Amino Acids

WHAT ARE AMINO ACIDS?

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the fundamental building blocks of protein. They play a crucial role in several biological functions, including muscle repair, muscle synthesis, immune system support, and neurotransmitter production.

Amino acids are categorized into three groups:

1.  Essential Amino Acids

Certain amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources or supplements, they are termed essential amino acids. Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Histidine are the essential amino acids.

2.  Non-Essential Amino Acids

The body can synthesize these amino acids, meaning they are not required from external sources. Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Glycine, Glutamic acid, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine, and Cysteine are the non-essential amino acids.

3.  Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

These amino acids are typically non-essential but become essential under specific conditions, such as illness, stress, or intense exercise. Conditionally essential amino acids include Arginine, Cysteine, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, and Tyrosine.

ROLE OF AMINO ACIDS IN FITNESS

Amino acids play a crucial role in fitness and athletic performance by supporting muscle growth, enhancing endurance, reducing muscle breakdown, and improving recovery. They are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for various physiological processes that impact athletic performance. Here’s how they contribute to overall fitness:

1.  Muscle Growth and Repair

Amino acids are necessary for muscle protein synthesis, the process through which the body repairs and builds muscle fibers after exercise.

After intense exercise, muscles experience micro-tears that require amino acids to heal and grow stronger.

Essential amino acids, especially leucine, play a key role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis, leading to increased muscle mass.

2.  Energy Production

During prolonged exercise, the body can break down amino acids (particularly BCAAs) for energy when glycogen stores are low.

Certain amino acids serve as energy sources through gluconeogenesis and nitric oxide production, certain amino acids promote fat metabolism to support energy production, certain amino acids contribute to faster regeneration of ATP, and certain amino acids help replenish the glycogen stores and reduce muscle breakdown.

3.  Fat Loss & Metabolism

Certain amino acids help transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are burned for energy. Amino acids help regulate insulin levels and glucose uptake, improving metabolism and helping in body composition changes.

4.  Strength & Performance

Certain amino acids increase nitric oxide production and enhance blood circulation, oxygen delivery, and endurance. Certain amino acids contribute to improved performance by producing neurotransmitters like dopamine and adrenaline, improving focus. 

5.  Recovery & Reduced Soreness

Amino acids reduce muscle soreness and exercise-induced muscle fatigue by decreasing muscle damage and inflammation. Some amino acids support immune function, which can be compromised by intense training.

6.  Hormonal Balance

Certain amino acids contribute to hormone production, including testosterone and growth hormone, which are essential for muscle growth and recovery.

Some amino acids prevent post-exercise immunosuppression; they help in neurotransmitter regulation. 

7.  Prevent Muscle Loss

During calorie deficits or endurance training, amino acids help preserve lean muscle mass by providing an alternate source of energy. Amino acids stimulate muscle protein synthesis and help maintain a positive protein balance, which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE AMINO ACIDS?

1.  Convenient & Quick Absorption

Amino acid supplements are absorbed much faster by the body compared to protein from food. Amino acid supplements provide a fast, efficient, and convenient way to support muscle growth, recovery, energy, metabolism, and overall health. Whether you’re an athlete, bodybuilder, or simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, supplementing with amino acids can enhance your performance.

2.  Versatility in Supplementation

Amino acid supplements come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and liquid drinks, making them convenient to incorporate into your daily routine. They come in flavoured and unflavoured forms and can be taken before or after a workout. 

3.  Targeted Nutritional Support

Amino acids can provide targeted nutritional support for specific fitness goals. For example, leucine is particularly important for muscle protein synthesis, and isoleucine and valine are essential for energy production and to reduce mental fatigue. Creatine can generate quick bursts of ATP and enhance muscle contraction and power output. L-Citrulline and L-Arginine can boost nitric oxide production and faster delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles. Beta Alanine reduces muscle fatigue by increasing carnosine synthesis.

4.  Low-Calorie & Suitable For Those Dietary Restriction

Amino acid supplements are great for those with lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance or those with dairy allergy. Also, for those who are very conscious about calorie intake, amino supplements provide free-form amino acids without the extra calories, carbs, or fats found in protein sources.

EXPLORE AS-IT-IS AMINO ACID RANGE 

AS-IT-IS L-Arginine

L-Arginine plays a crucial role in the production of nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. This can enhance nutrient and oxygen delivery to muscles, improve exercise performance, recovery and muscle pumps.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured L-Arginine comes in powder and capsule form; the choice between the two can be made on your personal preference for mode of consumption. The powder form can be mixed with water or juice and consumed, whereas the capsule form can be swallowed with water.

The ideal time to consume L-Arginine would be 20-30 minutes pre workout. 

AS-IT-IS BCAA

BCAA comprises three essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, in a 2:1:1 ratio.

