The majority of athletes and bodybuilders looking for mass muscle gains, use beta-alanine supplements to maximize muscle growth, as well as to gain many other benefits of beta-alanine supplements.
Beta-alanine does not increase muscle mass or burn fat, but it fights against acid accumulation, allowing you to work out for longer periods of time, resulting in building more muscle or losing more weight depending on your training goals.
In this article I am going to discuss my top 5 beta-alanine supplements and give you some useful information to help you choose the best supplement, but firstly let’s explore what beta-alanine is, gaining a better understanding of its role and the benefits it offers.
Understanding Beta-Alanine: The Non-Essential Amino Acid
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that our bodies produce. Amino acids usually combine in the body to create proteins. However, beta-alanine joins with the amino acid histidine to form a dipeptide called carnosine.
The body then stores carnosine in the muscles and other tissues, helping to reduce acid accumulation in the muscles during exercise.
Beta-alanine has been used for years by people who want to enhance their performance in the gym or during physical activity.
There are many benefits of beta-alanine including:
- Increase strength & power output
- Increase aerobic endurance
- Increase anaerobic endurance
- Delay muscle fatigue
Studies have show that beta-alanine could also help:
- Improve vascular function
- improve cardiovascular health
- Improve immune system
- Fight cancer cells
- Have an anti-tumour effect
- Reduce symptoms of depression
- Reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s
- Reduce stress
I have been taking beta-alanine supplements for many years before I workout and have found that I can workout for a lot longer and with more intensity than if I don’t take them.
The Importance of Quality in Beta-Alanine Supplements
When choosing a beta-alanine supplement, the main thing you need to consider is the quality of the supplement. Choosing high-quality and reputable supplements is important for several reasons. Here are some of these reasons:
Safety: High-quality supplements are manufactured following strict quality control standards. Poor-quality supplements may pose health risks due to the inclusion of unwanted substances.
Efficiency: High-quality supplements contain the specified amounts of active ingredients, providing the desired health benefits. Lower quality or poorly formulated supplements may not deliver the intended effects.
Third-Party Testing: Some high-quality supplement manufacturers subject their products to third-party testing by independent laboratories. You should look for supplements that display certifications from reputable third-party testing organizations.
Accurate Labelling: Reputable supplement manufacturers provide accurate and transparent labelling. Less reputable supplement manufacturers may have inaccurate or misleading labels, which can lead to improper dosing and potentially negative health effects.
Avoiding Contaminants: Low-quality supplements may contain contaminants, allergens, or undisclosed ingredients. Choosing a supplement from a trustworthy source reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
Manufacturing Standards: Reputable probiotic manufacturers follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and having quality assurance processes in place to guarantee the safety of their products.
To help you choose a high quality beta-alanine supplement, I have done a lot of research and testing on a variety of beta-alanine supplements and have identified the top products that provide the safest and best results.
Top 5 Beta-Alanine Supplements
Out of all of the beta-alanine supplements I have used over the years and after thorough research, here are my top 5 Beta-alanine supplements.
1. Supplemented Beta-Alanine 500mg Supplement
Supplemented Beta Alanine 500mg Supplement is my #1 Beta-Alanine supplement that I have been using for many years to boost my strength and endurance during my workouts.
Here are some of the reason it is my #1 beta-alanine supplement:
- Manufactured using high quality Pharmaceutical Grade ingredients.
- Manufactured in the UK under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) under License in an ISO accredited facility.
- Contains high quality ingredients to ensure maximum absorption.
- Contains 500mg Beta Alanine to increase strength and endurance.
- Capsule form making it convenient and easy to take.
- AMAZING value for money costing only 6p per capsule.
2.Horbaach Beta-Alanine 1500mg Tablets (#1 Vegan Product)
Horbaach Beta-Alanine 750mg tablets are my #1 vegan beta-alanine supplement.
Here are some of the reasons why I rate this product so highly:
- Horbaach is a highly reputable brand with 40+ years in the health product industry and produce only high-quality supplements.
- Manufactured in the UK under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and BRC (British Retail Consortium).
- Very high strength containing 750mg Beta-Alanine per daily dose to increase strength and endurance.
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- Contain no artificial colours or preservatives.
- Capsule form making them convenient and easy to take.
- GREAT Value for money, costing only 11p per high strength capsule.
3. Freak Athletics Beta-Alanine Powder
Freak Athletics Beta-Alanine powder is an Amazon’s choice product, meaning it is highly rated and well-priced.
Here are some of the reason why it is so highly rated:
- Freak Athletics Beta-Alanine powder is made using only the finest and highest quality ingredients.
