First time you take a pre-workout with beta-alanine in it, the tingling catches most people off guard. Face, scalp, hands, sometimes worse. Here's exactly what's causing it, whether it's safe, and what you can do about it.
Jump to:
- What is beta-alanine?
- Why it causes tingling
- Is it safe?
- How to reduce the tingling
- Common myths
- Beta-Alanine FAQs
What Is Beta-Alanine?
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that combines with histidine in muscle tissue to form carnosine, a compound that helps buffer acid build-up during high-intensity exercise. More muscle carnosine means you can sustain hard efforts for longer before fatigue sets in, which is why it's a staple in pre-workout formulas and daily performance stacks like Beast BIG D.
Why It Causes Tingling
The tingling, technically called paraesthesia, happens when beta-alanine activates specific nerve receptors under the skin. It's a well-documented, harmless side effect, not a sign of a reaction or anything going wrong. It typically shows up in the face, neck, hands and scalp within 10-20 minutes of a dose, and fades on its own shortly after.1
Is It Safe?
Yes. Paraesthesia from beta-alanine is a known, extensively studied side effect with no evidence of harm. It's uncomfortable for some people the first few times, that's the extent of it. It isn't an allergic reaction and doesn't indicate anything is wrong with the dose or the product.
How to Reduce the Tingling
- Split the dose. Taking beta-alanine in smaller amounts across the day rather than one large hit reduces the intensity of the sensation.
- Take it with food. Some people find the tingling less pronounced on a full stomach.
- Give it time. The sensation tends to lessen with consistent use as your body adjusts, even at the same dose.
- Accept it as a working formula, not a fault. If it bothers you, it doesn't mean you need to stop, it means the beta-alanine dose is doing what it's meant to.
Common Myths
- "The tingling means it's not working." The opposite. It's direct evidence beta-alanine is active in your system at an effective dose.
- "It's dangerous or a sign of an allergic reaction." No. It's a well-documented, benign nerve response, not an immune reaction.
- "Everyone gets it the same way." Sensitivity varies a lot between individuals. Some people barely notice it, others feel it strongly, both are normal.
Beta-Alanine FAQs
Eddie's take: "First time you feel it, it catches you off guard. After that you learn to actually want it, it means the formula's doing its job."
Beast STIM and BIG D
STIM Pre-Workout
30 Servings£34.99
Performance. Precision. No compromises.
Beast Pharm STIM is a clinically-dosed pre-workout built around 6g Citrulline Malate 2:1, 3.2g Beta-Alanine, 300mg Caffeine Anhydrous, and a precision nootropic stack of Tyrosine, Juniper Berry, Sausage Tree Extract, and Juglans Whole Fruit Extract. Every ingredient at an efficacious dose. No proprietary blends. No pixie dusting. No guesswork.
Most pre-workouts give you the feeling of performance. STIM gives you the performance. There's a difference, and after one session, you'll know exactly what it is.
Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man.
†Citrulline Malate supports blood flow and oxygen delivery to working muscles. Beta-Alanine at 3.2g supports muscular endurance. Caffeine contributes to increased endurance performance and alertness.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (13g) with 250ml to 350ml of water.
Consume approximately 20-30 minutes prior to workout.
Ingredients
Citrulline Malate 2:1, Beta Alanine, Tyrosine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Juniper Berry Extract, Sausage Tree Extract, Juglans Whole Fruit Extract (Walnut), Flavouring, Anti-caking agent (Aerosil®, Sipernat®), Maltodextrin, Sweetener (Sucralose).
NET WT. 390g. No artificial; colours.
Warnings
HIGH CAFFEINE CONTENT. Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Note: Due to the hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air) nature of the active ingredients, and our commitment to never use unnecessary fillers or preservatives, a degree of clumping may be observed in this product. This is perfectly normal, not affecting its effectiveness in any way and will dissolve normally in water as designed. It is advised to keep the product in a dry environment away from humidity and heat. During hot periods, storing in colder temperatures such as a fridge will help to offset this.
Allergens
For allergens please see the ingredients listed in bold. Contains nuts. Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
BIG D - Daily Saturation Formula
30 Servings£34.99
Creatine. Evolved.
Beast BIG D is the daily saturation formula. 200 mesh creatine monohydrate plus five additional clinical-grade ingredients in one scoop. Same daily habit as plain creatine. Six times the formula.
Peak ATP® delivers ATP directly, not a precursor. Wellmune® protects immune health during hard training blocks. AstraGin® maximises absorption of everything else. Beta-Alanine extends endurance. Betaine Anhydrous supports power output.
The daily non-negotiable. Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man.
WARNING: BIG D will likely produce a temporary tingling sensation. That's Beta-Alanine paraesthesia, harmless, well-documented, and proof the formula is working. It fades with consistent use.
†Consuming at least 3g of creatine daily increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (13g) with 500ml to 750ml of water.
Consume 1 serving per day. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Ingredients
Creatine Monohydrate, Beta Alanine, Betaine Anhydrous, Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (as Peak ATP®) Bakers Yeast Beta Glucan Saccharomyces cerevisiae (as Wellmune®), Astralagus membranaceus Extract (root) (as Astragin®) Flavouring, Citric Acid, Sweetener (Sucralose).
NET WT. 390g. No artificial colours.
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
References
- Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015). International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are under 18.