If you are looking to increase your performance at the gym or at home, you may want to look into pre-workout supplements. A good pre-workout will boost your energy, help you focus, and increase your endurance. However, some people are worried about the side effects of taking pre-workouts, particularly those that include beta-alanine. Some of these ingredients can cause weird side effects, so it is important to know what you’re putting into your body.
One of the most common side effects of pre-workouts is tingling in the skin. This is often mistaken for a numbing sensation, but it’s actually caused by beta-alanine. Beta-alanine is a nonessential amino acid, and it works by activating sensory neurons in the skin. Consequently, it causes an itchy tingling sensation.
Tingling can occur in several areas of the body, including the head, hands, legs, and arms. It is generally less pronounced in the groin, neck, and feet. Pre-workout products with higher doses of beta-alanine are more likely to cause the tingling, so the best way to avoid it is to buy a pre-workout with less than 1.6 grams of beta-alanine per serving.
Other possible side effects of pre-workouts include niacin and caffeine. Niacin can cause a flushing feeling in the skin, and caffeine can give you an energy boost. These side effects can be annoying and distract you from your workout. So, if you are suffering from an itchy tingling sensation, stop taking your pre-workout products right away.
The main ingredient in most pre-workouts is beta-alanine. Beta-alanine increases the body’s carnosine levels, a molecule that helps buffer blood acidity. As a result, it delays the onset of muscular fatigue, which helps you train longer and harder. In addition, beta-alanine can boost your exercise performance, making it an excellent choice for athletes.
Pre-workouts often contain a range of other ingredients, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can choose the perfect pre-workout for you by taking the time to learn about the different ingredients.
Although a pre-workout can be useful for boosting your athletic performance, it’s not for everyone. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are concerned about the potential side effects of pre-workouts, it’s wise to be cautious. While some of the side effects are harmless, others can be signs of an underlying condition. For example, constant itching can be a sign of a serious disease, and some people are allergic to ingredients in pre-workout products. To determine whether you are at risk for an allergy, speak with your doctor.
While there is no official recommendation on what dosages are appropriate, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition has released a position statement on paresthesia. Paresthesia is the tingling feeling that occurs when consuming high doses of beta-alanine. Depending on your body’s sensitivity to stimulants, the itch can last up to 60 minutes. Fortunately, most of the itching associated with beta-alanine is temporary.
It is also important to know what other ingredients are contained in your pre-workout. Many contain caffeine, but this can be irritating. Also, many pre-workouts are low quality, containing artificial ingredients.