Categories: Amino Acids

Alanine is a nonessential amino acid, meaning that your body can make it. It does not need to be obtained directly through food. Alanine is found in a wide variety of foods, concentrated in meats.

Animal Sources
Meat, seafood, caseinate, dairy products, eggs, fish, gelatin, lactalbumin.

Vegetarian Sources
Beans, nuts, seeds, soy, whey, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, bran, corn, legumes, whole grains.

Link to High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
An international study led by Imperial College London found a correlation between high levels of alanine and higher blood pressure, energy intake, cholesterol levels, and body mass index.

Link to Diabetes
Changes in the alanine cycle that increase blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are linked to the development of type II diabetes. Elevated levels of ALT increase the risk of developing type II diabetes. Alanine converts carbohydrates into energy as needed. Also used as a food seasoning.

Author: Life Enthusiast