For the majority of my clients, the first thing I recommend after a solid recovery shake is a pre-workout supplement.
But for the more serious athletes and especially bodybuilders looking for big muscle mass gains, beta-alanine supplementation is quite likely going to be one of the top decisions.
The problem is, though, that there are tons of pretty low-quality supplements out there. Not only will they not help to increase muscle size, but we even encountered some with a higher side effect risk.
To help you avoid those types of products, see what our research has revealed.
Our Top Beta-Alanine Supplements (September 2023)
1 - Swolverine Beta-Alanine (Editor's Choice)
The first thing that attracted us to Swolverine was the fact that it has the highest dose of beta-alanine per serving, with a total of five grams.
That’s almost twice the amount of most competing products, and you’re not paying twice the price.
During our testing phase, we noted that everyone on the team experienced a positive effect on lactic acid during high-intensity training [1].
In practical terms, this means we were able to push a bit harder and endure a few reps and sets in every training session.
The other major attraction is that you get a large tub that will keep you going for many months, and there are some great discounts available if you sign up for a subscription.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 5 grams
- Largest dose of beta-alanine per scoop
- Ideal option for bodybuilders and performance athletes
- Comes in a large tub with 60 servings
- Good discounts are available for subscription plans
- There are no flavored options available
2 - Beta-Alanine by BulkSupplements
This is another company that has a range of pre-workout supplements. If you need a lower minimum dose or a more precise amount recommended by a dietitian, then BulkSupplements might be a good choice.
There are some pretty good bulk discounts available, plus you can choose to get the powder or capsule form.
I do find that convenient if I’m rushing to training.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 0.6 grams
- The label lists no filler or additive substances
- Available in capsule or powder form
- Choose from different bulk order options
- Make sure you factor in the serving size when comparing to other products
It does only contain 600 mg in each measure, which is unlikely to be enough for many athletes. So, if you want to avoid measuring out multiple spoons, then the above options may be more suitable.
3 - Nutricost Beta-Alanine
Some of my professional clients favor this product as one of its benefits is that every batch is independently tested for quality and banned substances.
They have also reported that due to the higher dose, it does seem to help reduce lactic acid accumulation more effectively.
I’ve personally also found that it could help a lot of people gain more endurance for workout sessions, especially during resistance training.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 3 grams
- Claims to contain only non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients
- Good value for money option on a per gram basis
- Third-party tested to ensure quality and no banned substances
- Currently not available in larger tubs
The only real downside I found is that you can’t order in large tubs or get a bulk discount. That being said, it’s still pretty good value for money.
4 - Onnit Beta-Alanine
Another one of the beta-alanine supplements we recommend is Onnit. This may be more suitable for female athletes who don’t need the same large dose as most men would.
I also like the fact that it’s not a powder form but rather a tablet, which may make it easier if you head to the gym on your way home from work.
Based on CarnoSyn, there are many reports that it may reduce muscle fatigue. Studies have shown that it could be supporting more favorable muscle carnosine levels [2].
Amount of beta-alanine per tablet: 1.6 grams
- Comes in a convenient tablet form
- Use high-quality CarnoSyn as the main ingredient
- Claims to have a timed-release formula
- Keep in mind that it’s not the strongest dose
While it is easy to adjust the dose by taking 2 tablets in one go, it’s important to consider that when comparing different product prices.
5 - Optimum Nutrition Beta-Alanine
Next on our list of recommended beta-alanine supplements is Optimum Nutrition. This is a popular company in the dietary supplement space, mainly due to the quality of their products.
This particular one uses CarnoSyn as it’s main ingredient, which many professional athletes would claim may be the best for muscle endurance.
There are also a few minerals and electrolytes that could help with hydration levels as well.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 1.6 grams
- Provides high-quality CarnoSyn ingredient for better exercise performance
- Contains some added minerals and electrolytes to support hydration
- Many reports that it dissolves easily in any drink
- It’s one of the more expensive products on a per gram basis
Now, having that high-quality ingredient does come at a price, and you’ll find that this is one of the more expensive options when you work it out per gram.
6 - NOW Sports Beta-Alanine
Here is another popular choice for professional athletes who need reassurance about banned substances. With every batch independently tested, there is a far lower risk of encountering something you shouldn’t.
