Amino acids are the nutrients that make up all the proteins present in the body. In bodybuilding and other sports, amino acids play a notably vital role because muscles are predominantly composed of protein, which consists of amino acids. In bodybuilding and other sports, amino acids play a notably vital role because muscles are predominantly composed of protein, which consists of amino acids. The body utilizes them for growth and development, recovery, the production of various hormones, antibodies, and enzymes. They are not only crucial for muscle strength and mass growth, but also for facilitating physical and mental recovery after training, catabolism, lipolysis of subcutaneous fat, and even the mental activity of the brain as a source of motivational stimuli.
In total, there are 20 proteinogenic amino acids, of which 9 are considered essential as the body cannot synthesize them independently. The remaining amino acids are known as replaceable. Additionally, there are several amino acids, such as carnitine, ornithine, taurine, and GABA, that are not involved in protein construction but play significant roles in metabolism and other physiological processes. Amino acids have been scientifically proven to be crucial for muscle recovery after exercise, muscle maintenance, and muscle growth during a drying or weight loss cycle.
BCAA plays a significant role in sports. 35% of muscle tissue is composed of BCAA. BCAA also has numerous important biological effects. Even moderate intensity training can deplete 80% of all free amino acids, emphasizing the importance of amino acid supplementation for quick muscle recovery and further muscle growth.
Effects of Amino Acids
Energy Source: Amino acids are metabolized differently compared to carbohydrates, allowing the body to obtain significantly more energy during exercise when adequately supplemented with amino acids.
Acceleration of protein synthesis: Amino acids stimulate the release of the anabolic hormone insulin and activate mTOR. These two mechanisms work together to promote muscle growth. Additionally, amino acids serve as the building blocks for proteins.
Suppression of catabolism: Amino acids play a crucial role in providing a robust anti-catabolic effect, particularly after exercising or during weight loss or drying cycles.
Fat burning: Amino acids stimulate fat burning through the mTOR mechanism and have no adverse effects due to their natural presence in food. There are no limitations on the duration of taking amino acids, and breaks or cycles are unnecessary.