Essential Amino Acids as Ergogenic Aids :: Health Medical Research Papers

Amino Acids Amino acids are considered the building blocks of proteins. Breaking down protein will yield 22 known amino acids. There are three types of amino acids. These are indispensable(essential), conditionally dispensable, and dispensable. Conditionally dispensable amino acids can be synthesized from other amino acids by our bodies. Dispensable amino acids are considered non-essential. Amino acids are "one of the six basic nutrients our body needs". Essential Amino Acids acids are central to our discussion with regards to their use in weightlifting and training. httg:///www.kaiwan.com/-fitnessalaacid.html (hftp://www.thelinx.com/healthy/aminoacd.htm#valine) (hftp://www.getbig.com/articies/protein.htm) The Essential Amino Acids Of 22 amino acids, 8 or 9, are considered essential because our bodies can't manufacture them. These are tryptophan, lysine, methione, phenylalaine, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, and histadine. Leucine "serves as a substrate for muscle metabolism during periods of cellular energy depletion" and promotes healing of the skin and broken bones as well as improving alertness. Tryptophan, whose benefits include calming, stimulating the release of growth hormones, and cholesterol reduction, is the only essential amino acid whose free form is not currently available in the U.S. lsoleucine helps in the formation of hemoglobin and is used by the muscles for energy. Valine, which promotes muscle coordination, remains unprocessed by the liver allowing it to go directly to muscles. Histadine dilates blood vessels, helps to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and ulcers, and helps in the production of red and white blood cells. Lysine builds new body tissue and bone, enhances fertility, improves concentration, and may be an effective treatment for certain forms of herpes. Methione reduces fat and protects the kidneys and may also reduces cholesterol levels. Phenylalaine serves to reduce hunger pains, helps in the production of Norepinephrine and collagen, and improves memory and alertness. Threonine assists in metabolism and assimilation, prevents fatty build-up in the liver, and is a component of collagen. (http://www.nutrimart.com/amnoinfo.htm) (http://www.betterbodz.com/suppl/leucine.htmi) (http://www.getbig.com/articles/protein.htm) (http://www.thelinx.com/healthylaminoacd.htm#valine) Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAS) Studies indicate that the presence of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) after training is "critical for recovery" If they are ingested before exercise they may "alter hormonal responses to high intensity exercise". BCAA supplementation occurring during the exercise may have several health benefits, including "improved physiological and psychological responses to endurance exercise". BCAA's can compromise up to thirty-five percent of muscle tissue and a lack of any one of the three can "result in a decrease in muscle strength and tone"(Nature's Pantry Free Pamphlet).