PRODUCTS

3-AMINOPROPANOIC ACID

3-Aminopropanoic acid is a naturally occurring beta-amino acid that is not used in the body to build proteins, but instead plays a unique and important role in enhancing physical performance.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is most well known for being a key component in the synthesis of carnosine, a dipeptide molecule stored in muscle tissue that helps buffer acid during high-intensity exercise.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is the ethyl ester which hydrolyses within the body to form β-alanine.

CAS Number: 107-95-9
EC Number: 203-536-5
Molecular Formula: C3H7NO2
Molecular Weight: 89.09 g/mol

Synonyms: beta-alanine, 3-Aminopropanoic acid, 107-95-9, 3-Aminopropionic acid, Beta Alanine, Abufene, H-beta-Ala-OH, beta-Aminopropionic acid, 2-Carboxyethylamine, Alanine, beta-, beta-Ala, .beta.-Alanine, Propanoic acid, 3-amino-, 3-Aminopropionsaeure, beta-Aminopropionsaeure, B-ALANINE, omega-Aminopropionic acid, 3-Aminopropanoate, FEMA No. 3252, .beta.-Aminopropionic acid, 3-amino-propionic acid, NSC 7603, AI3-18470, b-Aminopropanoate, b-Aminopropionate, 3-Aminopropionate, b-Ala, EINECS 203-536-5, MFCD00008200, 3-amino-Propanoate, beta-Aminopropanoate, beta-Aminopropionate, Abufene (TN), omega-Aminopropionate, 11P2JDE17B, b-Aminopropanoic acid, b-Aminopropionic acid, 87867-95-6, CHEBI:16958, 3-amino-Propanoic acid, beta-Aminopropanoic acid, NSC-7603, ALANINE, .BETA.-, BETA-ALANINE [VANDF], .BETA.-ALANINE [MI], BETA ALANINE [USP-RS], BETA-ALANINE [WHO-DD], CHEMBL297569, .BETA.-ALANINE [FHFI], DTXSID0030823, NSC7603, EC 203-536-5, 3-Aminopropanoic Acid (beta-Alanine), 3 Aminopropionic Acid, BETA ALANINE (USP-RS), beta-ALANINE-13C3-15N, beta-alanin, PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM PENTAHYDRATE IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY], ALANINE, BETA, UNII-11P2JDE17B, Alanine-beta, PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM PENTAHYDRATE IMPURITY A (EP IMPURITY), beta -alanine, beta- alanine, beta--alanine, 2Carboxyethylamine, beta-Alanine #, aminopropionic acid, 3Aminopropionsaeure, Beta Alanine; Pamidronate Disodium Pentahydrate Imp. A (EP); Pamidronate Imp. A (EP); Calcium Pantothenate Impurity A; Pamidronate Disodium Pentahydrate Impurity A; Pamidronate Impurity A, 3aminopropanoic acid, 3aminopropionic acid, A-Ala, betaAminopropionsaeure, betaaminopropionic acid, beta-Alanine, 99%, Tocris-0206, Propanoic acid, 3amino, Propanoic acid, amino-, |A-Alanine (Standard), H2NCH2CH2COOH, bmse000159, bmse000967, bmse001019, .omega.-Aminopropionic acid, BETA-ALANINE [INCI], Oprea1_583450, beta-Alanine, >=98%, FG, GTPL2365, DTXCID8010823, 3-aminopropanoic acidbeta-alanine, HY-N0230R, beta-Alanine (6CI,8CI,9CI), beta-Alanine, analytical standard, HY-N0230, STR03358, BBL037332, BDBM50000102, PDSP1_000144, PDSP2_000143, s5526, STK301638, AKOS000119659, CS-W020126, DB03107, FA10356, NCGC00024495-01, NCGC00024495-02, BP-10083, beta-Alanine, BioXtra, >=99.0% (NT), beta-Alanine, BioUltra, >=99.0% (NT), DB-022630, A0180, NS00009116, EN300-18046, C00099, D07561, F86478, Q310919, SR-01000597690, SR-01000597690-1, Z57127544, F2191-0213, 7CA041EF-5103-439A-9D84-1761529BA8DA, beta-Alanine, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, Beta Alanine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material, beta-Alanine, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture, suitable for insect cell culture, 203-536-5, 25513-34-2, CAPSICUM OLEORESIN 1,000,000 SCOVILLE UNITS;CAPSICUM OLEORESIN 2,000,000 SCOVILLE UNITS;CAPSICUM OLEORESIN 500,000 SCOVILLE UNITS;Capsicum extract (capsicum spp.);Capsicum oleoresin (capsicum spp.);Capsicum oleoresins;Cayenne (capsicum annuum L. var. longum sendt);Capsicol/Chilli paprika oleoresin

