Alanine is one of the simplest of the amino acids and is involved in the energy-producing breakdown of glucose. Alanine itself is a product of the breakdown of DNA or the dipeptides anserine and carnosine, and the conversion of pyruvate, a pivotal compound in carbohydrate metabolism. Alanine plays a major role in the transfer of nitrogen from peripheral tissue to the liver, helps in reducing the buildup of toxic substances that are released into muscle cells when muscle protein is broken down quickly to meet energy needs, and strengthens the immune system through production of antibodies.
| Micromole per liter | µmol/L = mcmol/L = umol/L = µM/L = mcM/L = uM/L = micromol/L |
| Milligram per liter | mg/L = millig/L = milligram/L = mg/liter |
| Milligram per deciliter | mg/dL = millig/dL = milligram/dL |
| Milligram per 100 milliliters | mg/100mL = millig/100mL = milligram/100mL |
| Milligram percent | mg% = millig% = milligram% |
| Microgram per milliliter | µg/mL = mcg/mL = ug/mL = microg/mL = microgram/mL |