anyone supplement amino acids?

[tigz]

just curious for the bodybuilders out there, do you take an amino acid supplement with your high protein meals?...

[DaLinkWent]

I don't. I think additionl amino cid and digestive enzymns aren;t needed as long as your meals contain all the correct nutrients

[armorforsleep]

BCAAs are mostly used during a cut, when they really help with muscle maintenance with a reduced calorie intake.

Your body naturally digests proteins to di- and tri-peptides (links of two or three amino acids) and your body is designed to absorb these. My opinion is to stick with basic food and protein supplements and be careful of spending money on specific amino acids.

[candyass]

I wouldnt bother with these. Your body doesnt need anymore of them. Supplementation either wont have an effect or could actually harm you.

[Gooseneck]

Unless you're taking in 800 grams of protein a day, extra amino acids are a waste, and possibly harmful. Proper meat intake will suffice for a lot of these amino acids in addition to a well-balanced diet.

[BeastDerek]

I think BCAA (particularly leucine) can be beneficial (around your workout).
Leucine is an activator of the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway, which regulates protein synthesis and enhances glycogen synthesis in muscle. Having sufficient leucine levels around your workout ensures a strong mTOR signal. Leucine also activates mTOR is adipose tissue, causing the secretion of Leptin (the hormone that makes you feel satisfied or fed). So when dieting, I think BCAA or some extra leucine can be beneficial as a 5 grams of leucine (20 calories) would send a stronger fed signal than 5 grams (20 calories) of a whole protein. So you can consume less calories can get a stronger anabolic/anti-catabolic signal. Isoleucine and Valine also have some interesting properties.

Since training depletes leucine levels [1], supplement can be beneficial. Gut it all comes down to cost vs. benefits. From my experiences, particularly when in a hypocaloric state, extra BCAA are beneficial.

1. Sports Med. 1999 Jun;27(6):347-58. Leucine supplementation and intensive training. Mero A.