3-Aminopropanoic acid is a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in muscle endurance and performance.
Unlike most amino acids, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is not used directly in protein synthesis; instead, its main function is as a building block for carnosine, a dipeptide stored in skeletal muscles.

3-Aminopropanoic acid helps buffer hydrogen ions (H⁺) that accumulate during high-intensity exercise, which delays muscle fatigue and improves exercise capacity.
Because of this, 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation is widely used in sports nutrition to enhance performance, particularly in activities that involve short bursts of intense effort, such as sprinting or weightlifting.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is typically found in foods like poultry and fish, and while the body can produce it naturally, additional supplementation can significantly raise intramuscular carnosine levels.
The most common side effect of high-dose 3-Aminopropanoic acid intake is a harmless tingling sensation on the skin, known as paresthesia.

3-Aminopropanoic acid has a characteristic odor and an extremely strong bite.
Under the name of 3-Aminopropanoic acid, the fruits of various species of the family Solanaceae are used extensively as pungent food additives.

Commercially, the fruits of Capsicum annuum and its varieties are known under the names of Spanish pepper, poivrons and paprika.
The fruits of C. frutescens are known as chiles, although the term chiles may be used to indicate any variety of capsicum.

The orange-red powder of the fruits from which the most pungent parts are removed is known as rosenpaprika.
In the United States, this is simply paprika.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is recognized that approximately five species and their hybrids contribute to all sources of “peppers.”
The fruits are the part used. Capsicum is mild to highly pungent.

3-Aminopropanoic acid was first described in the late 1400s by a physician who accompanied Columbus to the West Indies.
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is a product which may contain resin acids and their esters, terpenes, and oxidation or polymerization products of these terpenes.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is a naturally occurring beta-amino acid that is not used in the body to build proteins, but instead plays a unique and important role in enhancing physical performance.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is most well known for being a key component in the synthesis of carnosine, a dipeptide molecule stored in muscle tissue that helps buffer acid during high-intensity exercise.
This buffering capacity allows muscles to work harder and longer by delaying the onset of fatigue and reducing the accumulation of lactic acid.

Unlike alpha-alanine, which is one of the standard amino acids incorporated into proteins, 3-Aminopropanoic acid has its amino group on the beta carbon instead of the alpha carbon.
This structural difference makes 3-Aminopropanoic acid functionally distinct and gives 3-Aminopropanoic acid specific benefits related to muscle endurance and exercise capacity.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is commonly found in sports supplements and is widely studied for its ability to enhance athletic performance, particularly during short bursts of high-intensity activity like weightlifting or sprinting.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
That’s because it’s been shown to enhance performance and benefit overall health.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is a naturally occurring beta amino acid, which is an amino acid in which the amino group is attached to the β-carbon (i.e. the carbon two carbon atoms away from the carboxylate group) instead of the more usual α-carbon for alanine (α-alanine).
The IUPAC name for β-alanine is 3-aminopropanoic acid.

Unlike its counterpart α-alanine, β-alanine has no stereocenter.
In terms of its biosynthesis, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is formed by the degradation of dihydrouracil and carnosine.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is the ethyl ester which hydrolyses within the body to form β-alanine.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is produced industrially by the reaction of ammonia with β-propiolactone.