BCAA reduces muscle loss during intense training or fasting, decreases muscle soreness after exercise, serves as energy stores when glycogen stores are low, and stimulates muscle protein synthesis for muscle growth.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured BCAA comes in powder and capsule form to suit the preferences of consumers. The powder form can be mixed with protein shakes, water, or juice and consumed, whereas the capsule form can be swallowed with water. AS-IT-IS ATOM BCAA is a flavoured supplement which contains L-Glutamine, L-Citrulline, L-Arginine, L-Carnitine, vitamin B6, sodium and potassium, along with leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

BCAA supplement is best when taken as an intra-workout supplement. 

AS-IT-IS Beta-Alanine

Beta-Alanine combines with histidine in the body to form carnosine, which helps buffer lactic acid buildup, delaying muscle fatigue and improving endurance during high-intensity workouts. Beta-Alanine increases carnosine levels, delaying muscle fatigue, and improves endurance during high-intensity exercise.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured Beta-Alanine comes in powder form and can be consumed with water.

The ideal time to consume Beta-Alanine is 30 minutes pre-workout. 

AS-IT-IS Creapure

Creapure is a high-quality, ultrapure form of Creatine Monohydrate. Creapure increases the muscle creatine stores to enhance ATP production. The increased energy production produces explosive strength, reduces muscle fatigue, and improves recovery post-workout. Creapure increases intracellular water retention, promoting muscle growth.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured Creapure comes in powder form and can be consumed with water or fruit juice. 

The best time to consume Creapure is 30 minutes pre-workout. 

AS-IT-IS Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine Monohydrate helps you lift heavier and perform more reps during high-intensity workouts. It is the most well-researched form of Creatine that helps to increase the production of ATP. Creatine stimulates muscle volumization, reduces muscle damage, and enhances strength, power and muscle mass.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured Creatine Monohydrate comes in powder form and can be consumed with water or fruit juice before the workout.

The best time to consume Creatine is 30 minutes pre-workout. 

AS-IT-IS L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine has a crucial role in maintaining a positive nitrogen balance, reducing exercise-induced muscle damage, and preventing loss of muscle strength. Glutamine helps prevent ammonia accumulation, preserves glycogen stores during workouts and enhances muscle recovery. L-Glutamine has a great role to play in the prevention of immune suppression during high-intensity workouts.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured L-Glutamine comes in powder and capsule form.

The best time to take L-Glutamine is 30 minutes before or after your workout.

AS-IT-IS L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine helps transport the fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are burned for energy. L-Carnitine helps increase energy production and endurance, reduce muscle fatigue and improve recovery.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured L-Carnitine comes in powder and capsule form. AS-IT-IS ATOM L-Carnitine comes in a tasty, fast-absorbing liquid form.

The best time to use L-Carnitine is 30 minutes before a workout. 

AS-IT-IS L-Citrulline

L-Citrulline gets converted into L-Arginine in the body, leading to increased nitric oxide production, better circulation, improves delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles. L-Citrulline helps reduce muscle fatigue and improves endurance and exercise performance.

AS-IT-IS unflavoured L-Citrulline comes in powder form and can be taken with water. ATOM L-Citrulline Malate

The ideal time to use L-Citrulline is 30 minutes pre-workout. 

EAA effervescent tablets

EAA effervescent tablets provide all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. EAA provides all the essential amino acids that are in free form and absorb rapidly to make a quick impact. EAA maximizes muscle protein synthesis, improves recovery, reduces muscle breakdown, and improves mental focus.

AS-IT-IS ATOM EAA effervescent tablets come in a refreshing flavour. EAA effervescent tablets can be consumed either pre- or post-workout.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT AMINO ACID SUPPPLEMENT FOR YOUR GOAL?

WHY CHOOSE AS-IT-IS AMINO ACIDS?

AS-IT-IS Nutrition is a trusted brand known for pure, high-quality, and scientifically-backed supplements.

1.  100% Pure & High-Quality Supplements

AS-IT-IS Nutrition amino supplements are free from fillers, additives, and preservatives. They are just clean and raw amino acids for maximum effectiveness. 

2.  3^rd Party Lab-Tested & GMP-Certified

AS-IT-IS Nutrition amino supplements are 3^rd party lab-tested and are manufactured in a GMP-compliant facility to ensure high-quality standards for purity and potency. They are dope-free, making them safe for athletes. 

3.  Convenient & Versatile

AS-IT-IS Nutrition offers a wide range of amino supplements to support different fitness goals, including fat loss, muscle gain, muscle recovery, and strength gains. Available in powder, capsule, and liquid forms, these supplements come in both flavoured and unflavoured options. 

4.  Cost-Effective

AS-IT-IS Nutrition provides high-quality amino supplements at competitive pricing, making them an affordable choice for those looking to enhance their fitness goals without compromising on quality. 

