Beta-alanine is an excellent compound for improving exercise performance. It produces carnosine which helps to reduce fatigue and increase endurance during workouts. However, beta-alanine causes an itching sensation, a harmless itch on your skin. The feeling can be unpleasant, and you’ll want to know how long it will last.
How long should the itching last?
The duration of the tingling effect varies depending on factors like dosage, individual sensitivity, and formulation of the supplement. But in general, beta-alanine itching sensation starts within 15 minutes of ingestion and lasts about 15 to 30 seconds. Most people will experience it within the first 10-20 minutes of ingesting, but it will go away after an hour.
But if the supplement had other ingredients like caffeine, the tingling effect may take longer.
The effect result in no cellular or tissue damage. The short-term paresthesia is a sign that the supplement is working. Most users will experience it when they take an excessive beta-alanine dose. So you need to know why does beta-alanine cause an itching sensation?
How does beta-alanine work?
Beta-alanine is beneficial in producing carnosine which acts as a buffer against lactic acid. Doing that delays mental fatigue and failure and increases endurance, which is ideal for athletes. Also, it leads to quicker recovery during injury and enhances overall athletic performance.
The most important benefits include:
- Increases muscle growth
- Improves athletic performance
- Enhances the production of carnosine to reduce fatigue
- Elevates muscle strength
- Boosts endurance
- Increases mental clarity and focus
The supplements will start working at least after two weeks. You’ll yield meaningful increases in muscle carnosine content, which will help you enjoy the above benefits.
Why does beta-alanine cause an itching effect?
Typically, beta-alanine itches because it interacts with nerve receptors in your skin. The nerve fibers are stimulated by the accumulation of carnosine in your body and can make them send signals to your brain.
Therefore, the intensity of the itching sensation is related to the concentration of carnosine. If you have a higher amount of carnosine, you will experience more symptoms. Research shows that beta-alanine activates the G-protein coupled receptors, transmitting signals to your central nervous system and skin.
Treatment for beta-alanine itching
No treatment is necessary for beta-alanine tingling as the effects vanish after some time. However, you can apply various techniques to avoid the paresthesia. You can split your daily dosages into smaller doses. A smaller amount that is ingested more frequently will have minimal chances of causing itching. Or you can reduce the amount of dosage to minimize tingling.
Alternatively, you can use the sustained-release version of beta-alanine supplements. The product slows the amount of beta-alanine entering your system at once, helping avoid the onset of paresthesia.
Safety of beta-alanine
Beta-alanine is compatible with the body systems of many users. There is a common experience of tingling, but the effect is harmless. However, it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant for many.
Additionally, seeking medical advice before supplementation is advisable if you have a pre-existing condition or are under medication.
Conclusion
An itching sensation is one of the major side effects of beta-alanine. The feeling is harmless but can be uncomfortable or ruin your activities. But as discussed above, it is temporary and will only last for a short period. After it has vanished, you’ll enjoy optimal outcomes of supplementation.
