Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid. Most amino acids are building blocks of proteins, but beta-alanine is used to make other chemicals in the body.

Because beta-alanine can be made by the body, it doesn't need to be consumed in food. It is a part of carnosine and other chemicals that can affect muscle size and performance.

People use beta-alanine for athletic performance and improving physical performance in elderly adults. It is also used for symptoms of menopause, age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), and many other conditions.

Don't confuse beta-alanine with the similarly named alpha-alanine. These are not the same.