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What are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are organic compounds composed of one or more amino groups,
and one or more acidic carboxyl groups, and are the basic building
blocks of protein. There have been more than 100 amino acids found in
living organisms. Only 20 amino acids are commonly found in animals,
the others exist in other biological systems, primarily plants.
Amino Acids are used for growth, maintenance, and repair of cells in
the body. Of the 20 amino acids found in animals, 12 of them can be
synthesized by the body as needed, and these are referred to as
nonessential amino acids. The remaining 8 amino acids, cannot be
synthesized by the body, and therefore must be acquired from food or
supplement, and these are referred to as essential amino acids.
The 20 amino acids are;
Essential: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.
Nonessential: Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartate, Cysteine,
Glutamate, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Proline, Serine, and Tyrosine.
Why Supplement Amino Acids?
Arginine
Arginine is a nonessential amino acid, and it is responsible for the
normal function of the pituitary glands. Arginine is used to compose
the compound nitric oxide, which has many beneficial effects. Nitric
oxide reduces blood vessel stiffness and increases blood flow,
improving blood vessel function. Arginine supplementation is effective
for lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, erectile
dysfunction, enhancing sexual feeling in both men and women, improving
long term memory, and fighting infections.
BCAA’s
Branched chain amino acids or BCAA’s are the essential aminos leucine,
isoleucine, and valine. BCAA’s are considered to be among the most
beneficial and effective supplements in any sports nutrition program.
They are needed for the maintenance of muscle tissue and appear to
preserve muscle glycogen stores, and help prevent muscle protein
breakdown during exercise. BCAA supplements may be used to prevent
muscle loss at high altitudes, prolong endurance performance, and to
provide the needed amino acids not provided by a vegetarian diet.
Carnitine
Carnitine is made in the body from essential amino acids, Lysine and
Methionine, and is needed to release energy from fat. Carnitine is
commonly used to promote growth and development, fat-burning,
increasing energy, and improved resistance to muscle fatigue.
Individuals, who supplement Carnitine while engaging in strenuous
exercise routines, are less likely to experience muscle soreness.
Creatine
Creatine is made up of three amino acids - Arginine, Glycine and
Methionine. Our liver combines these three amino acids to make
creatine. 95% of the creatine in our bodies is stored in the muscles.
Creatine provides instant additional energy to the muscles. Unlike the
energy provided by carbohydrates or fats, which take some time to
convert to useable energy, the energy for creatine can be converted
almost instantaneously. Creatine also increases muscle volume, by
pulling water into the muscle cells, and decreases muscle burn during
exercise. Creatine also increases protein synthesis, meaning greater
muscle gain.
GABA
GABA or gamma-amino butyric acid is a synthetic compound designed to
lower fat levels and increase lean muscle tissues by stimulating the
brain to secrete more human growth hormone. Studies have shown GABA to
be effective stimulating the secretion of HGH, and has been clinically
proven to help the pituitary gland secret HGH.
Glutamine
Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid. The body relies on glutamine as
cellular fuel for the immune system. After intense work outs, glutamine
levels in the body are reduced by as much as 50%. Glutamine
supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve
protein metabolism. Studies have shown that with as little as 2 grams
of free-form L-glutamine supplement, growth-hormone levels can increase
up to a 400%.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid. Lysine is important for proper
growth and the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for
converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol.
Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium and maintaining the
correct nitrogen balance in the body and maintaining lean body mass.
Lysine is useful for patients recovering from injuries and recovery
after operations, and to help maintain healthy blood vessels. It also
assists in fighting herpes and cold sores.
NAC
NAC or n-acetyl cysteine is an altered form of the amino acid cysteine.
NAC may assist to break down mucus and used in the treatment of
bronchitis - for this reason it is used as an inhalant in hospitals in
the treatment of bronchitis. It assists the body in synthesizing
glutathione and helps to protect the body from acetaminophen (the
ingredient in Tylenol).
SAM-e
SAM-E is a derivative of the amino acid Methionine, and is used in the
treatment of many conditions including depression, liver disease,
osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, and migraine headaches.
SAM-E is also commonly referred to as S-Adensyl Methionine,
L-Methionine, Adomet, and Ademethionine. The liver produces as much as
8 grams of SAM-e a day. Liver disease, osteoarthritis, and extensive
use of prescription, and over the counter medications, can inhibit the
body’s production of SAM-e.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid. Tyrosine is needed to make
epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which work
to regulate mood. Deficiencies in tyrosine, therefore, have been
associated with depression. Taken ahead of time, tyrosine may suppress
typical bodily reactions and feelings from stressful situations like
surgery, emotional upset, and sleep deprivation
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