Amino Acids 101:

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Healthiest Life Today
Amino Acids 101:
Start Living Your Healthiest
Life Today

Amino acids are the foundation of life. They are Proteins also act as control switches for gene
involved in everything from building muscle and expression, determining which genes get
life-supporting tissues to making the chemicals turned on and off. And protein is needed to help
necessary for our brain and vital organs to heal wounds, repair tissue, and remove waste
function. Beyond serving as the building blocks products produced during metabolism.
for all-important proteins, amino acids are
important signaling factors and intermediaries in Amino acids are the foundation of it all.
many metabolic pathways.
One molecule of protein can be made up of 100
Of the hundreds of different amino acids, only to 1,000 amino acids linked together in what’s
20 make up the dietary and body proteins we called a peptide linkage. The specific sequence
depend on. of amino acids determines the type of protein
produced.
Protein is the material that gives structure and
strength to the muscles, tendons, tissues, and Proteins make up about two-thirds of the body
organs in our bodies. We need protein to activate that is not water. Just as we lose water every day
cellular chemical reactions and to help carry through sweating, evaporation, and urine output,
crucial substances into and out of cells. we also lose protein as muscles and tissues
degrade and amino acids oxidize.
Some proteins act as antibodies that help protect
us against disease and viruses. Others are
hormones that influence mood, energy levels,
and libido.

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We all understand the importance of drinking
plenty of fluids in order to balance the water
lost through the various pathways. It’s equally
important to get enough amino acids, through
both diet and supplementation, to maintain
optimal amino acid levels in the body and to build
the protein we need to function.

That’s hard to do even when health conditions

are good. Our amino acid requirements are
even greater under conditions such as poor
nutrition or physiological stressors. Which is
why it’s so important to be amino acid savvy,
both in understanding how amino acids keep
you healthy and how best to make sure you’re
meeting your amino acid needs.

Let’s dive into the essentials of amino acids and

how they can help boost your longevity and keep
you strong at any age.

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The Importance of
Essential Amino Acids

Of the 20 amino acids in body protein, 9 are Similarly, we can live on a diet that is almost
“essential” and 11 are “nonessential.” fat free. Patients who have had their intestines
surgically removed can live for years receiving
The nonessential amino acids can be made from intravenous glucose and amino acids.4 Only a
metabolic reactions in the body, but we can’t small amount of a specific essential fatty acid
internally produce the essential amino acids is required to maintain healthy skin. Dietary fat
(we’ll refer to them as EAAs). For this reason, as part of the normal diet also plays a role in the
EAAs must be included in the diet. We normally absorption of certain micronutrients. A small
consume EAAs as components of dietary amount of dietary fat is important for these roles,
protein, like meat, fish, milk, and eggs. but, in general, fat is not needed for survival.

But EAAS most definitely are.

FACT: The EAAs are the only major nutrients
required for survival! We’ve known how crucial EAAs are to survival
for more than 50 years.5,6 A body undergoing
starvation will maintain relatively normal blood
It’s true! concentrations of EAAs in the first couple of
weeks. This is because the body breaks down
We can live without any carbohydrates in our muscle protein to free amino acids and keep
diet. Alaskan natives thrive on a carbohydrate- blood concentrations stable.
free diet, and develop a variety of metabolic and
cardiovascular problems when they introduce This supply of amino acids is critical for the
sugar and shift to a western diet.1,2 The notion continued production of proteins essential for
of an almost carbohydrate-free diet is the life and for the production of glucose in the
cornerstone of the popular ketogenic diet.3 liver. Death from starvation occurs only when
the muscle becomes so depleted that adequate
blood levels of the EAAs can no longer be
sustained.

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 Here’s a little bit of
Amino Acid History
for you.

Histidine was thought to be nonessential While in theory, we could function

for adults, since it appeared that only perfectly well without any dietary
infants could not synthesize it, but more intake of nonessential amino acids, we
extensive studies suggest that adults, are actually much more metabolically
too, rely upon dietary sources of this efficient if we have some percentage of
amino acid. these amino acids supplied by the diet.
Without NEAAs from the diet, the body
The nonessential amino acids (let’s refer has to divert energy and resources to
to those as NEAAs) include: making the particular amino acid that
is in short supply. Depending upon the
• Cysteine circumstances and the desired outcome,
• Glycine this may or may not be a good thing.

