase in hydrogen ions (H+) which build up when you break down the high energy compound ATP during exercise.

The breakdown of ATP and the subsequent rise in H+ concentrations occurs in our all of our energy systems but is most prevalent in an energy system called glycolysis which also produces lactic acid. Lactic acid releases H+ ions, contributing further to the pool of H+ that’s filling your muscles from the breakdown of ATP.

This is where Beta Alanine comes in supposedly. Beta Alanine if it works supposed to keep your ph levels in optimal levels so you can push out more reps!! If you had more carnosine in your muscles you would. When excess H+ are released and build up at a rapid rate from exercise, muscular pH drops fast. Your body’s natural carnosine levels become overwhelmed and your energy and endurance decline rapidly and your strength suffers.