Pre-Workouts are a staple of most gym-goers’ routines. They help you get through that last set and push yourself to the next level, with caffeine and other performance-enhancing ingredients like Beta Alanine, Yohimbine, etc.
You probably have questions why pre-workout makes me itchy? What is causing this itching? Is there any risk? Don’t worry; we’ll explain.
The chemical beta-alanine is to blame for this itching or tingling sensation on the skin. This sensation is most likely to be brought on by pre-workout products that include this chemical, especially at levels greater than 2g per serve.
Why Does Pre-Workout Make Your Skin Itch?
There are many reasons why your skin might itch after taking a pre-workout supplement. The following are some possible causes:
- You have an allergy to one of the ingredients in your pre-workout supplement
- You’re sensitive to sugar substitutes like sucralose or aspartame (commonly found in zero-calorie drinks)
- The ingredients in your pre-workout supplement could be causing gastrointestinal distress (stomach ache) which then leads to itching (dermatographia).
Pre-Workout Ingredients That May Cause Itching
The main ingredients in pre-workout supplements can help boost energy levels, increase athletic performance and improve physical endurance.
But some people have reported itching after using these products. Here are some of the most common pre-workout ingredients that may cause this reaction:
Beta-Alanine
This ingredient is the main cause of pre-workout tingle sensation. It can also make you feel slightly itchy and even cause a burning sensation if you use too much of it in your pre-workout supplement.
Creatine
Creatine is one of the most popular ingredients that athletes take during their workout routine. However, it can make your skin feel itchy as well as cause side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an essential amino acid found naturally in food sources such as bananas, avocados, and almonds (among others). If you don’t normally include any of these foods into your diet just yet though then taking a tyrosine supplement might give you some side effects such as hives or redness because these are all symptoms of an allergic reaction due to the addition of a new food source.
Caffeine
When consumed in large quantities, caffeine can cause itching on your skin and inside your body. This occurs because when you consume too much caffeine, it causes your blood pressure to rise, which results in a release of histamine (a compound responsible for the sensation of itchiness).
Is Beta-Alanine Good For Pre-Workout?
Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that’s been shown to increase muscle endurance and recovery. It also helps prevent muscle fatigue by reducing the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles, which can cause soreness and inflammation.
Why it’s good for pre-workout: Beta-alanine is good for pre-workout because it increases muscle mass without increasing body fat, which means you’re able to lift more weight during your workouts while burning more calories overall.
Why it’s bad for pre-workout: Some people are allergic to beta-alanine—so if you find yourself itching like crazy after drinking your pre-workout supplement, it might be worth switching to a different one!
How To Get Rid Of Pre-Workout Itch?
The pre-workout itch is the worst. It can make you feel like you’re being eaten alive by ants, and it’s not exactly pleasant.
The sensation can be effectively minimized by reducing and splitting the dose. If you take too much pre-workout, you’ll get itchy. This happens because your body is working overtime to process all of that caffeine and other ingredients.
If you want to avoid pre-workout itch, here are some tips:
- Don’t take more than one scoop at a time (or even less if you’re sensitive)
- If you do want to use two scoops, split them up into two separate doses (one before your workout, one after).
- Drink more water! Dehydration is one of the main causes of itching because it reduces the amount of blood flowing through the body and causes users to feel sluggish during exercise.
FAQs
How do I stop the pre-workout itch?
By reducing and dividing the dose, you can successfully lessen the sensation. Instead of taking a single high dose before working out, taking smaller doses throughout the day can help reduce the itching or even eliminate it.
How long does pre-workout itch last?
The length of time that you experience a pre-workout itch will depend on how much of your supplement you take, as well as the type of supplement you’re using. For example, if you’re using a caffeine-based pre-workout supplement, then the itch will usually last for just five minutes (or less). However, if you’re taking an amino acid-based product or something that contains creatine monohydrate, then it could last for up to an hour or more.
Is it normal to feel tingly after pre-workout?
Yes, it is normal to have this feeling. This is because stimulants and other ingredients in pre-workouts are designed to increase your heart rate, boost your adrenaline levels and give you more energy.
The feeling can be described as a tingly sensation or numbness that lasts for a few seconds or minutes. You may also feel like you are shaking or vibrating from head to toe.
Is beta-alanine safe?
Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that’s produced in the body and can be found in foods such as beef and chicken. It’s also available as a supplement, which many people take to boost performance and muscle mass.
While beta-alanine is generally safe when used appropriately, there are some potential side effects associated with its use.
Beta-alanine may cause:
- Skin irritation or redness when applied topically to the skin
- Nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