• Glutamine
• Proline
• Arginine
• Tyrosine
• Alanine
• Aspartic acid
• Asparagine
• Glutamic acid
• Serine

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 How Many Aminos Do
You Need?
For example, if you are suffering from an On average, a high-quality dietary protein
illness or a serious stress such as surgery or contains a 45:55 ratio of EAAs to NEAAs
injury, an abundance of all the amino acids, respectively. This ratio is similar to the
including the NEAAs, will help the immune makeup of human muscle.
system function by ensuring all the amino acid
components are available and energy does not However, studies have shown that an optimal
need to be devoted to synthesizing NEAAs. ratio of dietary EAAs to NEAAs is closer to
80:20.8 It is only possible to achieve this ratio
On the other hand, if you’re trying to lose by supplementing your normal diet with pure
weight, it’s best to consume more EAAs than EAAs or a formulation of predominantly
NEAAs because doing so activates protein EAAs with a small amount of NEAAs.
synthesis (the making of protein).7 When
protein synthesis increases, so does the
amount of energy you burn... and your primary
energy source when you’re losing weight is
fat. Therefore, when you consume more EAAs
relative to NEAAs you increase the amount of
fat you lose on a low-calorie diet.

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Amino Acids in Balance

We've learned that there are 20 different amino For example, since leucine plays a specific role in
acids that can serve as structural components of initiating protein synthesis, it seems reasonable
protein; however, not all 20 amino acids are to take a leucine supplement to activate protein
necessarily in a given protein. The specific and muscle building. However, when leucine is
number of each amino acid, and the order in provided by itself, the body kicks the oxidation
which they are hooked together, are unique to of leucine, along with the oxidation of the amino
each protein. acids isoleucine and valine, into overdrive. As
isoleucine and valine become less available, the
In addition, individual amino acids have distinct body is unable to produce new protein, which
functions. For example, arginine regulates blood totally defeats the purpose of taking the leucine
pressure and leucine starts the process of supplement in the first place.9
protein synthesis.
So you can see how supplementing with JUST
But it isn’t as easy as taking an arginine leucine is ineffective, despite the important
supplement for lower blood pressure or a leucine and unique role leucine plays in the process of
supplement for muscle building. A single amino protein synthesis.
acid supplement isn’t going to produce an
expected or singular outcome. That’s an We see the same type of disruption to the
oversimplification of how amino acids work... balance of amino acids whenever single amino
which is in balance in the body. acid supplements are given.

When a specific action is attributed to Now, it might be reasonable to consume an

an amino acid, it is in the context of the individual amino acid to overcome an isolated
deficiency of that amino acid, but isolated amino
whole body chemistry and all of the acid deficiencies are very rare and usually
amino acids working together. attributable to genetically-based metabolic
defects.

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All the amino acids operate as a team
and within a physiological system that
includes many other compounds and
factors that affect how each individual
amino acid functions.

FACT: Maintaining the proper

balance of all the amino
acids is crucial for optimal
amino acid and protein
nutrition.

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Amino Acids and Muscle Protein Turnover:

Keeping your muscles

strong and healthy

Muscle has always been recognized for its During muscle protein turnover, amino acids
importance in mobility and physical activity, and are released from muscle to be used as needed
currently there is newfound appreciation for the by other organs and tissues when there is not
importance of maintaining muscle for better a plentiful supply of amino acids coming from
health outcomes. the diet.

The process of building muscles (anabolism) is Muscle health comes down to three key
called muscle protein synthesis, and the process components:
of breaking down muscle (catabolism) is called • A high-protein diet
muscle protein breakdown. Muscle protein
turnover refers to the cycle of muscle being • Essential amino acid supplementation
made and broken down. • Regular exercise

Amino acids are the building blocks of the

protein that makes up muscle. And muscle can
be thought of as the main reservoir of amino
acids for the body.

