Amino Acids – The Foundation Stones of Body Building

Amino acids are the main components of muscle proteins, as well as cellular receptors, hormones, antibodies and other important biological molecules. They can be supplied through food that is rich in proteins, such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, soy and cereals; however competitive bodybuilders frequently use additional supplementation through protein powder.

There are 22 amino acids that can be found in proteins. Nine of them are called essential because the human body cannot produce them. Additionally, in certain types of people such as children, pregnant women and people engaged in intense exercise (including body builders), several amino acids become conditionally essential. This is because their production within the body is insufficient and does not satisfy increased demand.

Within the human body’s protein production processes, all amino acids are equally vital because each one of them is needed to produce protein chains for muscle growth. However, some can be synthesized in the body and are usually not deficient. These are referred to as non-essential.

They have special roles that are important for bodybuilding purposes are as follows:

* L-Glutamine is used by the muscles as a metabolism stimulator and as an energy source. It promotes anabolic chemical reactions and stimulates the production of additional muscle proteins. Glutamine also facilitates the production and release of the human growth hormone (HGH), which stimulates the incorporation of amino acids into muscle proteins and thus promotes muscle enlargement.

* L-Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is especially useful in body building due to its ability to stimulate the release of HGH. It speeds up anabolic processes and enhances muscle tissue formation. L-Arginine is also vital for muscle repair processes after intense workouts.

* L-Tyrosine is a unique because besides being an important constituent of muscle proteins, it is also used to produce certain hormones and nerve signalling molecules. Tyrosine supplementation facilitates the production of adrenaline, thyroid hormones and dopamine, which are important in the stress response, endurance and mobilization of body resources during the workout.

The Importance of Branched-Chain Amino Acids

BCAAs are an important component of protein powder used in body building because 35 percent of muscle amino acids are actually BCAAs, these are leucine, isoleucine and valine. These are also essential, meaning that their supplementation through food or protein powder is vital for proper muscle growth. When there isn’t an adequate supply of BCAAs there can be serious deleterious effects on muscle production and significant impairment of body building performance and stamina. BCAAs are the most necessary muscle building ingredients so using a protein supplement to achieve this is should be a vital component of your goal.