L-alanine
L-alanine suppliers and sourcing guide
L-alanine is a non-essential amino acid with a mildly sweet taste. Commercial L-alanine is made by enzymatic decarboxylation of L-aspartic acid or by bacterial fermentation of sugars, then purified and crystallized. Brands buy it as a white crystalline powder for amino acid blends and drink mixes, and food makers also use it in seasonings and flavor systems.
- Category
- Proteins and amino acids
- Also known as
- Alanine · L-Ala · (S)-2-Aminopropanoic acid
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of L-alanine
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Crystalline
Standard fine crystalline powder for capsules, tablets and dry blends.
Food grade
L-alanine tested to a Food Chemicals Codex or supplier food specification for use in foods and drink mixes.
USP grade
L-alanine tested to the USP monograph, used where a compendial grade is required for supplements.
DL-alanine
The racemic mixture, made chemically and sold for flavor uses; it is a separate ingredient from L-alanine with its own regulation (21 CFR 172.540).
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- Identity
- Infrared spectrum matched to a reference standard, plus specific optical rotation, which confirms the L-form of alanine.
- Assay
- Purity on a dried basis by nonaqueous titration or HPLC, reported against the USP, FCC or supplier specification.
- Related substances
- Other amino acids, especially aspartic acid in enzymatically made grades, by HPLC or TLC.
- Loss on drying and residue on ignition
- Moisture by loss on drying and inorganic residue as residue on ignition (sulfated ash), with chloride and sulfate where the specification lists them.
- Heavy metals and microbiology
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, plus total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store L-alanine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.
Lots and expiry dates
Record assay, source (enzymatic or fermentation) and optical rotation for each lot. Rotate stock FEFO.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.320 lists L-alanine among the amino acids that may be safely used as nutrients added to foods.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)Under 21 CFR 172.320, added plus naturally present L-alanine may not exceed 6.1 percent by weight of the total protein of the finished food.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists L-alanine with the technical effect nutrient supplement and cites 21 CFR 172.320.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists L-alanine among its non-essential amino acids, with a dose range of 181.5 mg to 363 mg per day.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
L-alanine suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking L-alanine suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell L-alanine? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of L-alanine can brands buy?
Common forms include crystalline, food grade, uSP grade and dL-alanine. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for L-alanine include?
Expect identity, assay, related substances, loss on drying and residue on ignition and heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should L-alanine be stored?
Store L-alanine in tightly closed, lined containers in a cool, dry place away from light and strong odors, and reseal opened packs promptly. Shelf life or retest date is set by the supplier's specification; assay, loss on drying and micro are the usual retest points for older stock.
What is the regulatory status of L-alanine?
21 CFR 172.320 lists L-alanine among the amino acids that may be safely used as nutrients added to foods. Under 21 CFR 172.320, added plus naturally present L-alanine may not exceed 6.1 percent by weight of the total protein of the finished food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists L-alanine with the technical effect nutrient supplement and cites 21 CFR 172.320. Health Canada's Workout Supplements monograph lists L-alanine among its non-essential amino acids, with a dose range of 181.5 mg to 363 mg per day.
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- Whey protein hydrolysateWPH · hydrolyzed whey protein
- Micellar caseinmicellar casein isolate · casein micelles
- Milk protein concentrateMPC · MPC 70
- Milk protein isolateMPI · milk protein
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- Calcium caseinatecasein calcium · caseinate calcium salt
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