Alanine is a nonessential amino acid, which means that it is manufactured from other amino acids in the liver; it does not have to be obtained directly through the diet. Alanine is necessary for the promotion of proper blood glucose levels from dietary protein. It is involved in gluconeogenesis - the manufacture of glucose from alanine by the liver. Deficiencies of a nonessential amino acid will not occur if a well-balanced diet is consume because the intake of proper foods will allow the body to produce exactly the amount of amino acid required to function optimally