If you have taken a pre-workout supplement recently, it is very likely that you've experienced this itchy/tingly feeling on your skin. This sensation is called "Paresthesia", and is actually harmless at the doses pre-workouts provide. It can be quite mild at lower doses, but can also be pretty uncomfortable at higher ones. Some people enjoy this tingly feeling because it helps them to know that the supplement they've taken is working. Some people don't feel it at all. And yet others find it way too uncomfortable to cope with, either due to a higher sensitivity, dry skin, or other condition.
Which 2 Ingredients Cause The Itchy Feeling? And Why?
Carnosyn (Beta Alanine)
Carnosyn is the brand name of an ingredient called Beta Alanine. Beta Alanine is an amino acid (non-essential) already found in our bodies. In the muscles, it forms a bond with another amino acid called histidine to form muscular Carnosine. The Carnosine works to fight off the molecules produced in the muscles that usually lead to fatigue and eventually failure. By increasing the amount of carnosine in the muscles, we increase their endurance, as well as speed up recovery. When the beta alanine binds with the nerves under the surface of our skin, they begin to fire at a faster rate which produces the tingling effect.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
All the components of the B-Vitamin family mainly work to process the food we eat. Their primary function is tied to the production of energy within us. The itchy feeling referred to in regards to Niacin is called a "flush". This sensation comes up due to the niacin widening some of our smaller blood vessels, also known as capillaries, close to the surface of our skin.
Can I avoid this feeling?
For some people, this sensation is just way too uncomfortable to bare. The vast majority of pre-workouts do contain at least 1 of these two ingredients. The best way to approach them for the more sensitive people will be with caution. Start out with a very small dose (1/2 the recommended) and gauge how you feel. Then, add more as you feel comfortable.
Which 2 Ingredients Cause The Itchy Feeling? And Why?
Carnosyn (Beta Alanine)
Carnosyn is the brand name of an ingredient called Beta Alanine. Beta Alanine is an amino acid (non-essential) already found in our bodies. In the muscles, it forms a bond with another amino acid called histidine to form muscular Carnosine. The Carnosine works to fight off the molecules produced in the muscles that usually lead to fatigue and eventually failure. By increasing the amount of carnosine in the muscles, we increase their endurance, as well as speed up recovery. When the beta alanine binds with the nerves under the surface of our skin, they begin to fire at a faster rate which produces the tingling effect.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
All the components of the B-Vitamin family mainly work to process the food we eat. Their primary function is tied to the production of energy within us. The itchy feeling referred to in regards to Niacin is called a "flush". This sensation comes up due to the niacin widening some of our smaller blood vessels, also known as capillaries, close to the surface of our skin.
Can I avoid this feeling?
For some people, this sensation is just way too uncomfortable to bare. The vast majority of pre-workouts do contain at least 1 of these two ingredients. The best way to approach them for the more sensitive people will be with caution. Start out with a very small dose (1/2 the recommended) and gauge how you feel. Then, add more as you feel comfortable.
About the Author:
Learn more about Pre-Workout Supplements. Stop by Mark Robinson's site where you can find out all about 7 Pre-Workouts That Don't Make You Itch and what they can do for you.