Large doses of beta-alanine may cause a tingling feeling called paresthesia.[1] This most often occurs on the face, abdomen, chest, and extremities. It is a harmless side effect, but some people find the sensation uncomfortable. Paresthesia can be avoided by taking a smaller dose of beta-alanine (0.8–1.6 grams), using an extended-release formulation, or taking doses at least 3 hours apart.
What are beta-alanine’s main drawbacks?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The main drawback of beta-alanine is that large doses can cause a harmless tingling sensation known as paresthesia, which may be uncomfortable for some people. This side effect can be minimized by taking smaller doses, using extended-release formulations, or spacing doses at least 3 hours apart.