Amino acids are the molecular components of proteins, the very structure of proteins, the way our bodies break them down to digest and assimilate them. A protein is nothing more than an assembly ofamino acids. Their importance in building muscle is indisputable.
There are 20 known amino acids, 8 of which are essential. Essential means that the body must find them as they are via the diet (or protein powders) and is not capable of synthesizing them on its own.
Our body has a continual need for amino acids simply to function and renew its cells.
Everyone, athlete or not, needs them, but this is even truer for those who train intensely.
To be in a growth phase, the muscle must be able to synthesize more protein than it breaks down. This is made possible by a sufficient protein intake: the quantity of protein supplied is greater than the quantity of protein destroyed, known as the positive nitrogen balance.
There are 20 basic amino acids mentioned in the genetic code. These are :
- Aspartic acid,
- glutamic acid,
- alanine,
- arginine,
- asparagine,
- cystine,
- glutamine,
- glycine,
- histidine,
- isoleucine,
- leucine,
- lysine,
- methionine,
- phenylalanine,
- proline,
- serine,
- threonine,
- tyrosine,
- tryptophan
- and valine.
Of these 20, 8 are essential. These are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
The others are non-essential, meaning that the body can obtain these amino acids from food, or make them itself (by synthesizing them from other amino acids).
Three basic non-essential amino acids may be essential in certain cases.
In infants, for example, histidine and arginine are essential. Glutamine becomes essential in trauma patients.
Directions for use:
Take 4 tablets a day, before meals and after training.
Not recommended for under-18s, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people under medical treatment. Consult a doctor if in doubt about dosage and/or use.
Ingredients: whey protein hydrolysate, emulsifier: E471, anti-caking agent: E551