Sources for 3-Aminopropanoic acidincludes pyrimidine catabolism of cytosine and uracil.
3-Aminopropanoic acid residues are rare.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is a component of the peptides carnosine and anserine and also of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which itself is a component of coenzyme A.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is metabolized into acetic acid.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is the rate-limiting precursor of carnosine, which is to say carnosine levels are limited by the amount of available β-alanine, not histidine.
Supplementation with 3-Aminopropanoic acid has been shown to increase the concentration of carnosine in muscles, decrease fatigue in athletes, and increase total muscular work done.

Simply supplementing with carnosine is not as effective as supplementing with 3-Aminopropanoic acid alone since carnosine, when taken orally, is broken down during digestion to its components, histidine and β-alanine.
Hence, by weight, only about 40% of the dose is available as 3-Aminopropanoic acid.

Because 3-Aminopropanoic acid dipeptides are not incorporated into proteins, they can be stored at relatively high concentrations.
Occurring at 17–25 mmol/kg (dry muscle), carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is an important intramuscular buffer, constituting 10-20% of the total buffering capacity in type I and II muscle fibres.
In carnosine, the pKa of the imidazolium group is 6.83, which is ideal for buffering.

Even though much weaker than glycine (and, thus, with a debated role as a physiological transmitter), 3-Aminopropanoic acid is an agonist next in activity to the cognate ligand glycine itself, for strychnine-sensitive inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyRs) (the agonist order: glycine ≫ β-alanine > taurine ≫ alanine, L-serine > proline).
3-Aminopropanoic acid has five known receptor sites, including GABA-A, GABA-C a co-agonist site (with glycine) on NMDA receptors, the aforementioned GlyR site, and blockade of GAT protein-mediated glial GABA uptake, making it a putative "small molecule neurotransmitter."

There is evidence that 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation can increase exercise and cognitive performance, for some sporting modalities, and exercises within a 0.5–10 min time frame.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is converted within muscle cells into carnosine, which acts as a buffer for the lactic acid produced during high-intensity exercises, and helps delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue.
Ingestion of 3-Aminopropanoic acid can cause paraesthesia, reported as a tingling sensation, in a dose-dependent fashion.

Aside from this, no important adverse effect of β-alanine has been reported, however, there is also no information on the effects of its long-term usage or its safety in combination with other supplements, and caution on its use has been advised.
Furthermore, many studies have failed to test for the purity of the supplements used and check for the presence of banned substances.

3-Aminopropanoic acid can undergo a transamination reaction with pyruvate to form malonate-semialdehyde and L-alanine.
The malonate semialdehyde can then be converted into malonate via malonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase.
Malonate is then converted into malonyl-CoA and enter fatty acid biosynthesis.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is marketed as a way to enhance sports performance and endurance.
Some scientific evidence backs such uses, but the studies have been small and the results inconclusive.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is unique among amino acids because it is classified as a beta-amino acid, meaning the amino group is attached to the beta carbon (the second carbon from the carboxylic acid group), rather than the alpha carbon as seen in standard proteinogenic amino acids.

This structural distinction not only sets it apart chemically but also functionally, as 3-Aminopropanoic acid is not incorporated into proteins during synthesis by ribosomes.
Instead, 3-Aminopropanoic acid plays a specialized role in enhancing physiological processes, particularly those associated with muscle performance and fatigue resistance.

One of the most significant biological functions of 3-Aminopropanoic acid is its role in the production of carnosine, which is highly concentrated in skeletal muscle, especially in fast-twitch muscle fibers.
These are the fibers most engaged during explosive movements like sprinting, jumping, or lifting heavy weights.

Carnosine acts as an intracellular buffer, helping to regulate the pH within muscle cells during exercise by buffering the hydrogen ions that are released when lactic acid builds up.
This buffering delays the onset of muscular acidosis, a major contributor to fatigue, thereby improving endurance and overall exercise capacity.

Scientific studies have consistently shown that supplementation with 3-Aminopropanoic acid over a period of several weeks leads to increased intramuscular carnosine levels.
This increase has been linked to enhanced performance in activities that last between 60 to 240 seconds, such as rowing, high-intensity cycling, or repeated sprint exercises.

