Alanine (typically as L-alpha-alanine or D-alpha-alanine) is a non-essential amino acid. Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body.
Amino acids like alanine are the building blocks of proteins. Because alanine can be made by the body, it doesn't need to be consumed in food. Alanine can affect blood sugar levels.
People use alanine for dehydration from diarrhea, enlarged prostate, schizophrenia, stress, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse alanine with the similarly named beta-alanine. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using alanine for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Alanine is commonly consumed in foods. Alanine is possibly safe when used as medicine for up to 3 months.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Alanine is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if alanine is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Children: Alanine is possibly safe when taken by mouth as part of a rehydration drink for up to 48 hours.
Diabetes: L-alpha-alanine can increase blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This can be helpful if blood sugar levels are too low, but it can be harmful if blood sugar levels are normal or too high. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use alanine.
It is not known if Alanine interacts with any medicines. Before taking Alanine, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of alanine might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
2-aminopropionic Acid, Acide Alpha-aminopropionique, Acide Aminé Alanine, Acide Aminé Non Essentiel, Ala, Alanine Amino Acid, Alfa-alanina, Alpha-Alanine, Alpha-aminopropionic Acid, D-alanine, D-alpha-alanine, DL-alanine, L-alanine, L-alpha-alanine, L-alpha-aminopropionic Acid, Non-essential Amino Acid.
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