Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has gained popularity in the health and wellness industry. It has commonly been used as a sports supplement to improve athletic performance.
However, researchers have found that it can enhance cognitive function, lessen mental tiredness, and protect against brain disorders. This article will discuss beta-alanine, how it works, and the potential benefits of taking beta-alanine as a brain health supplement.
What is Beta-Alanine?
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and various foods, including beef and pork. It is a crucial part of the chemical carnosine, which is present in muscles and brain tissues and assists in regulating cell acidity.
Beta-alanine has grown in popularity as a nutritional supplement for enhancing athletic performance in recent years. It is believed to function by raising the muscle’s level of carnosine. Carnosine serves as a barrier against the buildup of lactic acid during exercise. It enables the muscles to perform harder for a more extended time.
How Does Beta-Alanine Work?
When beta-alanine is consumed, the muscles absorb it and turn it into carnosine. Potent antioxidants like carnosine can help shield cells against oxidative stress and harm. Moreover, it controls the pH of cells, which is necessary for regular cellular operation. Carnosine has been demonstrated to alter neurotransmitter activity in the brain and guard against aging-related cognitive loss.
Dosage and Safety Considerations
It is advised to consume 179 grams of beta-alanine throughout 28 days to experience the most significant benefits. The dosage ranges from 3.2 to 6.4 grams daily on average. The recommended daily dose is about 3.2g if you want to see any performance gains, but supplementing up to 6.4g is also considered safe.
Remember that the benefits of beta-alanine on cognitive function may be apparent later, they may take a few weeks to manifest.
Benefits of Beta-Alanine for Brain Health
- Enhanced Cognitive Functioning
Beta-alanine supplementation may be advantageous for cognitive function. For instance, research in the Journal of the International Association of Sports Nutrition indicated that healthy people who took beta-alanine supplements had better working memory and were less mentally exhausted.
- Less Stress and Anxiety
Moreover, beta-alanine may have calming and stress-relieving properties. Anxiety and depressive symptoms in physically active men were found to be lessened by beta-alanine supplementation, according to a study published in the Journal of the International Association of Sports Nutrition.
- Age-Reversing Effects
It has been demonstrated that carnosine, made from beta-alanine, has anti-aging properties. It is an effective antioxidant that can prevent oxidative stress and cell damage. Additionally, controlling brain neurotransmitter activity can fend off an age-related cognitive loss in people who take it.
Who Can Benefit From Taking Beta-Alanine?
Beta-alanine supplementation may be advantageous for anyone looking to increase cognitive performance, reduce anxiety and stress, or guard against age-related cognitive decline. Athletes and other physically active people may benefit the most from it. This is because it helps prevent fatigue and enhance workout performance. Also, it might be advantageous for older people in danger of cognitive deterioration as they age.
The bottom line
Beta-alanine is a potent amino acid that can improve cognitive performance and enhance general well-being. If you want to increase your mental capacity and enhance your quality of life, adding beta-alanine to your routine might be the answer.
