Are Amino Acid Supplements Worth It?

To answer the question if amino acids are worth it, let us start by understanding what amino acids are? Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and used by many processes in the human body including protein synthesis, synthesis of neurotransmitters, production of hormones, and supporting many required body functions. Furthermore, without the intake of the 9 essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine) the human body would be become deficient, therefor leading to decline in health and performance. The other 12 non-essential amino acids have other specific roles, however can be made via the essential amino acids, therefore many feel they are not as important to intake. However, due to specific requirements or performance benefits supplementing with these amino acids can help support both physical and mental performance.

Many of the top selling sports and health supplements include branch chain amino acids, which are 3 of the essential amino acids, and tend to be used to improve physical performance, and recovery. There is more research that could be done in this area, however the feedback from customers, and many users of branch chain amino acids suggest they are seeing results. Users claim less muscle fatigue, better recovery, and improved muscle growth. Furthermore many supplements contain a mixture of BCAA’s with electrolytes, and other compounds that further improve performance.

Obviously amino acids can be consumed via food intake, protein powders, and meal replacement powders. These include foods such as eggs, dairy products, poultry, meat, and fish. However depending on dietary habits, some people may intake suboptimal levels. Also the increased move towards plant based diets, which although great to see may lead to lower levels of branch chain amino acids depending on type of foods consumed. Overall based on the feedback from customers, we have seen taking an amino acid supplement (BCAA or EAA) to support recovery, and improve performance, even if some of it is placebo, has proved effective and worth the money.

You can pick from a variety of the top selling brands of amino acids on our website, Optimizenutrition.ca. We carry a wide selection of both essential amino acids, and branch chain amino acids.

What are the benefits of consuming amino acid supplements?

Since there are many more than just branch chain amino acids, and essential amino acids, we will take a look at some of the key reason someone would take these particular types and more on to some others…

Key benefits of branched chain amino acids and essential amino acids:

●Help in reducing muscle soreness and muscle fatigue and speed up your recovery time.

●Help lower fatigue which result in improved performance

●Helps prevent the breakdown of protein which slows down the muscle wasting process.

A few other popular amino acid supplements are Citrulline, glutamine, tyrosine, and taurine.

What are the benefits of L-Citrulline?

• Supports production of Nitric Oxide in the body, which helps to increase blood flow, pump, and recovery.
• May combat erectile dysfunction
• May help lower risk of heart conditions and provide cardiovascular system support via opening up the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure.

What are the benefits of L-Glutamine?

• Supports the cells of the digestive system, as it is used as a source of energy, which may lead to improve gut health
• Customer feedback has suggested lowering muscle soreness after workouts
• Can be used to support GABA levels in the brain, which may help lower anxiety, stress and support restful sleeps.

What are the benefits of L-Tyrosine?

• Improved mental clarity, focus, and motivation
• Improved overall well-being, mood, and mental health
• May help support addiction therapy
• Can be used with other stimulants such as caffeine, and ephedrine to increase the cognitive outcome, plus lower some the negative side effects. Others find that it helps lower the dosage of the stimulants they consume.

Visit Optimize Nutrition and get your hands on some of the best amino acid supplements, BCAA’s and essential amino acid supplements from leading brands at low prices and great discounts. Spend over $50 to enjoy free shipping in Canada on your order!