There’s very little question that, when it comes to pre workout supplements, most strength and fitness coaches agree that beta-alanine is an exceedingly effective amino acid when it is included. It is highly-prized as fuel for elevated athletic and gym performance; and many athletes can attest to this.
With that said, it is also understood that the itchy side-effects can be hard to avoid. Although this poses no danger whatsoever, it can be uncomfortable having to scratch in the middle of a set. In this article, we aim to show you why beta-alanine causes this itch (niacin does, too), and what you can do to help combat it. Let’s dive in.
How Does Beta-Alanine Work in Pre-Workout Supplements?
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is produced naturally in the body and can also be found in foods such as meat and fish. It has been shown to improve exercise performance, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue by increasing the production of carnosine, a compound that helps to buffer acid in muscles and improve muscle function.
What About Niacin in Pre-Workout Powders?
Niacin, also known as vitamin B-12, is another ingredient found in many pre workout supplements. It is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. Niacin can also help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. However, like beta-alanine, niacin can also cause a tingling sensation in some people. This is because niacin increases blood flow to the skin, which can lead to tingling or itching.
Beta-Alanine and Niacin Effects in Pre-Workouts
Do you experience a tingling sensation when you take pre-workout powders or supplements? If so, you’re not alone. This tingling feeling is caused by beta-alanine and niacin, two ingredients found in many pre-workout supplements. While the tingling feeling may be unpleasant for some people, there are ways to reduce it. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of this sensation and ways to reduce it. We will also explore the contents of popular pre-workout powders and their side effects.
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. It is also known as vitamin B-12 or nicotinic acid. Niacin is part of the family of B vitamins, which are all essential for different aspects of health.
Niacin is a fairly common ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It is often included in these products for its purported benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving blood flow. However, like beta-alanine, niacin can also cause a tingling sensation in some people.
Short Summary of How Beta-Alanine Works
- Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is produced naturally in the body.
- It is also found in foods such as meat and fish.
- Beta-alanine has been shown to improve exercise performance, increase muscle mass, and reduce fatigue.
- It does this by increasing the production of carnosine, a compound that helps to buffer acid in muscles and improve muscle function.
- Beta-alanine is a popular ingredient in pre-workout supplements due to its purported benefits. However, it can cause a tingling sensation in some people. This is because beta-alanine increases nerve activity, which can lead to tingling or itching.
Reducing the Tingling Sensation
There are a few ways to reduce the tingling sensation caused by beta-alanine and niacin. First, you can take smaller doses of these ingredients. Start with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase it until you find a dose that doesn’t cause any discomfort. You can also take these ingredients with food or after a meal to help reduce the tingling sensation. Finally, you can try taking a pre workout supplement that doesn’t contain beta-alanine or niacin. There are many pre-workout powders on the market that don’t contain these ingredients, so you should be able to find one that works for you.
In conclusion, the tingling sensation caused by beta-alanine and niacin is harmless and generally goes away after a few minutes. However, if you find it uncomfortable, there are ways to reduce it. Try taking smaller doses of these ingredients or take them with food. You can also try a pre workout powder that doesn’t contain beta-alanine or niacin. Experiment until you find a method that works for you.
Ways to Reduce the Tingling Sensation Caused by Beta-Alanine and Niacin
- Drink plenty of water: This will help to flush out the beta-alanine and niacin from your system and reduce the tingling sensation.
- Take a break from pre-workout supplements: If you’re taking pre-workout supplements on a daily basis, try taking a break from them and spreading out the frequency to once every 2-3 days or so.
If you experience a tingling sensation after taking pre-workout with beta-alanine, don’t worry – it is harmless and will go away on its own. There are also ways to reduce the sensation. Taking pre-workout with food can help to reduce the tingling feeling. You can also try taking a smaller dose of beta-alanine or using a topical cream with beta-alanine. If you still experience discomfort, you can discontinue use of pre-workout with beta-alanine. Niacin, or vitamin B12, is another ingredient in pre-workout supplements that can cause a tingling sensation.
Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that is found in food and produced naturally in the body. It is necessary for energy metabolism, nervous system function, and cell growth. Niacin is also used to treat niacin deficiency and high cholesterol. Like beta-alanine, niacin can cause a tingling sensation because it increases nerve activity. The tingling feeling from niacin is usually harmless and will go away on its own. However, if you experience severe discomfort, you should discontinue use of pre-workout with niacin and consult a doctor.
How Long Can You Expect the Tingling Itch to Persist?
The tingling sensation from beta-alanine typically lasts for about an hour. However, it can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience the sensation for a few minutes, while others may feel it for several hours. The tingling feeling from niacin is usually harmless and will go away on its own. However, if you experience severe discomfort, you should discontinue use of pre-workout with niacin and consult a doctor. Keep in mind, too, that there are other options in pre-workout powders and supplements that can simulate the effects of niacin; search for these if lowering the dose and frequency of your current pre-workout doesn’t reduce the tingling.