I have been taking 4-6 grams/day of beta alanine for the last six weeks with very good results. Beta alanine is an amino acid which is popular among bodybuilders for its purported ability to "decrease fatigue and increase total muscular work done." (Source) The main effects for me have been
There are some possible side effects.
How is beta alanine working? It seems likely it is working through GABA receptors and perhaps by lowering glutamate.
"Beta-alanine appears to act via glycine and GABAA receptors (like taurine[84]) with comparable efficacy to glycine and GABA themselves" (Source)
Beta alanine is the rate limiting precursor in carnosine synthesis. Beta alanine supplementation increases carnosine levels in muscle and possibly in the brain (There seems to be conflicting evidence on this last point) . "Carnosine increases GABA, reduces glutamate and increases nervous system transporters (GLT1 & EAAC1)" (Source)
The last two source links explain, much better than I can, the possible effects and mechanisms of beta alanine/carnosine supplementation. Of note however, is carnosine's ability to buffer muscular acidity which may be relevant to PWME.
- Near complete absence of noise sensitivity
- No longer easily agitated/irritated
- Improvement in mood
There are some possible side effects.
- Paresthesia - Very common. Similar to a niacin flush. Most people do not find this too disconcerting and some actually enjoy it.
- Stomach upset - Not extremely common, but a significant number of people report this side effect. Smaller more frequent dosing and dosing with food can help. It is also wise to start with 500mg or less in case this problem arises.
- Insomnia - a couple people I'm in contact with reported insomnia after starting beta alanine. This may be coincidental though.
How is beta alanine working? It seems likely it is working through GABA receptors and perhaps by lowering glutamate.
"Beta-alanine appears to act via glycine and GABAA receptors (like taurine[84]) with comparable efficacy to glycine and GABA themselves" (Source)
Beta alanine is the rate limiting precursor in carnosine synthesis. Beta alanine supplementation increases carnosine levels in muscle and possibly in the brain (There seems to be conflicting evidence on this last point) . "Carnosine increases GABA, reduces glutamate and increases nervous system transporters (GLT1 & EAAC1)" (Source)
The last two source links explain, much better than I can, the possible effects and mechanisms of beta alanine/carnosine supplementation. Of note however, is carnosine's ability to buffer muscular acidity which may be relevant to PWME.
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