How Long Does Beta Alanine Tingling (Paresthesia) Last?

Why does taking a high dose of beta alanine powder result in a tingling sensation? The medical name for this sensation is paresthesia, also commonly referred to as “pins and needles”. It is what you experience when one of your extremities “falls asleep”.

Some users experience this type of paresthesia when they take an excessive amount of beta alanine in a single dose. This is normally associated with single doses of more than 800 mg.

The tingling caused by beta alanine is harmless and passes quickly; normally within an hour and a half or so. Symptoms abate as plasma levels of beta alanine decrease.

Some users report enjoying the paresthesia sensation as they feel it is a sign that the supplement is actively functioning in their bodies. To avoid tingling from beta alanine, use a smaller dosage or take a supplement designed for extended release, such as SR CarnoSyn.

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Uses for Beta Alanine Supplements

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that pure beta alanine powder and capsules are used for the following purposes:

• Improving physical functioning in the elderly;
• Improving exercise capacity;
• Improving athletic performance;
• Increasing lean muscle mass;

Pure beta alanine supplements are used by athletes and other people who want to decrease muscular fatigue, increase endurance and improve their abilities to endure sustained physical activities at a high intensity.

Beta Alanine and Tingling

Paresthesia includes the possibility of several different sensations. It is commonly associated with tingling, itching, burning, numbness, coldness, tickling and the like.

It also includes the possibility of a rarer condition called formication: the feeling of insects crawling just under the flesh.

The Greek origin of the term “paresthesia” translates roughly to “abnormal sensation”. There are several types of paresthesia: transient, chronic, acroparesthesia and dentistry-induced (anesthesia) paresthesia. Beta alanine tingling is a type of transient (short-term) paresthesia.

Transient paresthesia commonly occurs in the hands, arms, feet and legs, but can affect all body areas. One of the shortest-lasting types of paresthesia occurs when the ulnar nerve in the arm is tweaked with sudden pressure.

The ulnar nerve is commonly called the “funny bone”. The “electric shock” paresthesia resulting in this manner often passes within 10 to 15 seconds.

What Causes Short-Term Paresthesia?

What causes the tingling sensation associated with high doses of beta alanine?

Other symptoms similar to beta alanine tingling can result when nerves are pinched in other body areas. For instance, head-based transient paresthesia may result from jerking the head suddenly and aggravating a small muscle in the neck.

This is a common occurrence in the elderly and is called Lhermitte’s sign. Those affected report feeling of “electricity” running down their heads, necks and into the limbs. This condition is commonly associated with MS (multiple sclerosis), but can also be caused by various stimuli.

Transient paresthesia like that resulting from beta alanine tingling is most likely caused by restricted nervous impulses.

In other cases, this results from placing pressure on one area for too long. For instance, leaning on your forearms on a desk and taking a nap may cause “pins and needles” upon awakening. This type of paresthesia is called obdormition.

Other possible causes for transient paresthesia include panic attacks, cold sores, herpes simplex ii, hyperventilation syndrome, whiplash, transient ischemic attacks, shingles (Varicella zoster virus) outbreaks, insufficient blood supply, dehydration and certain others.

Does Beta Alanine Cause Chronic Paresthesia?

Beta alanine tingling in not chronic paresthesia. Chronic paresthesia is commonly caused by poor circulation of blood and/or neuronal dysfunction. This serious type of paresthesia may also be the result of the following:

• Chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments;
• Metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus;
• Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism;
• Arterial plaque deposits/atherosclerosis;
• Excessive anxiety and/or chronic stress;
• Vitamin deficiency/malnutrition;
• Inflamed tissue/irritated nerves;
• Peripheral vascular disease;
• Prescription and illicit drugs;

The above list of chronic paresthesia causes is not comprehensive. Other causes exist. If you believe you have chronic (long-lasting) paresthesia, then you should consult with a doctor to explore your treatment options.

Treatment for Beta Alanine Tingling

No treatment is necessary for beta alanine tingling. Symptoms diminish to zero along with the amount of BA in the system. However, there are methods for avoiding the paresthesia altogether.

Some users divide daily dosages into several smaller doses of roughly 1.6 grams per serving. Smaller amounts ingested more frequently are not likely to cause paresthesia.

Alternately, there are sustained release beta alanine supplements available. These slow down the amount of BA that enters the system at one time, thereby avoiding the onset of transient paresthesia.

One example is the proprietary formulation sold under the name SR CarnoSyn. This sustained release product provides a higher dosage of beta-alanine that gets absorbed into the body over a longer period of time.

By preventing too much beta-alanine from being released into the bloodstream all at once, tingling sensations are largely mitigated.

Safety of Beta Alanine Supplements

Pure beta alanine is well tolerated in most users, despite the common experience of tingling. It is rated as “possibly safe” for appropriate short-term usage.

In younger adults, as much as 6.4 grams daily have been used for 10 weeks without side effects besides transient paresthesia. In adults over 55 years of age, 2.4 grams have been used daily for as long as 90 days with no negative effects reported.

Although beta alanine is a natural substance, supplementation may not be safe for all people equally. If you have pre-existing health conditions, or take certain prescription pharmaceuticals and/or herbal supplements, then you should seek medical advice before initiating a beta alanine supplementation protocol.

While beta alanine tingling may not be of serious concern to you, possibilities for adverse effects exist.

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