One thing we like about this product range is that there are multiple options that could be easily stacked to maximize muscle function and avoid overlapping ingredients.
That could save you a lot of time trying to work out how much of each one you could actually take.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 2 grams
- Every batch is third-party tested for banned substances
- Suitable for stacking with several other NOW sports supplements
- Comes with good instructions on calculating the right dosage
- Doesn’t come with a measuring spoon
Just keep in mind that you'll need to figure out a convenient way to measure as there’s no spoon included.
7 - PrimaForce Beta-Alanine
This was one of the beta-alanine supplements that I hadn’t heard of, but Tracy on our team had been using it with clients for quite some time.
One thing that stood out is that there are quite a few reports that there is very little of the common tingling sensation.
In our experience, that usually means that it releases slower, which could be positive for your workout.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 2 grams
- Positive reviews about the very little tingling sensation
- With no caffeine it avoids over-stimulation
- Available in a large bulk order tub with 250 doses
- Some people have reported that it didn’t come with a scoop
Strangely enough, we did find that occasionally the product arrived with no measuring spoon, so it might be worth holding onto one.
8 - Micro Ingredients Pure Beta-Alanine
This was one of the beta-alanine supplements that I hadn’t heard of, but Tracy on our team had been using it with clients for quite some time.
One thing that stood out is that there are quite a few reports that there is very little of the common tingling sensation.
In our experience, that usually means that it releases slower, which could be positive for your workout.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 2 grams
- Contains no unnecessary fillers or additives
- No reports of any issues with mixing the powder
- A certified vegan suitable option
- Some reports about a slight chalky sensation when not mixed with enough water
I haven’t tried this one myself, but some on our team did find that Pure Beta-Alanine had a tendency to leave a bit of a chalky sensation.
9 - NutraBio Carnosyn Beta-Alanine
This sports supplement is popular because, for the non-professional fitness enthusiast, it may supply just the right beta-alanine content.
I saw quite a few online reviews where folks positively highlighted that it might help with weight training both in a bulking and maintenance phase.
For those that have multiple high-intensity workout session plans every week, it’s a good choice to have because it comes in quite a large tub. Having those bulk savings is always something to factor into your decision.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 2 grams
- Many positive reports that it may help to reduce fatigue
- Comes in a large enough tub to provide good value for money
- Independently tested for purity and quality
- Vegetarian but not vegan-friendly
Keep in mind that while the protein sources are vegetarian-friendly, they may not be suitable for vegans.
10 - BSN Beta-Alanine
For professional bodybuilders, it can often be about making it easier to calculate larger volumes of beta-alanine dosage.
Having 3.6 grams in every serving could make that a lot easier. Unless you go for a custom solution, I don’t think you’ll find a stronger one.
Our strength trainers on the team would certainly encourage this for maximum exercise capacity, as there are quite a few positive reviews that it could be helpful in reducing muscle carnosine content.
Amount of beta-alanine per scoop: 3.6 grams
- One of the stronger doses available
- Contains no fillers or additives to mess up your diet
- Many reports that there is no flavor or texture to it
- May only be suitable for high-performance athletes
For some folks, the high dosage of each serving might be a big positive. But you have to keep in mind that you won’t gain exponential muscle strength by taking more and you’re more at risk of having some negative effects.
Buyer’s Guide
For the average fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes, beta-alanine supplementation should be approached carefully. Here are the 5 factors we always discuss with our clients.
1 - Dietary Restrictions
Amino acids may be sourced from plants and animals. For vegans, this is going to be a critical decision point. If animal products are not an issue for you, then I would add that there isn’t a better impact on workout performance with either source.
Also, keep in mind that some beta-alanine products have fillers and artificial additives that may cause some allergic reactions. So always pay close attention to the label [3].
2 - Slow Release Effect
Some of the best beta-alanine supplements we have tested are designed in a way that creates a slow-release effect [4]. It’s not enough to slow it down throughout the day, but rather means that the per-serving dosage releases over the space of 60 to 90 minutes.
I know some professional bodybuilders who firmly believe it may impact their exercise performance even in longer training routines [5].
3 - Strength Of Each Dose
The grams of beta-alanine per serving is also a very important thing to factor into your decision for two reasons.
First of all, if you need higher doses for maximum muscle growth and nitric oxide production, then you don’t want something that requires multiple scoops each time.
