Did you know that amino acids are the second most abundant component in our body? In addition to being an important source of energy, they participate in vital physiological processes such as the synthesis of structural proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Keep reading to learn more about them!

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds that make up proteins. They contain carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, and make up about 20% of our body.

What do amino acids do?

In addition to being a source of energy, amino acids participate in:

○ The synthesis of structural proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters.

○ The digestion of food.

○ The transport of nutrients.

○ The growth and repair of tissues.

Types of amino acids

There are three main classifications:

Essential amino acids

These are the ones that the body cannot synthesize (does not produce) and needs to acquire through the diet: L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Isoleucine, L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Lysine, L-Methionine, L-Threonine and L-Tryptophan.

Nonessential amino acids

These are the ones that the body can synthesize (naturally produces): β-Alanine, L-Asparagine, D-Aspartic Acid, L-Glutamic Acid, L-Serine, L-Proline, L-Tyrosine and L-Glycine.

Conditionally essential amino acids

These become essential in situations of stress or illness: L-Arginine, L-Cysteine, L-Glutamine, L-Tyrosine, L-Glycine, L-Ornithine, L-Proline and L-Serine.

Benefits of amino acids in sports

○ They have faster absorption than complete protein.

○ They participate in muscle regeneration.

○ They stimulate better post-workout recovery.

○ They improve performance in strength and endurance sports.

What amino acids can you find in Vitobest®?

○ GFSaminos: the GFSaminos are a patented formula of essential amino acids of non-animal origin that increase sports performance by 8%.

○ Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA): the BCAA (L-Valine, L-Leucine and L-Isoleucine, ratio 2:1:1) help prevent muscle catabolism.

○ L-Glutamine: L-Glutamine participates in protein synthesis and is essential in protecting the immune system.

○ Glutamine+BCAA: Glutamine+BCAA helps to promote the recovery of muscular efforts.

○ L-Arginine: L-Arginine helps to increase and maintain muscle mass, and contributes to cell replication and immune response.

○ β-Alanine: β-Alanine helps to prevent muscle acidification, prevent injuries, delay fatigue and accelerate muscle recovery.

○ L-Citrulline: L-Citrulline helps to delay the sensation of fatigue during physical activity.

○ L-Tryptophan: L-Tryptophan helps to improve mood and combat stress situations.

○ L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is involved in the production of melanin and helps improve memory, clarity and mental alertness.

○ L-Carnitine: synthesized from L-Lysine and L-Methionine, L-Carnitine helps to degrade fat deposits (uses them as energy in movement), and protects blood vessels and muscle.

○ HMB: hydroxymethylbutyrate is a derivative of L-Leucine that helps prevent muscle degradation, reduce muscle recovery times, and gain strength and lean muscle mass.

○ ALC: acetyl L-Carnitine is the ester form of L-Carnitine. It helps to increase energy levels and fat burning; combat cholesterol and triglycerides; and improve cognitive functions.

○ GABA: gamma aminobutyric acid helps to provoke relaxation effects, regulate hormonal activity, and enhance muscle development and recovery after training.

○ NAC: the N-Acetyl L-Cysteine is the acetylated form of L-Cysteine. It helps to protect cells from oxidative stress and regulate liver functionality.

○ DAA: the D-Aspartic Acid helps to increase hormonal production, improve fertility, and maintain normal levels of testosterone.

What are the best amino acid supplements? When should they be taken?

○ Before training: for their energizing and activating properties, L-Taurine and L-Arginine.

○ During and Post-training: the BCAA and L-Glutamine, together or separately. They can also be consumed at any other time of the day.

○ Before sleeping: the L-Tryptophan.