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Beta-alanine is a beta amino acid that bonds with histidine to form carnosine. Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino, meaning the human body can biosynthesize it.
Now Beta Alanine products provide 100% pure CarnoSyn® beta-alanine. It raises carnosine levels more than supplementing with carnosine itself. Reviews of clinical tests show that Now Beta Alanine increases carnosine concentrations inside the muscles.
Now Sports Beta Alanine supplements are available in 500 mg, 750 mg and 1000 mg dosages per serving. These supplements are marketed for the purposes of supporting muscular endurance and delaying muscular fatigue.
The manufacturer is NAI (Natural Alternatives International, Inc). NAI owns the CarnoSyn® trademark. According to the website, CarnoSyn is a formulation of beta-alanine that has been used in 55 clinical trials which explored the roles of beta-alanine in the body. The website provides links to all of these clinical studies.
Body- building
Pre- Workout
Stamina- Supports muscle growth & workout performance
- Improves athletic stamina & power output
- Increases muscle carnosine levels
NOW Beta Alanine Review
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NOW Beta Alanine with CarnoSyn is used to increase intramuscular levels of carnosine, which can contribute to increased athletic stamina.
Carnosine is called a dipeptide; a compound comprised of two amino acids. It is important for humans, in part, because it buffers hydrogen ions which accumulate in muscle tissues during intense physical activity bouts. This helps to maintain optimal intramuscular pH levels.
NOW Beta Alanine is promoted as more effective for boosting carnosine levels than if you were to take L-carnosine capsules themselves. This is because carnosine exhibits low oral bioavailability.
CarnoSyn® beta-alanine is marketed as being “highly bioavailable”. This registered brand of dietary supplements is protected by several global patents.
The CarnoSyn® website lists supported claims about Now Sports Beta Alanine supplements as follows:
- Enhances the buffering capacities of muscles;
- Improves overall muscular performance;
- Raises carnosine levels inside muscles;
- Raises working capacities of muscles;
- Delays fatigue during workouts;
- Improves muscular endurance;
- Decreases muscular acidosis;
- Enhances exercise training;
- Increases muscle strength;
Now Beta Alanine supplements are claimed to contain zero banned substances and are safe for competitive athletes.
Now Beta Alanine Dosages
NAI suggests that NOW Beta Alanine supplements should be used three or four times every day for best results. Each serving should contain 2 grams (½ teaspoon) of the product mixed into 8 ounces of purified water or other beverage.
Users should wait at least 2 hours in between doses. Beta Alanine can cause a “tingling” sensation when used at high doses. To avoid this, use smaller doses more frequently during the day, or take a sustained release form of this supplement like CarnoSyn SR.
According to the manufacturers, CarnoSyn requires a loading period of about two weeks before results will become noticeable. This loading period is necessary for levels of carnosine to build up in the body.
Now Sports Beta Alanine supplements contain only CarnoSyn® beta-alanine. There are no other ingredients. These products are safe for vegan use. They should be stored where it is cool and dry.
CarnoSyn® beta-alanine is a branded ingredient. It is included in various supplements which use beta-alanine as an ingredient.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that there are 547 products available that contain beta-alanine. Not all of these include CarnoSyn®, which has been standardized and is formulation to a higher quality standard than many other generic supplements.
Top Beta Alaninine Supplements
Now Sports Beta Alanine User Reviews
Now Beta Alanine user reviews on several reputable websites are favorable. On Amazon, 77% of users rated Now Beta Alanine 500 mg tablets 5 of 5 possible stars. Another 13% rated it with 4 of 5 stars. Only 10% of users rated it with either 1, 2 or 3 stars.
User reviews commonly refer to increased energy and endurance. Some users also cite the lasting muscular pumps they achieve when using this supplement. Rare negative reviews most commonly refer to cases of diarrhea and/or stomach upset.
Now Beta Alanine Safety
NMCD states that beta-alanine, including the CarnoSyn® formulation of beta-alanine, is possibly safe for proper oral use in the short term.
In younger adults, it has been used with apparent safety in daily doses of 6.4 grams over 10 weeks. In adults over 55 years of age, 2.4-gram daily doses have been used safely for as long as 90 consecutive days.
There is insufficient evidence concerning the safety of beta-alanine supplements for pregnant and nursing women. Usage should be avoided in these groups without a doctor’s permission and supervision.
- Supports muscle growth and workout performance
- Improve athletic stamina and power output
- Better bio-availability than L-Carnosine
Beta Alanine Side Effects
The only adverse effects of beta alanine is a temporary condition called transient paresthesia. This is marked by flushing, itching, tingling and “crawling” of the skin. In most cases, it begins in the scalp and progresses through the rest of the body.
Many people call this side effect “beta-alanine tingling”. Some users enjoy the feeling and state that it makes them feel that they purchased a quality product. Other users state that the paresthesia they experience is too much for them handle.
Transient paresthesia associated with using Now Beta Alanine products, like all cases of transient paresthesia, seems to be completely harmless. The condition passes on its own with no intervention necessary.
Paresthesia from beta alanine seems to be dose dependent. It can be severe in doses equal to or exceeding 40 mg per kg of bodyweight. It is more tolerable at 20 mg/kg doses and quite mild with 10 mg/kg doses.
Some users take as many as 8 doses daily to get the desired amount and to prevent paresthesia. Using a sustained release formulation of beta-alanine can also help.
Conclusions
Beta-alanine supplementation effectively elevates carnosine levels inside muscle tissues.
This is important to people who want to improve their physical performance because it helps to maintain proper acid balance in muscle tissues. Properly balanced intramuscular pH is important for endurance, strength and stamina.
CarnoSyn® is not necessarily the best beta alanine supplement, but it is the one that has undergone the most clinical scrutiny. User reviews and some research indicates this supplement may be beneficial for athletes and others who desire enhanced physicality.
One 2014 beta-alanine review concluded that it is effective for enhancing certain athletic performance markers in both trained and untrained athletes.
As with all dietary supplements, it is always best to speak to your doctor before beginning usage. Let your doctor know about your health history and any medications or herbs you use.
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