10 Ways to Stop Pre-workout Supplement 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.

Why is Beta Alanine Used in Pre-Workouts?

Pre-workout supplements are designed to boost your energy, focus, and endurance during exercise. Beta alanine is included in these supplements because of its potential to delay muscle fatigue. When combined with other ingredients like caffeine and creatine, beta alanine aims to provide a well-rounded performance-enhancing effect.

Allergic Reactions to Beta Alanine: What to Watch Out For

While most people can use beta alanine without any issues, some individuals might experience allergic reactions. These reactions can vary from mild to severe and may include:

1. Skin Rash: Redness, itching, or hives on the skin.
2. Digestive Issues: Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
3. Respiratory Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing.

Some people may also experience swelling of the face, neck and throat. However, 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.

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 minutes.

Understanding the Allergic Reactions to Beta Alanine

An allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as harmful. In the case of beta alanine, your immune system might overreact and trigger allergic symptoms.

It’s important to note that having an allergy to one specific ingredient doesn’t necessarily mean you’re allergic to all pre-workout supplements or their ingredients.

Prevention and Precautions

If you suspect you might be allergic to beta alanine, consider the following steps:

1. Read Labels: Always check the ingredient list on pre-workout supplements before using them. Look for beta alanine and other potential allergens. Choose pre-workout does not contain beta alanine.
2. Start Small: If you’re trying a new supplement, start with a smaller dose to see if you have any adverse reactions.
3. Consult a Doctor: If you have a history of allergies or are uncertain, consult a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine.

10 Ways to Stop Pre-workout Supplement Itch

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

When sodium levels rise in the body, it can trigger an allergic reaction that manifests as an itchy and irritated sensation on the skin.

By limiting our salt intake, we can minimize the risk of experiencing pre-workout itch and other related symptoms.

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. 

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.

10) Test Pre-workout sensitivity

Before taking a full dose of a new pre-workout supplement, test your sensitivity by taking a small amount. This can help you determine if the itchiness is a result of the supplement or another factor.

Pre-Workout without Beta Alanine

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

Reference:

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