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Anabolic and The Production of
Catabolic Stimuli New Muscle Protein
When we refer to anabolic stimuli, we are talking The process of protein synthesis in all tissues
about factors and lifestyle choices that promote and organs, including muscle protein, involves a
the growth or synthesis of new muscle. These series of complex molecular reactions.
include...
• Dietary protein intake To keep it simple, let’s first understand why
all the EAAs are needed to produce an intact
• Exercise—particularly resistance or weight- protein.
bearing exercise
• Anabolic hormones—like growth hormone Individual proteins are made by linking together
and testosterone a string of amino acids in a specific order. One
protein is distinguished from another by the
We know for certain that amino acids, particularly exact order of the amino acids in its chain. If at
essential amino acids, stimulate the growth of any point in the making of a protein there isn’t
new proteins. enough of the next amino acid up, then the
protein won’t be made.
Factors that are catabolic, or promote muscle
breakdown and loss, include... For example, let’s say phenylalanine is the last
amino acid incorporated into the protein and
• Low-protein diets
the next one up is lysine. But wait...there isn’t
• Low-energy diets any lysine available! The process STOPS, even
• Illness, injury, or surgery if there is an abundance of all the other amino
acids.
During times of illness and recovery from injury
or surgery, we need amino acids even more. In this example, lysine is the limiting amino acid,
meaning because there isn’t enough, it limits the
Amino acids help us overcome the muscle loss ability of the protein to be made.
and mitigate the action of catabolic hormones
released as part of the stress response. And,
as discussed earlier, amino acids help support
immune system function.

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 The Importance of
Muscle Protein Turnover
It is easy to understand the importance of muscle
Only the essential amino acids are potentially protein synthesis, as that is the metabolic basis
limiting, as the nonessential amino acids can be for building muscle. But why do muscles need
produced in the body as needed. This is why you to be broken down as part of muscle protein
need a dietary supplement with all the EAAs in turnover?
the proper balance. Providing only a few of the
EAAs, such as the branched-chain amino acids Muscle protein breakdown is crucial during
(BCAAs), will cause deficiencies in the other the time between meals when other important
EAAs and stall the production of new protein. tissues and organs need a constant supply of
essential amino acids. If you’re not bringing in
So you can see why an amino acid supplement the aminos from your diet, your body turns to
must contain ALL the EAAS to be effective. muscles for its amino fix.

But how come some people can develop huge Muscle protein breakdown also helps improve
masses of muscle, while others can never get the muscle function.
same development no matter what they do? The
answer is in your DNA. Muscle fibers become damaged during exercise
and do not generate the same contractile
We all have slight differences in our DNA— force as new fibers do. In steps muscle protein
which is why criminal cases rely heavily on DNA turnover to get rid of the older, damaged fibers
evidence when available. (protein breakdown) and replace them with new,
better-functioning fibers (protein synthesis).
The DNA in a cell directs the type and amount of
proteins produced in the cell. Sure EAAs are Accelerated muscle protein turnover can
invaluable when it comes to directing the DNA improve athletic training, even if total muscle
blueprint into actual protein, but the bottom line mass does not change. A heavy workout induces
is that we are all limited to some extent by our local inflammation due to the damaged muscle
DNA. fibers—the more rapid the muscle turnover, the
more quickly the post-exercise inflammation will
While we can’t do anything about the DNA we subside.
are born with, there is great variability in how
close we can come to achieving all that our DNA
will allow. Making sure you maintain high
availability of EAAs in just the right ratio is the
most effective way to maximize your DNA’s
potential.

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Essential amino acids are the Essential amino acid supplements can help
improve muscle function without increasing
most potent stimulators of muscle mass if that is your goal. For example, an
muscle protein turnover. endurance runner will improve muscle function
and decrease inflammation by consuming
Without an adequate supply of essential amino essential amino acids after a workout without
acids, muscle protein turnover is limited because adding extra muscle weight.
there are not enough essential aminos to build
new protein and keep up with the muscle that is But, if your goal is to gain muscle mass, then
being broken down. supplementing with an essential amino acid
blend is also a must. To build muscle, you will
It’s difficult to get an ample amount of essential want to consume essential aminos with sufficient
amino acids from food alone, which is where a non-protein calories to add to the extra mass.
balanced essential amino acid supplement can
come in handy.

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Why Everyone Should
Take an Amino Acid
Supplement
Essential amino acid supplements can And without going
play an indispensable role in optimal overboard on calories!
amino acid and protein nutrition. EAAs
stimulate muscle protein synthesis to The beneficial effects of amino acid supplements
a greater extent than the protein-rich can be achieved with minimal caloric intake so
foods you eat. you can stay on track with your healthy weight
goals.

