Amino Acid Supplements

During a particularly intense and prolonged muscular exercise a negative nitrogen balance condition is established due to the use of amino acids for energy purposes

In particular at the muscular level there is an important oxidation of branched amino acids (BCAA) both for local needs and to produce the glucose necessary in the liver to cope with the increased energy expenditure. It seems that in eccentric physical activities (football, rugby , basketball, body building and fencing) the protein breakdown and the local use of branched amino acids is particularly marked.

At the end of the physical exercise, the proteolysis phenomenon remains high for several hours and is partially compensated by a significant increase in muscle protein synthesis. The extent of these two phenomena is correlated to the intensity of the work performed, to the plasma availability of amino acids. and their speed of transport within the muscle fiber.

Seen from this point of view, taking an amino acid-based supplement in the 24-48 hours following intense training sessions seems to be effective for muscle recovery and / or growth.

Amino acid supplementation induces a better response to the training stimulus even if carried out before physical exercise.

Amino acids or proteins? Advantages and disadvantages of amino acid supplements

The use of supplements based on branched chain amino acids allows to contain the intake of proteins in the diet by supplying the amino acids which are more intensely consumed and necessary for a good metabolic balance in an adequate and READY USEABLE FORM.

Amino acids are small building blocks that, held together by the peptide bond, form proteins. The intake of protein supplements after exercise increases the gastric secretion of hydrochloric acid necessary to break down these bonds and free amino acids in free form. Furthermore, a massive protein supplement helps to further acidify the body which has already accumulated a considerable amount of toxins from the fatigue.

Therefore, after an INTENSE AND PROLONGED AEROBIC EXERCISE, the integration of amino acids in free form is certainly more suitable than the traditional protein integration. mineral salts, acid substances, depletion of carbohydrate reserves and muscle wear.

A similar state of acidosis can be controlled by taking alkaline drinks rich in mineral salts, branched amino acids and adequate foods (Alkalizing foods in order of power: figs, dried apricots, spinach, dates, beets, carrots, celery, pineapple, tomatoes, cherries, bananas, oranges).

Before training, protein supplementation is not recommended as it would unnecessarily strain the digestive system by removing blood from the muscles in activity. The branched amino acid supplements can instead be taken with a certain tranquility since they do not overload the digestive system too much and they can preserve muscle mass.

Proteins, on the other hand, are preferable to single amino acids after strength or power training. In these cases, the extent of muscle synthesis is linked in a dose-dependent manner to the presence of all essential and non-essential amino acids. In any case, there are also supplements on the market that contain all the amino acids important for protein synthesis in free form. These products they do not require digestion and are readily absorbed and used by the body. However, their cost is much higher than traditional protein supplements.