Amino Acids For Building Muscle

In an effort to understand how best to utilise amino acids for supplementation, it's important to understand the biochemistry behind the way our bodies use them.

When we eat protein, our stomach breaks it down into amino acids which are directed by intestinal and digestive hormones to different parts of the body to serve their many functions.

There are hundreds of different variations of amino acid. Some are produced by the body and others may only be consumed through our food. They are not interchangeable and all work together synergistically.

To maintain optimum health, you need to ensure that the food you consume holds complete proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids. These whole proteins are found in meat, fish, meat products like milk and eggs as well as soy.

Our body uses amino acids in the normal functioning of our bodily systems. As such, protein should be consumed throughout the day and before bed to help your body function around the clock.

Some athletes choose to supplement with certain amino acids including:

Arginine is an important amino acid, particularly for men because 80% of seminal fluid is made from this amino acid. It's also important for optimising the function of the pituitary gland. Arginine also helps to stimulate the production of growth hormone.

Lysine is another important amino acid. It helps to nourish the blood and form antibodies to illness. It also has a therapeutic effect on cold sores.

Methionine is important for the protein synthesis that occurs in every cell. It's a scavenger of free radicals that supports the regeneration of our liver and kidney cells.

Phenylalanine is used by the thyroid to stimulate the production of Thyroxine which regulates the metabolism.

Glutamine helps to increase protein synthesis.

Isolucine, Valine and Leucine are three amino acids commonly referred to as branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Consumed in combination, they slow the loss of muscle protein during strenuous training or stress. In isolation, Valine is important for supporting the contraction of our muscles.