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Amino Acceleration System

Q: Are amino acid supplements safe?

Yes, they are generally safe when taken as recommended; however, consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.

Q: When is the best time to take amino acids?

They are best taken around exercise times or with meals to maximize muscle protein synthesis.

Q: What results can I expect from taking EAAs and BCAAs?

You can expect improved muscle recovery, reduced DOMS, and enhanced muscle strength and function over time.

Q: Can amino acids replace a balanced diet?

No, amino acid supplements are not substitutes for a balanced diet and should complement healthy eating and exercise.

Also known as: Essential Amino Acids, EAAs, Branched-Chain Amino Acids, BCAAs, Amino Acceleration System, Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) and Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Overview

The Amino Acceleration System emphasizes the importance of essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) as critical nutrients necessary for muscle repair and growth, which the body cannot synthesize independently. Major dietary sources include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and some plant-based foods. EAAs and BCAAs are recognized for their roles in stimulating muscle protein synthesis, promoting recovery from exercise, and preserving lean muscle mass, especially among aging populations. Their supplementation has been shown to enhance muscle density and overall physical fitness, thereby benefiting both physically active individuals and older adults susceptible to sarcopenia, emphasizing their significance in athletic performance and health.

Benefits

EAA and BCAA supplementation has been shown to offer substantial benefits, particularly for older adults. Research indicates improvements in muscle strength and athletic performance with moderate effect sizes ranging from 0.21 to 0.27 (P < 0.005). BCAAs, in particular, are effective in alleviating delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) with a strong meta-analytic effect size of 0.7286 (95% CI: 0.5017 to 0.9555; p < 0.001). These amino acids play a critical role in muscle protein synthesis and recovery, making them essential for individuals facing muscle loss or undergoing rigorous training regimens.

How it works

EAAs and BCAAs boost the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which is crucial for muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy. This pathway activation contributes to enhanced recovery, increased muscle strength, and reduced fatigue from exercise. Upon ingestion, peak levels of plasma amino acids are reached within 1-2 hours, facilitating effective repair processes of muscle and nerve tissues.

Side effects

Amino acid supplementation is generally safe when taken at recommended dosages; however, approximately 1-5% of users may report mild gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea or diarrhea. Overconsumption may lead to amino acid imbalances, which can pose health risks, particularly for those with pre-existing kidney or liver issues. It is recommended that individuals on medications that alter amino acid metabolism, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with chronic health conditions consult healthcare professionals before beginning supplementation to evaluate safety.

Dosage

Effective EAA supplementation typically ranges from 10 to 15 grams per day, while BCAA supplementation is suggested between 5 to 10 grams daily. It is beneficial to limit total EAAs to 15 to 20 grams and BCAAs to 10 to 20 grams per day, ideally divided into 2-3 servings to enhance absorption rates. The overall upper limit for all amino acid intake should not exceed 50 grams daily. Optimal results are achieved when supplements are consumed around exercise times (pre-, intra-, or post-workout), with the addition of carbohydrates to boost absorption.