Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that the body does not use to synthesize proteins, although it is commonly used in the composition of many dietary supplements for athletes. Indeed, beta-alanine is a precursor to carnosine, which ensures cellular balance. Carnosine helps stabilize muscle pH by absorbing hydrogen ions (H+) that are released at an accelerated rate during exercise.
Our body maintains a permanent process of maintaining the balance of our pH using various buffer systems, which work largely by absorbing H+ ions.
Muscles respond better to a specific pH, and when it becomes too acidic, muscle performance drops proportionally. This increase in carnosine levels thanks to beta-alanine has many health benefits. Interestingly, animal and in vitro studies indicate that carnosine has antioxidant, anti-aging, and immune-boosting properties. The antioxidant benefits of carnosine include neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.