Alanine Amino Acid: Necessary for Muscle Building
Alanine is one of the 22 proteinogenic amino acids that are the primary building blocks for proteins. Since it creates proteins and muscle mass, the alanine amino acid is non-essential. This means the body naturally synthesizes alanine and it is not obtained through diet, unlike essential amino acids.
However, since alanine helps to build lean muscle mass, many athletes and body builders choose to consume more alanine in order to attempt to promote healthy muscle growth and cell maintenance through high-protein diets. Some foods that contain high levels of the alanine amino acid include:
- Red meat
- Seafood
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Beans
- Seeds and nuts
- Whole grains
- Brown rice
- Yellow corn
Alanine is also available in many supplements that may support healthy muscle growth and endurance for athletes. Whether you want to add more alanine amino acid to your diet for athletic or health reasons, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your health plan.
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