What it is
Beta-alanine is an amino acid the body uses to build carnosine, a compound stored in muscle and brain tissue.
What it does in Memoclear
Carnosine acts as a buffer and an antioxidant. In the brain it is thought to help protect neurons from the oxidative stress that comes with age, poor sleep and demanding days. Beta-alanine is the limiting ingredient for making carnosine, so supplying more is the route to higher carnosine levels. In Memoclear it is the protective ingredient rather than a blood-flow one.
Where it comes from in food
Beef, pork, chicken and fish, where it exists as part of carnosine.
What the research says
Beta-alanine is one of the most studied sports supplements, where doses of 3 to 6 grams a day raise muscle carnosine. Brain research is earlier stage, with animal studies and a small number of human trials suggesting a role in stress resilience. The 40 mg in Memoclear is far below sports doses, so treat this ingredient as a supporting one.
Who should be careful
At sports doses beta-alanine causes a harmless tingling of the skin. At 40 mg this is unlikely. No major interactions are known, but people with kidney problems should check with a doctor before any amino acid supplement.
Where it sits in the formula
Beta-Alanine works alongside the other five ingredients: L-Arginine (base), L-Arginine AKG 2:1 Extract, L-Citrulline HCL, L-Citrulline Malate, Niacin (Vitamin B3). Together they cover blood flow, cell energy and neuron protection in one daily capsule.
Further reading
Beta-alanine, carnosine and the brain, PubMed. This research is on the ingredient, not on the finished Memoclear product.