9 Ways to Get Rid of Pre-workout Supplement Itch

Pre workout Itch

Pre workout itch is a side effect that many people experience before they start to workout. What’s in pre-workout that makes you itch? The answer is Beta-alanine, a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements that can give you an itchy feeling on your skin  especially when you first start taking it.

Some people may also experience an allergic reaction to beta-alanine, which can cause hives and swelling of the face, neck and throat. This is a rare side effect that has been reported in some individuals who have taken beta-alanine supplements in the past.

This sensation is often described as “pins and needles” poking under the skin and is more likely to occur in females and those under 165 pounds. The sensation typically resolves within 1 hour and is not harmful

However, according to a study of beta-alanine from the data available to date concluded that β-alanine supplementation elicits a significant ergogenic effect on high-intensity exercise, particularly in exercise capacity tests and measures, and where the exercise lasts between 1 and 4 min

1. Antihistamine medication

The most common way to get rid of this itchiness is by taking antihistamine medication or using an over the counter antihistamine cream.

Antihistamine medications may also be prescribed by a doctor in order to reduce the severity of an allergic reaction. With proper treatment, those who are allergic to pre-workout can still enjoy its benefits without having to worry about experiencing any adverse reactions. Better yet chose reputable pre-workout brands without Beta-Alanine.

2) Jog or light exercise

Try going for a jog or doing some light exercise. Exercise is an effective and natural way to treat many physical ailments, including pre-workout itch. Jogging or light exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can provide relief from the uncomfortable symptoms of pre-workout itch.

3) Limit Salt Intake

Limit daily salt intake: Keep your salt intake below 6g per day to avoid high pre-workout levels

4) Drink plenty of water

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during workouts, as this will help with any dehydration that may be causing the itchiness.

5) Switch Pre-Workout

Try switching out your pre-workout supplement that doesn’t contain beta-alanine. See list below.

6) Use different supplement

Try using a different supplement altogether instead of pre-workout, such as nitric oxide boosters by SilverOnyx Nitric Oxide or N.O. XT Nitric Oxide.

7) Check label and reduce serving size

It is generally recommended to consume 2-5 grams of beta-alanine daily. If your pre-workout contains more beta-alanine than that per serving, try taking a half scoop to reduce the effects.

8) Epsom salt bath

If you have access to a pool, take an Epsom salt bath before your workout and apply anti-itch cream afterwards.

9) Take pre-workout with food

Studies have shown that eating a meal before or after taking beta-alanine can reduce the severity of the allergic reaction. Additionally, combining beta-alanine with creatine may also help reduce the itching side effect.

Pre-Workout with no added Beta Alanine (without the itch)

Here are important things to considered when choosing a Pre-Workout without Beta Alanine:

  • Fully disclosed ingredient label
  • Clinical doses of key ingredients

A high-quality, transparent pre-workout supplement that has no beta-alanine should have the following clinical doses of key ingredients:

  • At least 4 grams of L-Citrulline or 6 grams of Citrulline Malate
  • At least 2.5 grams of betaine anhydrous
  • At least 750 mg of creatine HCL
  • At least 3 g of creatine monohydrate
  • At least 1 g of agmatine sulfate

Go with a brand that has a reputation for quality and transparency, we recommend the following pre-workout without beta-alanine:

1. 4Gauge Pre-Workout 

Best Beginner Pre-Workout with no Beta-Alanine added

Ingredients in Gauge Pre-Workout:

L-Citrulline – 7,000 mg

Glycerol – 2,500 mg

Alpha-GPC – 500 mg

Bacopa Monieri – 300 mg

Lion’s Mane – 300 mg

Caffeine Anhydrous – 300 mg

2. Loco Pre-Workout

Best Overall Pre-Workout with no Beta-Alanine

Ingredients in Loco Pre Workout:

Citrulline Malate – 6,000 mg

L-Taurine – 2,000 mg

L-Tyrosine – 1,000 mg

Loco Energy Matrix – 1,425 mg

3. Flame Pre-Workout

Dark Labs Best High Stim Pre-Workout without Beta-Alanine

Ingredients in Flame Pre-Workout:

Agmatine Sulfate – 1,500 mg

Beta Phenylethylamine HCL (PEA) – 500 mg

Eria Jarensis Extract – 500 mg

Theobromine – 300 mg

Caffeine Anhydrous – 300 mg

2-Amino-5-Methylhexane (Juglans Regia) – 300 mg

Caffeine Citrate – 100 mg

Alpha Yohimbine – 1.5 mg

4. Skywalk – MyoBlox 

Best Nootropic with no Beta-Alanine added

 

Ingredients in Skywalk Pre-Workout

L-Tyrosine – 3,000 mg

NooLVL – 1,600 mg

Alpha-GPC – 800 mg

L-Theanine – 230 mg

RealCaf – 400 mg

5. Herolean – Dark Labs

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss with no Beta-Alanine added

Herolean Key Ingredients:

L-carnitine L-tartrate – 2,000 mg

Olive leaf extract (std. 40% oleuropein) – 300 mg

Aqueous caffeine – 300 mg

Green Coffee Bean Extract (Standard 50% Chlorogenic Acids) – 150 mg

Eria Jarensis extract – 250 mg

2-Aminoisoheptane – 150 mg

1,3 Dimethylamylamine – 100 mg

Synephrine HCL – 50 mg

Hordenine – 50 mg

Note:

This is any form medical advice. If you have serious symptoms you should contact your doctor or physician immediately!

Reference:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3374095/