Alanine is a non-essential amino acid with the symbol Ala.

It is required for the metabolism of glucose and tryptophan and beta-alanine is a constituent of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) as well as coenzyme A. It has also demonstrated a cholesterol-reducing effect in rats.

Alanine is found in a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Some protein-rich plant foods like avocado also supply alanine.

References

IUPAC-IUBMB Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature. Nomenclature and Symbolism for Amino Acids and Peptides. Recommendations on Organic & Biochemical Nomenclature, Symbols & Terminology etc. Retrieved on 2007-05-17.