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What is Beta Alanine?

Beta Alanine is a non essential amino acid. We can get naturally occurring beta alanine in our diets mainly from meats such as chicken, beef or pork. However the amount ingested is pretty small, and so the supplement can be used to boost this.

What are the benefits of Beta Alanine?

  • Increase strength & power output
  • Increase aerobic endurance
  • Increase anaerobic endurance
  • Delay muscle fatigue – Train harder, for longer.

When we exercise at a high intensity we build up a large amount of hydrogen ions, causing our muscles to become acidic. People often think the burning sensation we feel in our muscles during intense exercise is lactic acid, it is in fact the released hydrogen ions from the lactic acid that cause the muscular performance problems.

As the pH drops this in turn causes muscle strength to decrease and therefore causes fatigue to occur faster. And this is where Beta Alanine comes in; a supplement to fight the fatigue.

However it is not that simple. The performance benefits don’t actually come directly from Beta Alanine. It is infact from Beta Alanine’s ability to boost the synthesis of carnosine. And carnosine is the key factor here- it is our buffer. By this we mean, carnosine has the ability to soak up all the hydrogen ions produced and help bring pH levels back to normal and therefore allow you to keep your exercise intensity up.

How much do I need to use?
We recommend 4g of Beta Alanine per day but split into 2 x 2g servings. The idea is to slowly load the amount of beta alanine in your system. It can take 3-4 weeks to feel the results (although some may feel the benefits straight away), so if aiming for a specific event, start taking the product in advance.

Are there any side effects?
It needs to be noted when using beta alanine it is common to experience a slight tingling sensation on the skin. Don’t worry this has no long term effects; but it is the main reason to take small doses that are spread out to help alleviate this discomfort.

OTE has 100% premium grade Beta Alanine which is perfect for using to load up for a specific event or intense period of racing.

 

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