However, even shorter-duration and longer-endurance activities may see benefits due to better pH regulation and reduced muscle fatigue over time.
Aside from its application in sports and fitness, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is also of interest in medical and biochemical research.

3-Aminopropanoic acid helps synthesize, has been studied for its potential neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Some preliminary research suggests that carnosine might play a role in protecting neurons from oxidative stress and could be relevant in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, though this is still an emerging field of study.

In terms of dietary sources, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is not typically found in plant-based foods in significant quantities, which means vegetarians and vegans often have lower baseline levels of carnosine in their muscles.
As a result, they may respond even more positively to supplementation compared to omnivores, with greater increases in carnosine concentration after taking 3-Aminopropanoic acid.

This buffering capacity allows muscles to work harder and longer by delaying the onset of fatigue and reducing the accumulation of lactic acid.
Unlike alpha-alanine, which is one of the standard amino acids incorporated into proteins, 3-Aminopropanoic acid has its amino group on the beta carbon instead of the alpha carbon.

This structural difference makes 3-Aminopropanoic acid functionally distinct and gives it specific benefits related to muscle endurance and exercise capacity.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is commonly found in sports supplements and is widely studied for its ability to enhance athletic performance, particularly during short bursts of high-intensity activity like weightlifting or sprinting.

In addition to being synthesized in the liver, 3-Aminopropanoic acid can also be obtained through the diet, especially from meat and poultry products, as carnosine is naturally present in animal muscles.
As a supplement, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is typically consumed in powder or capsule form and is often associated with a harmless tingling sensation known as paresthesia when taken in large doses.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is a non-essential amino acid, which means that while the human body can synthesize it on its own, it can also be obtained through the consumption of certain foods, particularly animal-based proteins like beef, chicken, and fish, which naturally contain carnosine—a compound made from 3-Aminopropanoic acid and histidine.

In the body, 3-Aminopropanoic acid’s primary biological role is to serve as a building block of carnosine, a molecule that is stored in high concentrations in skeletal muscles and acts as a pH buffer by neutralizing the hydrogen ions produced during intense physical activity.
When muscles engage in strenuous exercise, especially of an anaerobic nature, lactic acid levels rise, which leads to a decrease in pH (more acidity), causing the "burn" and fatigue that limits performance.
By increasing the availability of 3-Aminopropanoic acid, more carnosine can be produced and stored in muscles, thereby improving the muscle’s ability to resist fatigue and sustain high performance over a longer period.

This mechanism makes 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation particularly popular among athletes, sprinters, bodybuilders, and others who engage in short-duration, high-intensity exercise.
In addition to its performance-enhancing properties, 3-Aminopropanoic acid has been studied for its potential antioxidant and anti-aging effects due to carnosine's ability to scavenge free radicals and prevent the glycation of proteins—a process involved in aging and chronic diseases.

Although 3-Aminopropanoic acid itself is not incorporated into proteins like most amino acids, its functional significance in metabolism and exercise science continues to make it a focus of research in sports nutrition and physiology.
Supplementing with 3-Aminopropanoic acid is generally considered safe for healthy individuals when taken at recommended dosages, though some people may experience a temporary tingling sensation known as paresthesia, which occurs when high doses are taken quickly.
This sensation is harmless and can often be minimized by taking smaller doses throughout the day or using sustained-release formulations.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is a naturally occurring, non-essential beta-amino acid that differs from the standard alpha-amino acids used in protein synthesis by its unique molecular structure, in which the amino group is attached to the β-carbon instead of the α-carbon.
This structural difference means that, unlike most amino acids, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is not incorporated directly into proteins or enzymes.
Instead, 3-Aminopropanoic acid's physiological significance comes from being the rate-limiting precursor in the synthesis of carnosine, a dipeptide formed when 3-Aminopropanoic acid combines with the amino acid histidine.

Carnosine is highly concentrated in skeletal muscle and acts as an important intracellular pH buffer.
During high-intensity exercise, muscles rely heavily on anaerobic metabolism, leading to the accumulation of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and lactic acid.

