Each of the thousands of unique proteins in your body is made up of building blocks called amino acids. These amino acids bond together in specific sequences, with the sequence of amino acids determining the protein's structure and function. One of these building blocks is beta-alanine, which is found in specific proteins, including pantothenic acid or vitamin B-5. Many foods serve as good sources of beta-alanine, providing the building blocks for essential vitamins.
Poultry
One type of food rich in beta-alanine is poultry, such as chicken and turkey. Poultry meat is a rich source of protein, providing your body with a number of amino acids, including beta-alanine. The Harvard University School of Public Health lists poultry meats as among the best sources of animal protein, due to their low fat content, providing nutrients without added saturated fat. In addition to their beta-alanine content, chicken and turkey are sources of B-family vitamins, that aid in the metabolism and breakdown of nutrients in your digestive system. Add healthy poultry dishes, like baked, broiled or grilled turkey and chicken into your diet a few times a week as a source of beta-alanine.
Beef
Another source of beta-alanine is beef. Like poultry, cuts of beef are all rich sources of animal protein, and contain essential amino acids required for tissue growth, as well as beta-alanine. Beef is also a source of other essential nutrients, including iron, which plays a role in maintaining healthy red blood cells and providing oxygen to your tissues, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. When including beef in your balanced diet, choose lean cuts of meat and cooking methods that do not require the addition of oils or fats, to avoid consuming large amounts of harmful saturated fatty acids.
Fish
Fish is also a great source of beta-alanine, since, like poultry and beef, is it also rich in proteins and amino acids. Fish meat can range from lean to somewhat fatty, though fish oils play an important role in your health. Specifically, fish contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining proper brain function, regulating your immune system and preventing diseases such as cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The UMMC recommends consuming fish at least twice per week as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a source of beta-alanine.
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