QUESTION:
Hey Chad, I had a question about some pre-workout formulas. Some brands of pre-workout give me this weird pins and needles, tingly feeling in my face, and neck when I take them. Is this something that I should be worried about, or is this in any way harmful? I’m always leery of things that give me strange sensations.
Jon
ANSWER:
Hi, Jon. I don’t blame you one bit. It should be unsettling when you take something that makes you feel “off” or gives you peculiar sensations. However, in this particular case you’ve got nothing to worry about.
The technical name for this tingling sensation is “paresthesia”. This occurs as a result of the compound known as beta-alanine binding to nerve receptors. This produces a flushing, or tingling effect. It generally affects nerves in the hands, feet, face, neck, scalp, among other places. This tingling effect is noticeable within about 15 minutes of consuming beta-alanine and generally lasts from 1 to 1.5 hours.
People either love this tingling sensation… or they hate it! People who love it seem to suggest they welcome the sensation because it’s an indication their pre-workout is actually working. People that hate it generally dislike the feeling because it makes their skin feel itchy, or it reminds them of a mild allergic reaction.
Benefits of Beta-Alanine
I personally enjoy the feeling. Mostly because I’m privy to the benefits of using beta alanine. As a natural bodybuilder, I want to take advantage of every proven, natural ingredient I can to help maximize my performance and results. Beta-alanine is among these natural ingredients I consider a ‘MUST HAVE’ in my supplement stack!
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino that binds to the amino acid histidine to form carnosine in the muscles. Carnosine can increase your training capacity by neutralizing, or buffering, hydronium ions that play a significant part in muscle fatigue.
As a bodybuilder, this means heavier weights and more reps in the gym! To athletes involved in sports, it means more sustainable muscular performance during training or sporting events.
There have been a number of compelling clinical trials that have proven beta-alanine is an effective performance enhancer. Not to mention it works as an antioxidant and is safe to use. While some people will purchase it, and use it exclusively, or in addition to their pre-workout of choice, I get a hefty 1.2 gram dose of beta-alanine in Training Ground Pre.
To conclude, that tingling sensation is harmless and will not lead to any adverse health complications.
Hopefully, this helps answer your question. I wish you all the best of success in your fitness endeavors!
Prove ‘Em Wrong,
Chad Shaw
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