This lowers muscle pH, causing acidosis, which interferes with enzymatic activity and the contractile function of muscle fibers, resulting in fatigue.
By buffering these hydrogen ions, carnosine helps delay the onset of muscle acidosis, thereby enhancing endurance, strength, and the ability to sustain explosive movements.
Because muscle tissue already contains relatively high levels of histidine, the availability of 3-Aminopropanoic acid is usually the limiting factor in carnosine production, which makes dietary intake and supplementation especially effective.

From a nutritional standpoint, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is found in animal-based foods, especially poultry, beef, and fish, as part of naturally occurring carnosine and other related peptides.
While the human body can synthesize 3-Aminopropanoic acid through the breakdown of pyrimidine nucleotides such as uracil and thymine, endogenous production is often insufficient to maximize intramuscular carnosine stores.

This is why supplementation has become popular in the field of sports nutrition and exercise physiology.
Clinical studies show that consistent supplementation over several weeks can elevate muscle carnosine levels by up to 80%, translating into measurable improvements in activities that require repeated bursts of power, such as sprinting, rowing, weightlifting, and combat sports.

One of the most recognized effects of 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation is the temporary tingling or prickling sensation known as paresthesia, which occurs particularly when larger single doses are consumed.
While harmless, this side effect results from 3-Aminopropanoic acid binding to nerve receptors in the skin.
Dividing the total daily intake into smaller doses or using sustained-release formulations typically reduces this effect.

Beyond sports performance, research has explored the role of 3-Aminopropanoic acid and carnosine in broader health contexts.
Carnosine has been investigated for its antioxidant, anti-glycation, and anti-aging properties, as well as its potential to protect tissues from oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are implicated in aging and chronic diseases such as diabetes and neurodegeneration.
As such, 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation may hold promise not only for athletes but also for individuals interested in healthy aging, metabolic health, and protection against cellular stress.

In summary, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is a unique amino acid that does not directly contribute to protein synthesis but is crucial as a precursor of carnosine, an intramuscular buffer.
By increasing carnosine levels, 3-Aminopropanoic acid enhances high-intensity exercise performance, delays fatigue, and may confer protective effects beyond muscle physiology.
This makes 3-Aminopropanoic acid a significant compound at the intersection of nutrition, exercise science, and health research.

Market Overview of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
The global 3-Aminopropanoic acid market is experiencing steady growth, driven largely by its expanding use in sports nutrition, functional foods, and dietary supplements.
Valued at around USD 445–580 million in 2023–2024, the market is projected to surpass USD 725–900 million by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4–6%, while the broader 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplements segment is expected to grow even faster, reaching over USD 2.3–2.8 billion by 2030–2031.

The main growth drivers include rising consumer demand for pre-workout products that enhance endurance and reduce fatigue, increased adoption of clean-label functional foods and beverages, and the rapid expansion of e-commerce distribution channels.
Regionally, North America currently dominates the market thanks to a strong fitness culture and higher purchasing power, while the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing area due to increasing health awareness and supplement adoption.
At the same time, manufacturers are focusing on innovative formulations, such as sustained-release 3-Aminopropanoic acid, to improve bioavailability and minimize side effects like paresthesia, ensuring continued momentum for the industry in the coming decade.

Uses of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
One of the most common uses of 3-Aminopropanoic acid is as a dietary supplement to improve performance in short bursts of high-intensity physical activity.
When taken over time, 3-Aminopropanoic acid increases the concentration of carnosine in skeletal muscles, which helps buffer the build-up of hydrogen ions during anaerobic exercise.
This buffering effect delays muscular fatigue, allowing athletes to train harder and for longer periods during exercises such as sprinting, weightlifting, or interval training.

3-Aminopropanoic acid is particularly effective in exercises that involve repeated efforts or last between one and four minutes in duration.
In these situations, the accumulation of lactic acid can cause a sharp decline in performance.
By increasing intramuscular carnosine levels, 3-Aminopropanoic acid helps maintain a stable pH environment within the muscle cells, thereby reducing acid-related fatigue and allowing for better performance throughout the workout session.