5.  Transparent Labelling & No Hidden Ingredients

AS-IT-IS Nutrition ensures complete transparency by providing clear labels that list all ingredients. The products contain no unnecessary additives, so you know exactly what you are consuming. 

6.  100% Vegetarian Dietary Supplements

All AS-IT-IS Nutrition amino supplements are 100% vegetarian. 

7.  Trusted By Athletes & Champions 

AS-IT-IS Nutrition is a well-known and trusted brand in the fitness industry. Our supplements are used and recommended by athletes, bodybuilders, fitness professionals and champions.

HOW TO USE AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE BEST RESULTS?

1.  Choose the Right Amino Supplement: Choose the amino supplement that aligns with your fitness goals.

2.  Take it at the Right Time: Some amino acids are meant to be taken pre-workout, some are meant to be taken post-workout, and some are meant to be taken intra-workout. You have to consume the supplement at the right time for best results.

3.  Stick to the Recommended Dosage: The optimal recommended dosage for each supplement can vary. Stick to the recommended dosage on the product label, overconsumption won’t provide any extra benefits.

4.  Use the Supplement in Conjunction with the Right Diet: While supplements are beneficial in helping you reach your fitness goal, they should be combined with a balanced diet rich in protein and other essential micronutrients.

5.  Stay Well-Hydrated: Amino acids, when combined with regular exercise, can dehydrate you. So, it is advised to stay well-hydrated while on supplementation.

6.  Be Consistent: Consistent use of amino supplements coupled with regular training is the key to seeing fitness results.

7.  Use with Other Supplements Wisely: If you are planning to combine one amino supplement with any other supplements, make sure they complement each other well. Avoid excessive overlap with pre-workouts or Whey protein that already contain the amino acids.

FAQs on Amino Acid Supplements

1.  Are amino acid supplements safe?

Yes, generally, amino acid supplements are safe when used as directed. However, it’s important to follow the dosage instructions on the label and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

2.  Can I take amino acids every day?

Yes, consistency is the key to seeing results. Take the supplement as part of a balanced diet and fitness routine.

3.  Are amino acids proteins?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids, out of which 9 are essential because the body cannot produce them on its own.

4.  Do amino acids have side effects?

While generally safe, excessive intake may cause nausea, bloating, digestive discomfort, or headaches. It’s important to stick to the recommended dosage on the label and always start with a lower dosage to see how your body reacts.

5.  Are amino acids safe for women?

Yes, amino supplements are safe for women. They can be particularly beneficial when combined with regular training, proper recovery, a balanced diet and good hydration.

6.  Can amino acids affect kidney function?

If taken in recommended dosages, amino acid supplements do not cause harm to kidney function. However, people with pre-existing kidney conditions should consult their healthcare provider before taking amino supplements.

7.  Can I mix amino acids with protein shakes?

Yes, you can mix amino acids with protein shakes. This can be a convenient way to ensure you’re getting a complete range of amino acids to support muscle recovery and growth.

8.  Can I take amino acids on rest days?

Yes, taking amino acids on rest days can help with muscle recovery and repair. 

9.  When is the best time to take amino acid supplements?

The best times to take amino supplements are:

Pre-Workout: 30 minutes before workouts to enhance endurance and reduce muscle damage.

Post-Workout: 30 minutes after exercise to aid in muscle recovery.

Intra-Workout: To maintain a steady supply of amino acids for muscle repair and growth.

10. What are the benefits of taking amino acid supplements? 

The benefits of amino acid supplements include improved recovery, reduced soreness, enhanced muscle growth, increased endurance, reduced muscle fatigue, and better overall performance.

11.   Are amino acid supplements only for bodybuilders and athletes?

No, amino acids benefit active individuals and regular gym-goers who want to maintain muscle mass, improve recovery, and enhance well-being.

12.   Can I take multiple amino acids together?

Yes, you can take multiple amino acids together. Infact, taking a combination of essential amino acids (EAA) is recommended for optimal muscle growth. The choice of the combination of amino acids you take shall always align with your fitness goals.

13.   Who should take amino acid supplements?

Athletes, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking to improve muscle recovery and protein synthesis can benefit from amino acid supplements.

14.   Are amino supplements better than Whey? 

Amino supplements are more targeted, whereas Whey Protein offers a complete protein source with all essential amino acids. Both are beneficial in their way, there is no question of one being better than the other. 

15.   Do I need amino acids if I already take protein powder?

If you are getting enough protein from your diet and protein powder, you may not need additional amino acid supplements. However, specific supplements like BCAA and creatine can offer additional results of muscle growth and recovery.

16.   Can vegetarians take amino acid supplements?

Yes, vegetarians can take amino acid supplements. The amino supplements can be particularly beneficial for vegetarians who may have a limited intake of certain essential amino acids from their diet.