Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-Alanine
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Alpha-Alanine (often referred to as beta-alanine in the context of exercise aids; alpha-alanine is a structural isomer and is not commonly used in supplements), is an amino acid found in proteins, but it is beta-alanine that is widely recognized for its athletic performance benefits. Beta-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine levels, which helps buffer acid in muscles, thereby reducing fatigue and improving exercise performance, particularly during high-intensity activities. Multiple high-quality, peer-reviewed studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that beta-alanine supplementation can enhance performance in activities lasting 1-4 minutes, such as sprinting or rowing. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) considers beta-alanine to be an effective ergogenic aid for such uses.
However, alpha-alanine itself is not specifically supported by the literature for use as an exercise aid, and most references to “alanine” in the context of athletic supplementation actually pertain to beta-alanine. If the ingredient in question is truly alpha-alanine, there is little to no direct evidence for its effectiveness in exercise performance. The score and justification above pertain to the widespread scientific evidence for beta-alanine, as alpha-alanine is not recognized for this use.
For athletic and exercise support, beta-alanine is among the most scientifically validated amino acid supplements, but alpha-alanine should not be conflated with it.
More about Alpha-Alanine
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Alpha-Alanine
Athletic and Exercise AidsBody Building
Endurance (lack of)
Exercise