Why does c4 make me itchy

The specific mechanisms that make niacin cause tingly skin aren't fully understood. It's believed to be related to Langerhans cells , the part of the skin's immune system that is responsible for triggering allergic reactions. These cells stimulate a reaction that causes vascular dilation, increasing blood flow and leading to the reddish appearance of skin that is common with niacin.

Also keep in mind that certain unscrupulous manufacturers will include niacin in products targeted to bodybuilders and athletes, who often determine the value of a supplement by how much it affects them physically. These companies include high levels of niacin in sports supplements designed for muscle growth or tactical performance simply so that people feel like it's working, even though this effect doesn't actually add anything to your pre-workout.

If the duration of the itching sensation isn't too long and it's not too difficult for you to deal with, it's probably okay to continue using your pre-workout supplement normally — especially if you enjoy using it otherwise and would like to keep doing so. Whether your itchy skin is caused by niacin, beta alanine or other nutrients present in your supplement, it's likely not going to cause you any serious harm other than some minor discomfort for a few minutes after you take it.

If the itching does bother you but you like the pre-workout supplement you are currently using, another option is to reduce your dosage. Depending on the timing of supplementation and your body's rate of absorption, a lower amount of the supplement in question may help you avoid most of the negative side effects. If you're currently taking a full scoop of powder, try going down to a half scoop.

If you're taking a half scoop, try going with a quarter. The final option is to choose another pre-workout supplement that doesn't have any ingredients that are known to lead to itchiness. Although this article focuses on niacin and beta alanine, there are other ingredients that can cause pre-workout itchiness and jitters, including caffeine and yohimbine.

Other herbs used as stimulants can cause additional side effects including hives and diarrhea. If you do decide to change to a new pre-workout supplement, take care to closely read the ingredients and make sure everything in it is backed by solid science. If there's something in the supplement that you don't understand, a manufacturer should be able to clearly explain what the ingredient is and why it's present. Some will even notice it right on their lips as they are drinking a product with beta-alanine.

Beta-alanine is a medium to expensive ingredient to formulate with, so some companies go the extra cheap route and use a high dose of niacin instead. Niacin will give the same type of feeling at high enough doses, or sometimes an even worse feeling known as a niacin-flush. Like beta-alanine, niacin has zero purpose in a pre-workout powder in our opinion, of course. For starters, we aren't in the business of trying to trick our customers into thinking a product is so powerful that it makes your skin tingle.

That's not a thing. Second, these ingredients don't make any sense to us at all in a pre-workout product. We'd rather use more ingredients that actually do something to improve the workout you are about to go do. Niacin is a B-vitamin, and yea, it is good to get enough B-vitamins every day.

But taking a bunch of niacin before your workout isn't going to improve your workout in any way. You are just making your skin itch and tingle for no reason. Beta-alanine became popular because of all of its human research, but not many people have stopped to actually read what the data says.

Let us help you out. First, the clinical dose in the majority of the beta-alanine studies is 3. So if you are taking less than 3. Our tried and true approach produces high-quality dietary supplements that are customized to our customer's specifications and stand out in today's competitive nutraceutical industry.

We return most quotes within 48 business hours of receiving them. The absorption of orally supplied beta-alanine and its effect on muscle carnosine synthesis in human vastus lateralis. Amino Acids. Influence of oral beta-alanine and L-histidine supplementation on the carnosine content of the gluteus medius. Equine Vet J Suppl. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr. Influence of beta-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity. Bruno possesses over 40 years of dietary supplement industry experience. With a Master's degree in nutrition and a second Master's degree in herbal medicine, he has a proven track record of formulating innovative, evidence-based dietary supplements. All Rights Reserved. Users are encouraged to seek professional assistance and counsel if they are concerned about a specific legal or regulatory issue.