alanine

Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that exists in two primary forms: L-alanine and beta-alanine. L-alanine is a fundamental proteinogenic amino acid and a key participant in the glucose-alanine cycle, where it facilitates nitrogen transport from peripheral tissues to the liver and serves as a substrate for gluconeogenesis to maintain blood glucose levels. Beta-alanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that serves as the rate-limiting precursor for carnosine, a dipeptide that buffers hydrogen ions in skeletal muscle to delay fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Alanine is widely commercialized as a dietary supplement for metabolic support and athletic performance, and it is utilized as a food additive for flavor enhancement.

Other names

L-alaninebeta-alanine2-aminopropanoic acid3-aminopropanoic acid