AMINOACIDS

What are aminoacids?

Aminoacids make up proteins, both of which are essential building blocks for the body’s functioning, especially when we subject it to sporting exercise. Without amino acids our body would not be able to produce the protein we need to live or to maintain an active and training lifestyle.

There are 22 amino acids in total and we can classify them into two types: essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot produce on its own, and therefore we need to obtain them through diet and sports supplementation.

Branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs

Among the essential amino acids, there are three that are particularly important in sport: branched chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs (Branched Chain Aminoacids), which are Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. BCAAs have become the great ally of sport, very popular in strength sports where the muscle is worked as they make up a third of the muscle composition. The intake of BCAAs prevents the body from drawing on its own protein reserves, such as that found in the muscles. This generates energy while protecting the muscle so that it can develop.

What are aminoacids and BCAAs for?

In the intake of aminoacids you will find numerous benefits such as the assimilation of the protein to favour the increase of muscle mass. The reduction of catabolism and the avoidance of muscle mass loss is another of them. Taking them when we exercise is essential for muscle recovery and sports performance.

When should we take BCAAs?

This is one of the basics of sports nutrition and can be taken before, during or after training.

• Before training. They become a great ally to achieve muscle definition and endure long training sessions.
• During exercise. They work as an intra-workout to help you perform better.
• After training. It will help us with muscle recovery and protein synthesis to increase muscle mass.

Ask all your questions about when and how to take amino acids here.

L-Glutamine

Among the non-essential amino acids, we could highlight L-glutamine. What is L-glutamine for? At a sporting level, it has become a basic element because it greatly favours muscle recovery, as well as improving protein synthesis. For this reason, many of Weider’s proteins contain extra L-Glutamine.

In addition to this, it has multiple other benefits such as strengthening the immune system or helping to increase muscle mass when intense training sessions have been carried out.. You can check all the effects of L-Glutamine on the body here.