Secondly, you’ll need that information to truly compare one beta-alanine powder to another; otherwise, you’re just taking a stab in the dark.
4 - Third-Party Testing
The majority of pre-workout supplements are formulated to only use legal ingredients. But there are some common substances that may help with carnosine levels and muscle tissue development that show up on random doping tests.
Having a supplement that is independently tested for each batch may give professionals some added peace of mind.
5 - Price
Here’s what I’ll say about the price. If top athletic performance is a must for you, then spend the extra to get CarnoSyn [6]. Of all the research I’ve done, it’s by far the best-reviewed, and it’s the favored option for professionals.
Regardless, never settle for the cheapest supplements in the market. Some of them are good, but the vast majority are subpar products that won't offer anything close to your needs.
Related:
Beta-alanine, I can say with plenty of experience, is great, and CarnoSyn beta-alanine is without a doubt the best form of it I've come across. - Jim Stoppani, Diet and Exercise Expert
FAQs
What Are the Uses and Benefits of Beta-Alanine?
The uses and health benefits of beta-alanine are mainly for improved training performance and reduced levels of fatigue. It’s not something you would take for rest days or light cardio. But when you could do with that little extra push, it’s one of the best choices to make to take advantage of beta-alanine benefits.
Who Can Benefit From Beta-Alanine?
Anyone doing high-intensity physical strength training can benefit from beta-alanine. Studies claim that it may improve carnosine levels, which is thought to have a direct impact on the ph level in muscles. This could then help reduce premature fatigue allowing you to push yourself that little bit further.
When Should You Take Beta-Alanine?
You should take beta-alanine about 20 to 30 minutes before you start your warmup routine. This will largely depend on your digestive system and how fast it might absorb the amino acid profile.
For very long training sessions, you may also want to consider taking a second dose halfway through your routine to get another boost later on.
How Long Does It Take Beta-Alanine to Work?
It takes beta-alanine about 30 minutes to work, and the effects may last for up to 2 hours.
One tip I give is to experiment with the timing by alternating between 30, 35, and 25 minutes to see which one causes the common tingle at the right time.
Is Beta-Alanine Safe?
Yes, beta-alanine is safe, as long as you avoid taking too much in one go. It’s a completely natural non-essential amino acid that your body produces. Taking a small amount just provides an extra boost.
Does Beta-Alanine Have Side Effects?
Yes, beta-alanine might have side effects, with the most common being a tingling feeling in the skin. As with many other amino acids, the possible side effects are a little unusual at first but perfectly natural and only last a short while.
Anything more severe is usually the result of taking too much in one go or having a sensitivity from a digestion point of view.
Is Beta-Alanine Good for Building Muscle?
Yes, beta-alanine is good for building muscle when it is combined with the right intensity of weight lifting and overall diet. It’s important to note that it won’t work wonders unless you actually put in the work to get your dream body composition.
You can also stack beta alanine and creatine or other muscle building ingredients for best results.
Do You Need Beta-Alanine on off Days?
No, you don’t need beta-alanine on off days, as its main goal is to improve your physical endurance. It has not been shown to support recovery or post-workout muscle protein synthesis. There are many better supplements to support that.
Is Beta-Alanine a Bcaa?
No, beta-alanine is not a BCAA, but rather belongs in the group of non-essential amino acids. However, you might sometimes find it along BCAAs and other amino acids in certain supplements specifically designed for muscle building.
Does Beta-Alanine Give You a Pump?
Yes, beta-alanine may give you a pump if combined with the right exercise routine. Beta-alanine supplementation has been shown to have a positive impact on nitric oxide levels, which may promote a higher rate of blood flow.
Which Beta-Alanine Product Should You Choose?
During our research testing for the best beta-alanine supplements listed above, we all agreed that Swolverine was the one product we all used the most and recommended to our clients.
The high dose of five grams per scoop is by far the best we found. And because of its high quality, it showed great results for endurance during our testing.
As a personal trainer, I can tell you that’s a very valuable benefit.
Make sure to check it out and see what it can do for your training sessions.
Our #1 Recommendation
Swolverine Beta-Alanine
- Largest dose of beta-alanine per scoop
- Ideal option for bodybuilders and performance athletes
- Comes in a large tub with 60 servings
- Good discounts are available for subscription plans
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- There are no flavored options available
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