Amino acids

The main constituent of proteins, the amino acid is a carboxylic acid essential for the proper functioning of the human body. The proteins that we all know are formed by the fusion of amino acids with other molecules. Thus, there are different types of amino acids, depending on the origin of the protein (dairy or vegetable) and according to the way in which they are provided to the body.

Essential amino acids come from complete proteins such as those in milk protein (whey isolate, casein). They are essential to the well-being of the body but cannot be synthesized naturally, or at insufficient speed. Essential amino acids must then be provided through food or food supplements. There are around ten, and the main ones are BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine). At Nutrimuscle, there are two types of BCAA: BCAA 2.1.2 Resistance: BCAA 2.1.2 Resistance have the role of helping to resist catabolism as well as the loss of strength and fatigue that occur during training. These are the BCAAs most concentrated in leucine and valine. This is why, taken before and during exercise, they help limit drops in the level of valine in the blood and fight against fatigue. BCAA 4.1.1 Builders: BCAA Builders have the role of stimulating muscle building thanks to the overdose of leucine and the anabolic support of isoleucine and valine. They contribute in particular to mass gain by stimulating protein synthesis. They also promote muscle recovery.

Amino acids are said to be “semi-essential” when they can be synthesized by the body under certain conditions. Arginine, Glutamine or Citrulline are, for example, semi-essential amino acids. Arginine: despite its status as a “semi-essential” amino acid, Arginine must be considered essential for athletes, because physical activity increases their needs. Arginine supplementation in athletes increases the level of nitrogen monoxide (NO). This gas facilitates the work of the heart by widening the blood vessels. In addition, arginine promotes blood circulation, particularly in the muscles, and thus improves muscle congestion. Glutamine: Glutamine is a semi-essential and protein-forming amino acid that is found in high concentrations in muscles. Glutamine intake stimulates muscle anabolism and plays a role in maintaining the athlete's health. It nourishes the immune and digestive cells and thus prevents potential problems at this level. Citrulline: Citrulline is a semi-essential amino acid and, like Alanine, is non-protein. It is anabolic and participates in the body's molecular synthesis reactions. Thus, Citrulline supplementation improves cardiovascular and immune health by improving blood circulation. In addition, thanks to its indirect action on the production of NO, it makes it possible to compensate for deficiencies or even boost sexual endurance in men who do not suffer from erection problems.

Unlike essential amino acids, they do not depend on an exogenous supply since the body knows how to produce them itself. Beta-Alanine: Beta-Alanine is a non-protein amino acid (it cannot be incorporated into food) which serves as a precursor to the production of carnosine (peptide resulting from the digestion of meats). Carnosine helps increase muscle contraction capabilities. It also produces an anti-inflammatory action, improves recovery and reduces fatigue. Glycine: Glycine is a non-essential amino acid and proteinogen omnipresent in the collagen of muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin. This is why it is very popular in the fitness world. In addition, glycine combined with glucose, mitigates the rise in blood sugar levels and has an impact on blood sugar, insulin and diabetes. Carnitine: carnitine plays a vital role in energy metabolism and fat oxidation: it allows the transport of lipid molecules within tissues so that they can be burned there. Thus, it is used as a supplement both for its “fat-burning” action, as well as for muscle recovery and the fight against fatigue.