If you are used to working out, you’ve taken beta-alanine supplements to enhance your efficiency. Moreover, you’ve probably experienced beta-alanine itches. These itches are tingling sensations on your arms, neck, and shoulders. In most cases, beta-alanine itches appear 15 minutes after taking supplements. The article below will provide all the necessary information you need to know about beta-alanine itches.
What is a Beta Alanine Itch?
Before delving further, let’s first understand what a beta-alanine itch is and why does beta-alanine cause an itching sensation. A beta-alanine itch is a tingling sensation on your skin when you consume beta-alanine supplements.
This sensation is believed to be caused by the activation of sensory nerve fibres in your skin by the excess hydrogen ions produced during beta-alanine breakdown into carnosine in the muscle tissue. However, the sensation is harmless, and it’s temporary.
Will an Itch last long?
The duration of the pins and needles sensation can vary based on individual experiences. It may last for a short period for some people, while others might endure it for up to an hour. Conversely, some people may not encounter this sensation at all. Mostly, the tingling feeling starts in the neck, shoulders, and arms approximately 15 minutes after taking the products. However, for most people, the sensation diminishes within half an hour.
Factors that Affect Itching
Although itching is not a common issue with many consumers, some experience it, and several factors can affect the level of itches. Below are excellent factors affecting the itching sensation after taking beta-alanine supplements.
- Dosage
Dosage is an essential factor determining the effects you will experience. It does not apply to beta-alanine but also to other kinds of supplements. The intensity and duration of itching sensations are typically dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses of beta-alanine can lead to more intense and prolonged paresthesia.
- Individual Sensitivity
Body reactions Differ significantly between individuals. Some people may be more sensitive to beta-alanine than others and may experience more intense itching even at lower doses.
- Time of Ingestion
It is impossible to experience effects immediately after taking your supplement. Therefore the timing of beta-alanine supplementation can influence the development of itching. Taking beta-alanine on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of experiencing paresthesia, while taking it with food may decrease the intensity of itching.
- Formulation
The formulation of beta-alanine supplements can also affect the likelihood of itching. Some formulations that contain additional ingredients, such as caffeine or niacin, may increase the intensity of paresthesia.
- Duration of Supplementation
Paresthesia typically occurs within 15 to 20 minutes after taking beta-alanine and lasts up to an hour. However, if beta-alanine supplementation is continued for an extended period, the frequency and intensity of itching sensations may decrease.
- Quality of the Supplement
The quality of the beta-alanine supplement can also affect the severity of itching. Lower-quality supplements may contain impurities that can exacerbate the side effect. On the other hand, high-quality supplements may have less or no itching effects.
Conclusion
Like other supplements, you must use beta-alanine supplements appropriately. Understand your dosage and choose a product that meets your requirements. If you plan to use beta-alanine supplements, you must first understand the information above to make an informed decision.