Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid that plays a role in the synthesis of carnosine, a dipeptide found in muscle tissue. While beta-alanine can be obtained from dietary sources such as meat and poultry, it is also produced synthetically for use in various food and dietary supplement formulations. A common method of beta-alanine synthesis involves the decarboxylation of dihydrouracil, a compound derived from uracil, to produce beta-alanine. It can also be extracted from natural sources or produced through fermentation processes. Beta-alanine is often often found in pre-workout supplements and energy drinks.