When taken as part of a structured resistance or endurance training program, 3-Aminopropanoic acid may contribute to improvements in overall body composition.
This is largely due to 3-Aminopropanoic acid's role in supporting training volume and intensity.
As athletes are able to push harder during workouts, they may experience increases in lean muscle mass and reductions in fat over time, particularly when combined with proper nutrition and recovery strategies.

Athletes involved in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, boxing, or mixed martial arts often rely on repeated short bursts of intense activity.
Because of its ability to improve anaerobic capacity and muscular endurance, 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation can be especially helpful in these sports, supporting quick recovery between rounds or plays and allowing sustained peak output across the duration of the event.

Some research suggests that 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation may help older adults maintain physical performance and muscle function, particularly during aging when muscle carnosine levels naturally decline.
This could potentially help preserve mobility, reduce fatigue during daily tasks, and support independence in aging populations when combined with regular physical activity.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is a common ingredient in many pre-workout products, often paired with caffeine, creatine, or BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids).

3-Aminopropanoic acids inclusion is intended to help users get the most out of their training sessions by increasing time to exhaustion and promoting improved performance during both resistance and cardio workouts.
Although still under investigation, 3-Aminopropanoic acid’s role in synthesizing carnosine—an antioxidant and anti-glycation agent—has sparked interest in its potential use for neurological health and anti-aging purposes.
Some studies are exploring whether 3-Aminopropanoic acid may help protect brain cells from oxidative stress or reduce protein glycation associated with aging and chronic diseases.

Because 3-Aminopropanoic acid allows athletes to push through more reps or complete more high-intensity intervals before fatigue sets in, it indirectly helps increase training volume, which is one of the most important factors in driving athletic progress.
Over time, this increase in volume can lead to greater gains in strength, endurance, and hypertrophy (muscle growth), especially in sports or training programs that emphasize repeated explosive effort.
Since plant-based diets typically lack direct sources of carnosine, individuals who do not consume meat or animal products tend to have lower levels of muscle carnosine.

Supplementing with 3-Aminopropanoic acid offers a practical and effective way for vegetarians and vegans to boost their carnosine stores and gain the same exercise performance benefits seen in omnivores, especially in high-intensity or endurance sports.
While 3-Aminopropanoic acid is best known for improving short-term, high-intensity exercise, emerging research shows it may also support performance in longer-duration endurance events such as marathons, triathlons, or long-distance cycling.

In these contexts, 3-Aminopropanoic acid helps by reducing peripheral fatigue and improving performance during bursts of speed or inclines that require anaerobic effort in the middle of otherwise aerobic activities.
Some clinical research has investigated the use of 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation in people with chronic fatigue conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Though still in early stages, the idea is that increasing muscular carnosine may help improve physical capacity and quality of life by delaying fatigue during low- to moderate-intensity daily movements in individuals with limited energy reserves.
3-Aminopropanoic acid is particularly popular among CrossFit athletes and others who engage in high-intensity functional training, where workouts often involve multiple rounds of complex movements performed at high speed.
Because 3-Aminopropanoic acid improves recovery between efforts and sustains power output, it can be an ideal supplement for those looking to improve WOD (Workout of the Day) times and overall work capacity.

Some studies have explored the benefits of 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation in military personnel and tactical athletes, such as firefighters or law enforcement officers.
These professions often require bursts of intense effort under stressful conditions, and 3-Aminopropanoic acid has been shown to improve repeated sprint ability, muscular endurance, and overall resilience during physically demanding tasks.
In bodybuilding, where maximizing training effectiveness and muscular endurance is key, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is often stacked with other supplements like creatine, arginine, or BCAAs.

3-Aminopropanoic acid helps athletes squeeze out additional reps during high-rep hypertrophy training, which can lead to more muscle breakdown and growth over time when paired with proper recovery and protein intake.
Sports like rowing, swimming, and martial arts require a blend of explosive strength and sustained effort.
3-Aminopropanoic acid helps athletes in these sports manage muscle fatigue, maintain force output during repeated movements, and recover faster between rounds or intervals, ultimately giving them a performance edge over time.

