Supplement Guide

A reputable addendum in connection with nutrition satisfies a diet that benefits in sustaining human beings. It forms the muscles that enable one to build in a single day sans the dilemmas of excess fats and cholesterols without straining the digestion system. 

The essential building blocks of protein can only be obtained through foods such as fish, poultry, vegetables and other sources. It can also be taken from supplements that come in several types of amino acids. There are those that range from single or combination of free form, peptide bonded or branched chain.

Branched- Chain

Comprising L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine, branched- chain are contained in proteins of all life forms. This is one of the types of amino acids wherein its dietary sources are mainly obtained from meats and vegetables. 

Better known as BCAA’s or branched- chain amino acids, it was created by some neurological research community. There was then a pilot study that designated that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients demonstrated improvement when given big doses of BCAA’s. It was then concluded that branched- chain amino acids may safeguard against nueronal damage from nueroexcitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. However, most of the follow- ups came out negative and even indicated that it can increase mortality with those who have ALS.

It sometimes used in parental and enteral feedings in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It is most of the time utilized in the nursing of major burns and severe trauma because of its possible anticatabolic action.

Peptide- Bonded

Referring to certain dipetides that are utilized in total parental nutrition (TPN), peptide bonded amino acids are delivery forms of L- glutamine. This is one of the types of amino acids where it also indicates to those that are found in some supplements specifically those marketed as fitness products. 

L- glutamine in PBAA’s is an ordinary kind featured in metabolic stress conditions such as infection, cancer, trauma, sepsis and burns. The response to those states is characterized by catabolism balance and negative nitrogen. With those, L- glutamine is normally produced mainly in the skeletal muscles in ample quantities to complete physiological requirements. L- glutamine then becomes an essential protein block- builder and must be provided to the body to avoid breakdown of muscle tissues, immune dysfunction and compromise of gut mucosal barrier function.

Free- Form

One of the types of amino acids that are not bound to any other, free- form refers to the facts that they are independent from one another. Studies showed that there have been plenty of companies that have advertised FFAA’s are the purest active source of protein block- builders that can be purchased in the market. This is however, not true at all instances.

Free- form amino acids are also not immediately absorbed in the small intestines as compared to branded- chain and peptide- bonded. It should only be reserved for use in activities such as workout.

Amino acids play a vital role in the numerous functions of the body; they are the building block of protein.  Twenty amino acids are needed by the body to build various proteins used in the repair, growth, and maintenance of body tissues. Some of these amino acids can be manufactured by the body itself and are called non-essential amino acids, while others must come from the diet and are called essential amino acids.

These classification of the amino acid whether essential or non-essential does not reflect its importance because all of the twenty amino acids are very important for health, instead this classification system is just a reflection of whether the body is capable or not of producing a particular amino acid.

All these amino acids keep us vibrant, alive, and healthy. Any deficiency in a single amino acid will cause health problems for us; a single deficiency should be replaced to fulfill its functions.

The eight essential amino acids which can be produced by the body are as follows:

Lysine

This is one of the eight essential amino acids that is needed for the growth and the maintenance of nitrogen balance in the body. It is integrated into many proteins throughout the body and appears to help the body absorb and conserve calcium.

Methionine

This amino acid supplies sulphur and other compounds that the body needs for normal metabolism and growth.  This is also one of the eight essential amino acids that belongs to a group of compounds called lipotropics or chemicals that help the liver process fats.  

Phenylalanine

This one of the eight essential amino acids that serves as a building block for the variety of proteins that are manufactured by the body, and can be converted to L-tyrosine and subsequently to L-dopa, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Tryptophan this amino acid is a natural relaxant that helps ease insomnia by inducing normal sleep.  It reduces anxiety and depression, helps in the cure of migraine headaches, helps reduce the risk of artery and heart spasms, helps the immune system, and works with Lysine to reduce cholesterol levels. It also aids in the production of antibodies and can be converted into Glycine.

Histidine

Histidine is one of the eight essential amino acids that are found in high concentrations in hemoglobin.  It is very useful in treating anemia due to its relationship to hemoglobin. It has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and has also been linked to allergic response and has been used to treat allergy. It also assists in maintaining proper blood pH.

Isoleucine and Leucine

This essential amino acid is one of the three major Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA), which are involved with muscle strength, muscle stamina, and endurance.  Isoleucine is used by the muscle tissues as an energy source. It is also required in the formation of hemoglobin. It is a potent stimulator of insulin and helps in bone healing.  It also promotes skin healing and modulates the release of Enkephalins, which are natural pain-reducers.

Valine

This amino acid is one of the three major Branched-Chain Amino Acids. BCAA levels are significantly decreased by insulin.  Intake of high dietary sugar or glucose causes the release of insulin which in turn causes a drop in BCAA levels. This amino acid competes with Tyrosine and Tryptophan in crossing the blood-brain barrier. This amino acid is also actively absorbed and used directly by the muscle as an energy source.

Threonine

As one of the eight essential amino acids, this amino acid is required for the formation of collagen and helps prevent fatty deposits in the liver.  It aids in the production of antibodies and can be converted to Glycine in the central nervous system.  It also acts as a detoxifier and is needed by the gastrointestinal tract for normal functioning.

When it comes to building a lean physique worthy of admiration from your peers or developing the power and strength to maximize your game, you’ll need to put in some quality time at the gym. That’s a given.

