MOLECULE

beta-Alanine

beta-Alanine, also known as 3-aminopropanoate or bala, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as beta amino acids and derivatives. These are amino acids having a (-NH2) group attached to the beta carbon atom. beta-Alanine is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). beta-Alanine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. beta-Alanine is a sweet and odorless tasting compound. Outside of the human body, beta-Alanine is found, on average, in the highest concentration within a few different foods, such as beers, blackcurrants, and garden tomato (var.). beta-Alanine has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as apples, bitter gourds, carrots, and sour cherries. This could make beta-alanine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. beta-Alanine is a potentially toxic compound. beta-Alanine, with regard to humans, has been found to be associated with several diseases such as methylmalonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, lewy body disease, crohn's disease, and perillyl alcohol administration for cancer treatment; beta-alanine has also been linked to the inborn metabolic disorder dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency. A naturally-occurring beta-amino acid comprising propionic acid with the amino group in the 3-position. beta-Alanine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.