Amino acids | Effects and applications

WHAT ARE AMINO ACIDS AND WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR?

In total there are 20 AMINO ACIDS that are important for the human body. The body needs amino acids to build its own proteins. This includes all body cells, enzymes, hormones, hemoglobin, antibodies and other substances that the body produces itself. Amino acids are the individual building blocks of proteins and are vital for every human being. Proteins contribute to the building and maintenance of muscle mass. We take in proteins through our daily food, which the digestive system breaks down into individual amino acids.

Since the body AMINO ACIDS  no longer has to be broken down, amino acids are considered to be "pre-digested" protein. Eight amino acids are essential for humans, i.e. they must be supplied with daily food: L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan and L-valine. Especially during increased physical exertion, such as through strength training or increased sporting activities, our organism needs more amino acids to meet the increased demand. Often the daily diet is not sufficient to optimally cover the increased consumption. In such cases, amino acid preparations are useful. Complex amino acid products such as AMINO TABS  are well suited for the general basic supply of amino acids, as they contain all 20 amino acids in a ratio that is optimal for the body and thus make an effective contribution to covering additional requirements.

Special amino acid preparations in the form of BCAAs such as: ANABOLIC BCAA + are particularly suitable for taking before and after training in order to stimulate anabolic (= muscle-building) metabolic processes through the protein they contain and to avoid catabolic (= muscle-degrading) processes.

DISTRIBUTION OF AMINO ACIDS

NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS:

• L-Alanine
• L-aspartic acid
• L-glutamine/-acid
• L-Glycine
• L-Proline
• L-Serine

SEMI-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS:

• L-Arginine
• L-Cysteine
• L-Histidine
• L-Tyrosine

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS:

• L-Isoleucine (BCAA)
• L-Leucine (BCAA)
• L-Lysine
• L-Methionine
• L-Phenylalanine
• L-tryptophan
• L-Threonine
• L-Valine (BCAA)

Non-essential amino acids  are amino acids that do not necessarily have to be ingested with food, as they can be synthesized by the body itself. They are important for performance and muscle building, but are not essential for the organism. Semi-essential amino acids  must only be taken with food in certain situations of increased need, for example during growth or in the event of serious injuries. Essential amino acids  are vital amino acids that the organism cannot produce itself and therefore must be ingested with food.

AMINO ACIDS IN THE RIGHT AMOUNT AT THE RIGHT TIME

Amino acid preparations are available in liquid, powder, tablet and capsule form. They are also offered in peptide form and in free form, which ensures first-class quality with increased absorption capacity. Apart from the biological value of the raw material used, the absorption rate of amino acid preparations is one of the decisive criteria in comparison to proteins.

The body must first break down proteins enzymatically in the stomach. They then pass through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream using specific transport molecules. Amino acids, especially oligopeptides made up of up to three amino acids, no longer need to be broken down and can therefore be added to the amino acid pool more quickly. This advantage is particularly evident when amino acids are taken at times of increased need, which requires rapid coverage.

Consequently, targeted amino acid supplements before and after training are extremely effective, as the amino acid molecules no longer need to be broken down and are therefore immediately available to the muscle cells. While proteins must first be broken down through digestion in order to develop their positive properties, this is no longer necessary with amino acids because they are already in a hydrolyzed form.

The need for protein and amino acids is particularly high after training, which makes the intake of amino acids sensible. The different forms of administration differ in their absorption speed.

Liquid preparations, those in capsule and powder form are absorbed much faster than amino acids in tablets, which is why the former are particularly suitable in the morning on an empty stomach, before and after training.

Tablets sometimes require several hours for their active ingredients to enter the bloodstream. They are therefore particularly suitable for amino acid supply overnight and for a constant amino acid supply during diet phases, especially in the form of BCAAAS  in tablet form. Tablets are digested slowly and released with a delay, which promotes a longer supply of amino acids.

However, amino acids are not suitable as the sole source of protein, as the body metabolizes them far too quickly and it is therefore difficult to achieve a consistent level of amino acids. For this purpose, protein powder should be used as a basic protein source. These are usually pre-split (concentrates, isolates and hydrolysates) and can therefore be used more quickly than dietary proteins, but they supply the body for far longer than is the case with amino acids.

NATURAL SOURCES OF AMINO ACIDS

Amino acids can be found in both animal and plant foods. Meat, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, soybeans and pulses are particularly rich in protein. Amino acids of animal origin are better utilized by the body than those of plant origin, as the former have a similar structure to that of humans. Plant proteins also have cell walls that hinder the digestion of proteins and their amino acids.

THE BENEFITS OF AMINO ACIDS FOR ATHLETES

PROTEINS ARE IMPORTANT FOR A POSITIVE NITROGEN BALANCE

During performance-oriented training, protein turnover is increased and often leads to a negative nitrogen balance, i.e. muscle proteins are used to generate energy. Proteins and their amino acids can prevent this process by providing the vital nitrogen molecules that are essential for building body proteins. Amino acids are involved in protein metabolism and nitrogen balance, and some of them even participate in energy metabolism under certain physiological circumstances (e.g. during dieting phases or during long endurance exercises).

The metabolism of proteins and amino acids is all the more effective if an adequate supply of essential vitamins such as vitamin B1, B2, B6, folic acid, biotin and niacin is ensured at the same time, especially since these

• for protein and amino acid synthesis
• on glucose and energy metabolism
• to regulate hormone activity
• for heart, nerve and muscle function
• to form red blood cells and
• to maintain the function of the immune system

can contribute.

If too little dietary protein with essential amino acids is consumed through daily food and/or there is an increase in requirements due to increased physical strain, pure amino acid preparations can compensate for this by helping to stabilize the nitrogen and protein balance.

Since almost all cells are made up of proteins, these not only play a significant role for the athlete and his muscles, but are also important for healthy and strong hair, healthy fingernails and healthy and firm skin.

It is precisely for this reason that it is important to ensure a sufficient and appropriate supply of vital proteins and amino acids, especially in order to prevent deficiencies in good time and thus promote the maintenance of cell health.

INCREASED NEEDS AMONG ATHLETES

Since athletes have a higher need for protein, they also need to provide their bodies with more products containing amino acids. Protein sources include meat, eggs and dairy products. However, these foods are usually very high in fat, so that in addition to the desired protein, a significant amount of fat is also consumed.

By using special nutritional supplements, the body can be supplied with high-quality proteins and important amino acids, but completely fat-free, which means that a low-fat diet can be maintained. This allows athletes to optimally cover their additional needs and provide their bodies with sufficient nutrients without having to worry about consuming saturated fats, which are often found in meat.

For optimal protein utilization, vitamins of the B-COMPLEX cannot be missing, especially since they are involved in the normal synthesis and metabolism of proteins, steroids, vitamin D and numerous messenger substances.