Beta-alanine

What is beta-alanine?

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid, which means that the body can produce it itself. It is mainly found in meat and fish, where it is bound to other amino acids. The most important compounds are carnosine and anserine, both of which are known as dipeptides. This means that they consist of two amino acids that are linked together.

Carnosine and anserine have the ability to regulate the pH value in the cells. This is important because intensive muscle work produces lactic acid, which lowers the pH value and leads to hyperacidity. This in turn impairs muscle contraction and leads to fatigue and a drop in performance.

Beta-alanine is converted into carnosine in the body, which is then stored in the muscles. The more carnosine there is in the muscles, the better they can counteract acidosis. This is why beta-alanine is often taken as a dietary supplement to improve athletic performance.

How does beta-alanine affect dogs?

Dogs have a similar metabolism to humans and can also convert beta-alanine to carnosine. However, dogs already have a naturally high carnosine content in their muscles, which is about twice as high as in humans. This is because dogs are carnivores and therefore consume more carnosine and anserine in their diet.

However, this does not mean that beta-alanine is useless for dogs. There are some studies that show that additional beta-alanine supplementation can further increase the concentration of carnosine in the dog's muscles. This could be particularly beneficial for dogs that participate in sporting activities such as agility or racing.

However, the effect of beta-alanine on the performance of dogs has not yet been clearly established. There is evidence that beta-alanine can improve the endurance and speed of dogs, but there have also been studies that have found no effect. It is possible that the effect depends on the dose, duration and type of exercise.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of beta-alanine for dogs?

The benefits of beta-alanine for dogs lie primarily in the potential improvement in muscular performance. If you're training or competing with your dog, beta-alanine could help them last longer and be faster. Beta-alanine could also have a positive effect on your dog's health. There are some studies that suggest that carnosine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This could reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis.

The disadvantages of beta-alanine for dogs, on the other hand, are rather minor. The most common side effect is a tingling or burning sensation on the skin caused by overstimulation of the nerve endings. This phenomenon is known as paraesthesia and is usually harmless and temporary. To avoid or reduce it, you can split the dose of beta-alanine or take it with a meal.

Another possible side effect is an increase in liver enzymes in the blood. This may or may not be a sign of liver damage. Liver enzymes can also be elevated by other factors such as medication, infections or stress. It is also not clear whether the increase in liver enzymes caused by beta-alanine is permanent or reversible. To be on the safe side, you should have your dog's liver values checked regularly if you give him beta-alanine.