Benefits of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
3-Aminopropanoic acid offers several well-documented benefits, most notably its ability to enhance exercise performance by increasing the synthesis of carnosine, which buffers excess hydrogen ions in muscles and delays the onset of fatigue during high-intensity activity.
This leads to measurable improvements in endurance, strength, and repeated power output, making 3-Aminopropanoic acid especially valuable for athletes engaged in sprinting, weight training, rowing, cycling, and combat sports.

Beyond sports performance, 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation can contribute to healthier aging, as elevated carnosine levels may help preserve muscle function in older adults, reducing fatigue and supporting mobility.
Research also indicates that carnosine’s antioxidant and anti-glycation properties can protect cells from oxidative stress and metabolic damage, potentially lowering risks associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration.

Additionally, 3-Aminopropanoic acid may improve overall training capacity, allowing individuals to sustain higher workloads and recover more effectively.
Together, these benefits make 3-Aminopropanoic acid not only a proven ergogenic aid but also a promising compound for long-term muscle health and cellular protection.

Production of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
3-Aminopropanoic acid can be produced both naturally and industrially.
In the human body, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is formed as a byproduct of the degradation of pyrimidine nucleotides such as uracil and thymine, which makes it an endogenously synthesized amino acid.

On an industrial scale, however, 3-Aminopropanoic acid is typically manufactured through synthetic chemical processes or biotechnological methods.
The most common route is the chemical synthesis via acrylonitrile or acrylic acid derivatives, followed by catalytic reactions that yield 3-Aminopropanoic acid in high purity.

Another growing method involves enzymatic and microbial fermentation, where specific microorganisms or engineered enzymes catalyze the conversion of precursors into 3-Aminopropanoic acid, offering a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach.
Once synthesized, 3-Aminopropanoic acid undergoes purification and quality control to ensure compliance with food and pharmaceutical standards before being incorporated into nutritional supplements, functional foods, and clinical research applications.
With rising demand in sports nutrition and health markets, production methods are increasingly focusing on scalability, cost-effectiveness, and green chemistry principles, making biotechnological synthesis an emerging trend alongside traditional chemical production.

Synthesis of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
3-Aminopropanoic acid can be synthesized through several chemical and biotechnological pathways.
The most common industrial method is the chemical synthesis from acrylonitrile: acrylonitrile is first hydrolyzed to acrylamide, which is then converted to β-aminopropionitrile, followed by catalytic hydrogenation or hydrolysis to yield pure 3-Aminopropanoic acid.

Another important synthetic route involves malonic acid derivatives, where malonic ester undergoes amidation or reductive amination, producing 3-Aminopropanoic acid under controlled conditions.
In addition to chemical routes, biotechnological synthesis has gained attention as a greener alternative.

This method employs engineered microorganisms (such as Escherichia coli) or specific enzymes like aspartate decarboxylase to catalyze the conversion of L-aspartic acid into 3-Aminopropanoic acid, offering high selectivity and reduced by-product formation.
The enzymatic pathway is particularly promising for large-scale, sustainable production, as it minimizes the use of toxic chemicals and harsh reaction conditions.
In both chemical and biological synthesis, final purification steps—such as crystallization or chromatographic separation—are crucial to achieve the pharmaceutical and food-grade quality required for use in supplements and medical research.

History of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
The history of 3-Aminopropanoic acid traces back to the early 20th century, when researchers first identified it as a naturally occurring amino acid distinct from the common alpha-amino acids used in protein synthesis.
3-Aminopropanoic acid's significance grew after the discovery of carnosine in 1900 by Russian chemist Vladimir Gulevich, who observed this dipeptide in muscle tissue and later linked 3-Aminopropanoic acid as one of its essential components.

Throughout the mid-1900s, biochemical studies highlighted 3-Aminopropanoic acid’s role in muscle buffering and energy metabolism, but it remained largely a subject of academic interest rather than practical application.
3-Aminopropanoic acid was not until the 1980s and 1990s that deeper research into exercise physiology revealed the importance of carnosine in delaying muscle fatigue, which in turn brought 3-Aminopropanoic acid into focus as a potential performance-enhancing nutrient.

