Alanine

Alanine and Exercise Performance

Serious athletes know that supplements can provide that extra edge. If you're looking to enhance your workout recovery and results, alanine is one ingredient to have on your radar. Keep reading to understand why we've included it in our post-workout formulas and how alanine can benefit your fitness journey.

What is Alanine?

Alanine is an amino acid that plays several important roles in the body. Also known as 2-aminopropanoic acid, our bodies can produce this non-essential amino acid naturally. The term "alanine" refers to two types:

• L-Alanine - This left-handed form made in our bodies aids protein synthesis and energy production. Our supplements use L-alanine.
• D-Alanine - This right-handed mirror image is not used by humans but found in bacteria.

Structurally, alanine is the simplest amino acid, containing just a non-polar methyl group as its side chain. This makes it versatile in many biochemical processes.

We carefully source high-quality, lab-produced L-alanine for use in our post-workout formulas.

Why Do Athletes Use Alanine?

We include alanine in our recovery supplements because of its strengths in:

• Building muscle - Supports protein synthesis, leading to faster muscle repair and growth when combined with exercise.
• Boosts endurance - Alanine provides energy components during long workouts, leading to greater stamina.
• Aids hydration - Encourages water retention in muscle cells, combatting dehydration.
• Decreases fatigue - Allows muscle strength and power to be sustained for longer periods before fatigue sets in.
• Supports weight loss - Converts to glucose for fuel during workouts, enhancing calorie burn and fat loss.

With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why fitness buffs are fond of alanine supplements!

Is Alanine Safe?

We know safety is paramount when selecting sports supplements. You can trust alanine has a strong safety profile:

• GRAS status from the FDA
• Considered non-toxic even in large doses
• Very low allergy risk
• Rigorously tested in our facility

Of course, individual reactions are still possible. Introduce alanine slowly and cease use if any discomfort occurs. But overall, alanine presents very few health risks.

How Do Athletes Use Alanine?

Many athletes and bodybuilders use alanine supplements to amplify the effects of strength training. Reasons they may add alanine include:

• Post-Workout Recovery - The most popular time to take alanine is after cardio or muscle workouts. Dosages of 2-5 grams help rebuild tissue and restore energy levels.
• Pre-Workout Boost - Some also dose just before a workout to increase endurance during athletic activity. May stack with carbs.
• Muscle Growth - Long-term alanine supplementation combined with protein stimulates increased muscle mass over time.
• Rehydration - Alanine before or after activity helps shuttle water back into cells faster for quicker recovery.
• Energy Kick - The glucose producing effects of alanine serve as a pick-me-up before early morning or two-a-day training sessions.

Check the labels on our post-workout blends, protein powders, energy drinks, and pills for specific serving instructions.

What’s Better – L-Alanine or D-Alanine?

In the context of diet supplements, only L-Alanine provides benefits:

• L-Alanine - This left-handed form supports muscle recovery, energy levels, protein activity, and hydration.
• D-Alanine – This right-handed mirror image does not benefit the body. Some research suggests it may irritate skin if applied topically.

All alanine used in our formulas is high-purity L-alanine suitable for sports nutrition applications. It does not contain the ineffective D-alanine.

Is Alanine Vegan?

For those avoiding animal-derived products, you'll be glad to know our alanine comes from plant-based sources, not meat or dairy. We never use animal ingredients or test finished products on animals.

So vegan and vegetarian athletes can feel good about incorporating our alanine sports supplements into their training regimen.

FAQ About Alanine:

How much alanine should I take? Suggested dosages range between 2-5 grams per day. Spread intake before, during, or after workouts. Start low and increase slowly.

When is the best time to take alanine? Popular timing includes pre-workout, post-workout, and before bed to maximize muscle repair during sleep.

What other amino acids work well with alanine? Many stack alanine with taurine, glycine, glutamine, and citrulline malate in recovery blends.

Can too much alanine be harmful? Large amounts have the potential to cause nausea or headaches in sensitive individuals. Moderation is key.

Is alanine acidic or alkaline? Alanine displays a basic pH, meaning it shows alkaline properties rather than acidity.