Beta-alanine is a popular ingredient in many pre-workout supplements due to its potential benefits for exercise performance. Here’s why it’s commonly included:

1. Increases Carnosine Levels: Beta-alanine is a precursor to carnosine, a dipeptide found in muscle tissue. Carnosine acts as a buffer against acid buildup in muscles during exercise, particularly during high-intensity activities like weightlifting or sprinting. By increasing carnosine levels, beta-alanine supplementation may delay the onset of muscle fatigue and improve endurance.
2. Improves Exercise Performance: Several studies suggest that beta-alanine supplementation can enhance exercise performance, particularly in activities lasting 1 to 4 minutes. This includes improvements in strength, power, and endurance, as well as increased training volume.
3. Reduced Fatigue: By buffering acid buildup in muscles, beta-alanine may help reduce feelings of fatigue during intense workouts. This can allow you to push harder and longer during training sessions.
4. Muscle Growth: Some research indicates that beta-alanine supplementation, when combined with resistance training, may promote greater gains in lean muscle mass over time. This could be due to its ability to enhance training intensity and volume.
5. Synergistic Effects with Other Ingredients: Beta-alanine is often combined with other ingredients commonly found in pre-workout supplements, such as caffeine, creatine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These ingredients may work synergistically to further enhance exercise performance, energy levels, and muscle recovery.

Overall, beta-alanine is included in pre-workout supplements to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts push through intense workouts, improve performance, and support muscle growth and recovery.