Are you familiar with that tingling sensation you experience after consuming your favorite pre-workout? While many may expect such a sensation, others either have no idea why it’s happening or if it’s even normal. That skin tingle is often attributed to the presence of beta-alanine and niacin, two popular ingredients found in many pre-workout formulas.
Beta-alanine is known to help improve exercise performance, while niacin is essential for many bodily functions. However, both can cause a harmless side effect, the infamous skin tingle sensation that makes you feel like ants are crawling on your skin.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the science behind beta-alanine and niacin and explain why they cause the skin tingle sensation you experience. We’ll also explore the benefits of these two popular supplements, helping you make informed decisions about their use in your pre-workout supplement.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before adding any supplement to your regimen.
What is Beta-Alanine and Why Does It Make Your Skin Tingle?
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid commonly used as a dietary supplement to improve exercise performance and endurance. It is often found in pre-workout supplements and is known to cause a tingling or flushing sensation on the skin, also known as paresthesia.
The skin tingle sensation is caused by beta-alanine’s ability to increase muscle carnosine levels. Carnosine is a dipeptide made up of beta-alanine and histidine and is known to act as a buffer against lactic acid accumulation during exercise, which can help delay the onset of fatigue — allowing you to push your body further and for longer during intense workouts.
When beta-alanine is ingested, it is converted into carnosine, which then accumulates in the muscles. As carnosine levels rise, it can cause a skin tingle sensation. This sensation is harmless and typically lasts 15-20 minutes after ingesting beta-alanine before it subsides.
Additionally, beta-alanine is a powerful vasodilator that can help enhance muscle pumps. You may find it included in many pre-workout formulas with a nitric oxide component. This increase in blood flow by dilating the blood vessels helps engorge the muscle with oxygenated blood and nutrients during your training session.
What is Niacin and Why Does It Make Your Skin Tingle?
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for many bodily functions, including energy production, DNA repair, and nervous system function. It is found naturally in many foods, including meat, fish, and whole grains, and is also available as a dietary supplement and commonly included in many pre-workouts.
When taken in high doses, niacin can cause the skin tingle sensation many experience when using pre-workouts. This is also often referred to as the niacin flush. This occurs because niacin causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin, resulting in a warm, skin tingle sensation and redness.
Don’t worry, what you’re experiencing is not a rash or harmful reaction to the pre-workout or supplement you used. The skin tingle and redness you see and feel are not a reason for concern, and understanding this effect of niacin use will help put your mind at ease. The niacin flush is a harmless side effect and typically lasts for about 15-30 minutes after taking a high dose of niacin
Experience Insane Muscle Pumps and Performance
If you want to achieve insane muscle pumps, the skin tingle that comes with the use of beta-alanine and niacin is just part of the game. When you feel the skin tingle, know that it’s go-time, and you’re primed and ready to hit your workout.
MyoLabs PV-7 utilizes both ingredients and can help you achieve intense skin-tightening pumps that will turn heads and cause you to do a double-take as you pass the gym mirror. Best of all, you only need one scoop of this potent pre-workout to help enhance your workout performance and results. Try it today to find out why so many swear by the effectiveness and power of PV-7!
Related Article: Why is There Creatine Monohydrate in PV-7?
Author: Matt Weik
Matt Weik, owner of Weik Fitness, LLC, is a well-respected fitness expert/author with a global following. His work has been featured all over the globe as well as having published more than a dozen books. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist. Find out more at www.weikfitness.com.
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