Dr. Grey AI

Alanine

L-alanine is a non-essential amino acid central to the glucose-alanine cycle, where muscle-derived alanine is converted to glucose in the liver. It activates AMPK in liver cells (shown in human, mouse, and rat cells), reducing blood glucose independently of insulin. Alanine comprises ~60% of the plasma amino acid pool alongside glutamine and has the highest hepatic gluconeogenic capacity of all amino acids. Human supplementation RCTs are limited; most evidence is mechanistic or from animal models.

Quick Answer

What it is

L-alanine is a non-essential amino acid central to the glucose-alanine cycle, where muscle-derived alanine is converted to glucose in the liver. It activates AMPK in liver cells (shown in human, mouse, and rat cells), reducing blood glucose independently of insulin.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Blood Glucose Regulation
  • Grade D: Hypoglycemia Recovery
  • Grade D: Exercise Performance (with BCAAs)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Alanine

Quick Facts: Alanine

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:3
  • Key Effect:Athletic Performance
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D3
2 conditions · 3 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
D
Blood Glucose Regulation
In vitro studies show L-alanine consistently activates AMPK in rat, mouse, and human hepatocytes, reducing glucose output via an insulin-independent mechanism. In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, L-alanine supplementation improved blood glucose levels and biochemical indices, but no human supplementation trials exist.
moderate↓Improves
D
Hypoglycemia Recovery
In a rat model of insulin-induced hypoglycemia, L-alanine at 100 mg/kg accelerated glycemia recovery more efficiently than glucose itself, likely via rapid hepatic gluconeogenesis through the glucose-alanine cycle. No human replication studies have been conducted.
moderate↑Improves
D
Exercise Performance (with BCAAs)
In exercising mice, a BCAAs plus L-alanine combination improved muscle force output, reduced fatigability, and enhanced the pAMPK/AMPK ratio compared to controls. The effect of L-alanine independent of BCAAs is unclear, and no human trials have tested this combination for performance outcomes.
small↑Improves

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