The early 2000s marked a turning point when controlled studies confirmed that 3-Aminopropanoic acid supplementation significantly increased muscle carnosine concentrations, leading to improved endurance and reduced fatigue in athletes.
Since then, 3-Aminopropanoic acid has become a staple ingredient in the sports nutrition industry, widely recognized in pre-workout formulas and performance supplements, while ongoing research continues to explore its broader roles in healthy aging, metabolic health, and disease prevention.

Handling and Storage of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
Handle in accordance with good laboratory and industrial hygiene practices.
Avoid creating dust; do not breathe dust.

Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances such as strong oxidizers.

Stability and Reactivity of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:

Stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat, humidity, and generation of dust.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and bases.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon oxides (CO, CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx) may form under fire or extreme heating conditions.

First Aid Measures of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:

Inhalation:
Move the person to fresh air.
If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Skin contact:
Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Seek medical attention if irritation develops.

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Get medical help if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
If large amounts are ingested, seek medical advice.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Firefighting Measures of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or foam.

Hazards from combustion:
Emits irritating fumes, carbon and nitrogen oxides.

Protective equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Accidental Release Measures of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:

Personal precautions:
Avoid dust formation; wear protective equipment including dust mask/respirator, gloves, and goggles.
Ensure adequate ventilation.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent release into drains or natural waterways.

Cleanup methods:
Sweep up or vacuum without generating dust, place in suitable labeled container for proper disposal.
Wash spill area with water after material pickup is complete.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protection of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:

Engineering controls:
Use with adequate ventilation, preferably in a chemical fume hood if handling powder.

Eye/face protection:
Safety goggles or face shield.

Skin protection:
Nitrile or latex gloves; protective lab coat/clothing.

Respiratory protection:
If exposure limits are exceeded or dust is generated, use an appropriate dust mask or respirator (NIOSH-approved).

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling chemicals.

Identifiers of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
IUPAC Name: 3-aminopropanoic acid
Molecular Formula: C₃H₇NO₂
Molecular Weight: 89.09 g/mol
CAS Number: 107-95-9
EC Number (EINECS): 203-536-5
UNII (FDA): Y8335394FI
PubChem CID: 239
ChEBI ID: CHEBI:16958
InChI: InChI=1S/C3H7NO2/c4-2-1-3(5)6/h1-2,4H2,(H,5,6)
InChI Key: OFFNJZKXEVQBTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: NCCCN(O)=O

IUPAC Name: 3-aminopropanoic acid
Official Name: β-Alanine

CAS Number: 107-95-9
EC (EINECS) Number: 203-536-5
UNII (FDA): Y8335394FI
PubChem CID: 239
ChEBI ID: CHEBI:16958
ChEMBL ID: CHEMBL107110
KEGG ID: C00099
Beilstein Number: 605342
Merck Index Number: 11, 885

InChI: InChI=1S/C3H7NO2/c4-2-1-3(5)6/h1-2,4H2,(H,5,6)
InChI Key: OFFNJZKXEVQBTK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: NCCCN(O)=O

Properties of 3-Aminopropanoic Acid:
Molecular Formula: C₃H₇NO₂
Molecular Weight: 89.09 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Taste/Odor: Slightly bitter, neutral taste
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohols

Chemical Name: β-Alanine (3-aminopropanoic acid)
Molecular Formula: C₃H₇NO₂
Molecular Weight: 89.09 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline powder or solid
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Slightly bitter
Density: ~1.44 g/cm³ (solid)
Melting Point: 196–202 °C (with decomposition)
Boiling Point: Not well-defined (decomposes before boiling)

pKa Values:
Carboxyl group: ~3.6
Amino group: ~10.2
Isoelectric Point (pI): ~6.5

Solubility:
Freely soluble in water
Slightly soluble in ethanol and methanol
Practically insoluble in non-polar solvents (e.g., chloroform, ether)

Stability: Stable under normal temperature and pressure; hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air)
Reactivity: Can react with strong oxidizing agents; undergoes decomposition under strong heat releasing nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides.