Beta alanine is a powdered product that lends itself well to synthesising L-carnosine, which itself is a type of amino acid that provides a host of benefits to anyone involved in much physical activity such as athletes or bodybuilders. Studies show that the level of carnosine is raised significantly and the levels of lactic acid are in turn lowered significantly during physical activity thanks to the presence of beta alanine in the blood stream. Its main use is as a buffer, which prevents acid levels in the body from rising to a level in which they may damage muscle tissue. This means that beta alanine can raise the level of overall physical performance when taken as a supplement, by increasing the threshold of lactate. Beta alanine is the only beta amino acid in the body which it is not necessary to supplement through dietary intake because it is naturally occurring. Beta alanine is chiefly useful in increasing the longevity of endurance when doing any sort of physical activity, allowing the person taking it to exercise much longer and thus, increase their muscle mass or burn their fat much more efficiently. In addition it indirectly helps to widen the blood vessels via carnosine, which increases blood flow during long bouts of physical activity.