But, all that hard work will be for nothing if you don’t fuel your muscles with the right building blocks to help them recover. That’s where a high-quality protein supplement can come in as a crucial ally in your sports nutrition stash.

How Much Protein Do We Need?

If you’re serious about your training goals, you’ll need to supply your muscles with key amino acids after each workout and throughout the day to drive the muscle recovery process.¹ As for how much protein you need on a daily basis, the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends an overall daily intake of 1.4 to 2g of protein per kilogram of body weight for most exercising individuals wishing to support lean muscle gains.² For practical purposes, this works out to about 1g of protein per pound of body weight per day for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. So, if you weigh 150 lbs., you should be taking in about 150g of protein daily at a minimum, spread throughout the day.

Unlike the early days of sports nutrition, today there’s a plethora of protein options being marketed as new and innovative offerings. These run the gamut from seemingly unfathomable and unpalatable insect protein powders to lab-grown meat and plant proteins. While there may be some merit to them – since all proteins provide amino acids – there’s currently no definitive body of research to show that any of these esoteric protein sources supersede the raw musclebuilding and recovery power of whey. This dairy-derived protein is a classic staple for many people because it features a complete source of all the essential, dispensable and conditionally essential amino acids that your body can use to maximize recovery and build serious lean muscle gains.^2,3 In fact, whey protein is sought after by various athletes, fitness enthusiasts and active lifestyle protein pundits who want the highest caliber amino acid source with the maximum biological value (BV) – a measure of how well a protein is absorbed and assimilated into the body. Indeed, whey protein tips the BV scale with an outstanding score of 104.³

Protein Purity

To make things a little more complex, just as when you go to the gas station to refill your car, you can also find various “octanes” of whey protein on the market today. These are generally categorized by their degree of purity, owing to the amount of processing and refinement applied to the powder to enhance the percentage of the protein content. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of undesirable compounds such as lactose and fat via special membrane filtration systems or ion exchange methods. Whey protein concentrate generally supplies up to 80% protein on a gram-for-gram basis of the crude raw protein powder before inclusion of the flavoring systems. For those looking for a concentration of at least 90% protein before the addition of flavoring systems, a whey isolate product is an attractive proposition. An isolate offers the benefits of whey protein while minimizing carbs, fats, lactose and cholesterol. It’s like buying the highest octane fuel for your luxury car, only this time, you’re the one-of-a-kind exotic sedan that demands the best musclebuilding and recovery fuel!

Isolate Formulas

Admittedly, whey isolate formulas have been on the market for a long time, usually in typical thick milkshake flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. While these are steadfast favorites for many, perhaps you’re looking for a change – a new “whey” to support your active lifestyle goals. That’s where the MuscleTech research and product development team has you covered. They’ve developed new Iso Whey Clear, a refreshing spin on the mundane whey isolate formula. It’s engineered to be a premium isolate, delivering a light and crisp, flavorful experience. Iso Whey Clear has 22g of protein per serving from an ultra-pure whey isolate that’s chock full of all 9 essential amino acids, including the BCAAs (L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine) needed to support effective recovery from your workouts. And if that’s not enough, the formula also delivers a special enzymatic complex called ProHydrolase® to help break down protein. In a human clinical study, it was shown to improve protein absorption by 20% compared to taking regular whey protein alone. Most experts would think that whey is already so effective that it’s hard to squeeze any more efficiencies from it. But, adding ProHydrolase® is like adding an afterburner to your turbojet engine to maximize thrust and horsepower!

Iso Whey Clear puts a new twist on humdrum whey isolates with its refreshing, light and crisp fruit flavors, as well as its easy mixability. Enhanced with the enzymatic matrix ProHydrolase®, this formula represents a new and innovative class of premium isolate – engineered for the fastest and most efficient delivery of amino acids. It’s easy to see why Iso Whey Clear is by far one of the best ultra-pure protein formulas that you can get today, hands down – and it’s from MuscleTech.


Source By – MuscleTech

What Is Casein?

A typical glass of milk is about 88% water, 5% carbohydrates, 4% fat and 3% protein. Slow digesting casein makes up around 80% of the protein with fast digesting whey providing the other 20%. A serving of powdered casein provides half the Daily Value for calcium compared to less than 10% in a scoop of whey.

Both casein and whey are complete proteins, providing all the Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) including the three Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine. EAAs play important roles in muscle building and recovery. Your body can’t make them, so EAAs must be taken in through food.

History of Casein

In ancient Egypt, casein was used as a binder for pigments. In the 1900s, it was used as a plastic to make buttons, knitting pins and other items.

We mostly know casein for food sources like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and supplements. Optimum Nutrition was first to market a micellar casein powder in 2005. Micellar is considered the natural form of casein. 

Supplementing With Casein Protein

Casein is a good choice for times when nutrients won’t be available for a while. Usage occasions include between meals and before bed. Its slow digestion delivers amino acids to recovering muscles for longer than fast-digesting whey protein.

As a powdered mix, a 34 gram serving of micellar casein provides 24 grams of protein containing nearly 5 grams of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and nearly 5 grams of glutamine – the most abundant amino acid in muscle. This nutrient profile can help active adults build muscle size and strength.


Source by — optimumnutrition.com