- Manufactured to the highest standards in the UK. safeguarded by the highest manufacturing and hygiene standards in the world.
- It contains high quality beta-alanine powder designed to be taken before your workout to increase strength and endurance.
- Mixes easily in a bottle or shaker with no clumps or grit.
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- Not only do you receive our Beta Alanine Powder, but also get a Free Muscle Building Workout program.
4.Bulk Pure Beta-Alanine Powder
Bulk Pure Beta-Alanine powder is another high quality beta-alanine supplement that helps to increase strength and endurance during workouts.
Here are some of the reasons I rate this product so highly:
- Bulk is a leading nutrition brand and produce only high quality products using high quality ingredients.
- Manufactured to the highest standards in the UK. safeguarded by the highest manufacturing and hygiene standards in the world.
- It contains high quality beta-alanine powder designed to be taken before your workout to increase strength and endurance.
- Mixes easily in a bottle or shaker with no clumps or grit.
- Available in range a different sizes.
- AMAZING value for money. costing only 5p per serving, compared to an average of 30p per serving for other brands.
5.Freak Athletics Beta-Alanine 1500mg Capsules
Freak Athletics Beta-Alanine 750mg Capsules are the capsule form of my #3 top pick ‘Freak Athletics Beta-Alanine powder’ and has very similar benefits.
Here are some of the reasons it is highly rated:
- Freak Athletics Beta-Alanine powder is made using only the finest and highest quality ingredients.
- Manufactured to the highest standards in the UK. safeguarded by the highest manufacturing and hygiene standards in the world.
- Very high strength containing 750mg Beta-Alanine per daily dose to increase strength and endurance.
- Free Muscle Building Workout program included.
- Capsule form making it convenient and easy to take.
- GREAT value for money costing only 12p per capsule.
Foods that Contain Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine can be found in many foods, such as:
- Meat – Chicken, Beef, Pork, Turkey.
- Fish, tuna, salmon, mackerel and whitefish.
- Poultry
- Asparagus
- Watercress
- Turnip greens
- Soy beans
Despite being found in food it is only a small amount, so to receive a sufficient amount to boost athletic performance, it is likely that you will need to use supplementation.
This is especially the case for vegans and vegetarians, as most of the food sources that contain beta-alanine are animal products.
This means they are likely to have a lower amount of beta-alanine and carnosine in their system, meaning supplements are more essential to enhance athletic performance.
Are there any Side Effects?
Like most supplements, there are lot of low-quality beta-alanine supplements on the market. Not only will they not help to increase muscle size, but they also have a risk of side effects.
However, if you choose the correct supplement and stick to the recommended dosage there are no serious side effects associated with beta-alanine.
It is important to note that using beta-alanine supplements might cause a tingling sensation known as paraesthesia. This side effect is completely harmless but some people can find it uncomfortable.
The sensation is only temporary and typically occurs in higher doses or when take too much, too quickly. I advise to start with smaller doses to assess tolerance and then increase over time to reach recommended dosage.
As with any supplement, if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist before using them.
Other High Quality Supplements
Beta-alanine can have an increased effect if they are used in conjunction with other high quality supplements.
Here is a list of supplements I combine with beta-alanine to help build lean muscle:
- Whey Protein Powder
- Creatine
- Pre-Workout
- Glutamine
- Multivitamins
- Fish Oils
I have written articles on each of the supplements listed above going into detail about what they are and the benefits they provide.
In the articles I have provided a list of my top 5 supplements for each supplement that I have conducted from extensive research and testing.
Here is a list of the related articles:
- Top 5 Whey Protein Powders to Build Lean Muscle
- Choosing the Best Supplement: Top 5 BCAA Supplements
- Benefits and Side Effects of Creatine Monohydrate
- Boost Your Performance: Top 5 Pre Workout Supplements
- Maximizing Muscle Recovery and Performance with Glutamine Supplements
- Top Up Your Good Fats: Top 5 Fish Oil Supplements
Conclusion: Elevating Your Fitness Journey with BCAAs
In conclusion, beta-alanine supplements are essential for athletes and bodybuilders. While not directly impacting muscle mass or fat loss, beta-alanine offers benefits like increased endurance and strength.
Choosing a high-quality supplement is crucial, and this article provides a list of the top 5 beta-alanine products based on thorough research. It emphasizes safety considerations, including third-party testing and accurate labelling.
Combining beta-alanine with other supplements such as whey protein, BCAA. creatine, glutamine, multivitamin and fish oil supplements can enhance its benefits, supporting muscle growth and recovery.
If you have any questions about beta-alanine or any of the supplements listed above. Leave a comment in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer them.
No matter your preference, this list is bound to have a great beta-alanine supplement for you.