L-alanine explained: what it is and how it is made
The NIH (US National Institutes of Health) says L-alanine occurs at high levels in its free form in blood plasma. It says L-alanine is made from pyruvate through a process called transamination. One product we reviewed lists L-alanine, and no labels print its individual amount.
- What it is
- Amino acid
- In the products we reviewed
- 1, its label does not print the amount
What L-alanine is
- L-alanine occurs at high levels in its free form in blood plasma.1
- L-alanine is made from pyruvate through a process called transamination.1
- L-alanine used as a food additive can be in free, hydrated or anhydrous form, or as hydrochloride, sodium or potassium salts.2
- L-alanine can be added to foods as a nutrient under specified regulatory conditions.2
How much L-alanine each product gives
Amount not printed: the dashed line shows the most it can be, the whole blend
Before you take it
Ask a doctor first
- For foods fortified under these rules, added and naturally present L-alanine together must not exceed 6.1 percent of the finished food's total protein by weight.2
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. A supplement is not a medicine.
The product we reviewed that lists L-alanine
| Product | Form and serving | L-alanine per serving | Our score | Price a bottle | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Max Vitalize#3 in men's health support | Capsules2 capsules | Not printedIn a 176 mg proprietary blend | 9.3 | $49 | Check price |
Questions people ask
What is L-alanine?
L-alanine is a nutrient that the US FDA (in the federal regulations) says can be added to foods under specified conditions. The NIH (US National Institutes of Health) says it occurs at high levels in its free form in blood plasma.
How is L-alanine made?
L-alanine is made from pyruvate through a process called transamination, according to the NIH (US National Institutes of Health).
What forms can L-alanine come in?
L-alanine used as a food additive can be in free, hydrated or anhydrous form, according to the US FDA (in the federal regulations). It can also be in the form of hydrochloride, sodium or potassium salts.
What should I check before taking an L-alanine supplement?
Ask a clinician before starting an L-alanine supplement. For foods fortified under its rules, the US FDA (in the federal regulations) says added and naturally present L-alanine together must not exceed 6.1 percent of the finished food's total protein by weight.
Which supplement we reviewed contains L-alanine, and how much?
Max Vitalize is the product we reviewed that lists L-alanine. Its label places L-alanine inside a 176 mg proprietary blend per serving of 2 capsules, without printing a separate L-alanine amount.
Sources
The products, amounts and prices come from each product's label and checkout, as its review shows them. AI drafts our pages from listed sources, figures are checked against them, and we have not tried the products.
- 1NIH National Library of Medicine, Medical Subject Headings, Alaninemeshb.nlm.nih.gov/recordchecked
- 2US Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 172.320, Amino acidsecfr.gov/currentchecked