Amino Acid Supplements
Amino Acid Supplements are commonly presented & sold as Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods in Australia - Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The non-essential amino acids are formed by the body itself, when appropriate amounts of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, & oxygen are present1. The essential amino acids are supplied by the diet, as the body cannot manufacture these to meet its needs. In general, eleven of the amino acids are considered nonessential, & nine are essential. When it comes to weight training & bodybuilding amino acids & amino acid supplements are of critical importance & are considered among the most important supplements, aiding is muscle repair, muscle recovery & muscle growth.
It is considered that trainers consume anywhere between 6-20g of essential amino acids (EAAs) in order to maximally stimulate muscle growth2. Supplying the body with additional amounts of non-essential amino acids ensures that the essential amino acids are working to stimulate muscle growth rather than being used to make the non-essential amino acids.
Amino Acids are not a sole source of nutrition and should be used in conjunction with an appropriate physical training or exercise programme. Not suitable for children or pregnant women. Should only be used under medical or dietetic supervision.
1. Reeds PJ. ‘Dispensable and indispensable amino acids for humans.’ J Nutr. 2000 Jul;130(7):1835S-40S.
2. Kreider RB, Wilborn CD, Taylor L, Campbell B, Almada AL, Collins R, Cooke M, Earnest CP, Greenwood M, Kalman DS, Kerksick CM, Kleiner SM, Leutholtz B, Lopez H, Lowery LM, Mendel R, Smith A, Spano M, Wildman R, Willoughby DS, Ziegenfuss TN, Antonio J. ‘ISSN exercise & sport nutrition review: research & recommendations.’ J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 Feb 2;7:7.
