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Alanine: Benefits and Foods High in Alanine

Discover Alanine benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Alanine content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Alanine?

Alanine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can produce it on its own. However, it is also important to get alanine from dietary sources to support its various functions in the body. Alanine plays a critical role in glucose metabolism and energy production. It also supports immune function and helps maintain proper muscle function.

Benefits of Alanine

  • Energy Production: Involved in the metabolism of glucose, providing energy for muscles and the central nervous system.

  • Immune Function: Supports the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies.

  • Muscle Function: Helps maintain proper muscle function and is involved in the synthesis of muscle protein.

  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Assists in the regulation of blood sugar levels by converting into glucose in the liver.

Daily Recommended Value (DRV) for Alanine

The DRV for Alanine can vary, but for the purpose of this guide, we will use a standard value of 16 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For an average adult weighing 70 kg, the daily requirement would be:

  • 16 mg x 70 kg = 1,120 mg per day

Foods High in Alanine

Here are some foods rich in Alanine along with their approximate Alanine content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) for a 70 kg individual (1,120 mg per day).

Top Sources of Alanine for Carnivores

  1. Turkey Breast

    • Alanine content: 1,640 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 146%

  2. Chicken Breast

    • Alanine content: 1,500 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 134%

  3. Lean Beef

    • Alanine content: 1,480 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 132%

  4. Pork

    • Alanine content: 1,480 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 132%

  5. Tuna

    • Alanine content: 1,290 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 115%

Top Sources of Alanine for Vegans

  1. Spirulina

    • Alanine content: 4,300 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 384%

  2. Soy Protein Isolate

    • Alanine content: 3,180 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 284%

  3. Soybeans

    • Alanine content: 1,320 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 118%

  4. Lentils

    • Alanine content: 1,250 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 112%

  5. Pumpkin Seeds

    • Alanine content: 1,200 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 107%

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