Beneficial effects of essential amino acid

supplements have been demonstrated with
Build muscle faster! doses less than 4 grams, which is equivalent to
only 16 calories.10
On a gram-for-gram basis, EAAs are at least four
times as effective as whey protein in stimulating In contrast, even high-quality dietary protein
muscle protein synthesis. This is due in part food sources contain 50% or more non- protein
to the rapid and complete absorption of free calories in the form of carbohydrate and/or fat,
EAAs—peak concentrations of EAAs are much and also contain more than half nonessential
higher and more rapid than concentrations of amino acids that have little value in terms of
intact protein. building new protein. Consuming approximately
4 grams of EAAs in the context of a high-quality
Further, the relative amounts of each EAA in a protein food source requires 100 kcal, or
dietary supplement can be formulated to about five times the calories of an amino acid
optimally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in supplement.
specific circumstances, such as during exercise
or after surgery. And we have already seen how the composition
of an essential amino acid supplement is vital,
not only in terms of stimulating protein synthesis
but also maintaining an ideal balance of all EAAs
in the blood.

Amino Acids 101:

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 It is crucial that all EAAs be provided in
a dietary supplement. Supplements that
contan only some of the EAAs, such as BCAA
supplements which we will learn about in a bit,
have minimal effect on protein synthesis.

The synthesis of complete proteins requires

adequate availability of all the EAAs. Further, the
many other functions of amino acids in the blood,
including the production of neurotransmitters,
blood flow regulation, immune function, and
improvement of plasma lipid profiles, are
contingent on a balanced composition of the
blood amino acids. For this reason, a balanced
formulation containing all the EAAs is the optimal
amino acid supplement.

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BCAAs and EAAs:

What’s the difference?

If you search for “essential amino acids” EAAs
on Google you will see many sites
advertising branched-chain amino acids The main role of essential amino acids is to build
(BCAAs), and others advertising essential protein, including muscle protein.
amino acids (EAAs). You may be left
Since all proteins in the body are continually
wondering: Are BCAAs and EAAs the broken down and resynthesized, an adequate
same thing? If not, what’s the difference? supply of all the EAAs is required or body protein
Which is right for me? will be lost.

Most of the EAAs in body protein that are

released as a result of protein breakdown
BCAAs are incorporated into new protein. However,
approximately 15% of the EAAs released from
BCAA is an abbreviation for branched-chain protein breakdown are oxidized, which means
amino acid. The term branched-chain amino they are irreversibly lost. The EAAs that are
acids refers to the chemical structures of the oxidized must be replaced through your diet
amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. since they cannot be produced in the body.
These BCAAs are all essential amino acids,
meaning they cannot be produced in the Amino acids released during protein breakdown
body and you have to get them via your diet or serve as the main source of amino acids for new
supplementation. proteins made during the basal state. (The basal
state is the resting metabolic state of the body in
Of the three BCAAs, leucine, in particular, has a the morning after 12 hours of fasting.)
variety of regulatory roles in the body. But we’ve
already seen how taking a supplement that On average, about 85% of amino acids from
just contains leucine actually accelerates the protein breakdown are re-used for protein
oxidation of each of the BCAAs. synthesis. In order to increase the rate of protein
synthesis to greater than the basal rate, we
For this reason, ALL of the BCAAs are must increase the efficiency of reutilization of
conventionally given as a nutritional supplement, the amino acids from protein breakdown. An
although no special qualities of either valine or even easier way to increase protein synthesis,
isoleucine have been identified. Don’t be duped. however, is to increase the availability of EAAs by
taking a properly formulated supplement.
Dietary supplements of BCAAs are ineffective in
increasing the amount of muscle protein
produced.11 Why? We’ll say it once again—
The bottom line is that all the
because ALL the EAAs are needed to produce EAAs must be available for
muscle protein. muscle protein synthesis, and
consumption is the primary
source.

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BCAA or EAA SUPPLEMENTS:

Which are better?

There is no question that BCAAs are important How the EAAs
for many functions in the body, including
protein synthesis. However, the full benefit of Measure Up
BCAAs cannot be achieved if they are taken
by themselves, because you cannot make a To this point, we have referred to EAA
complete protein out of just three amino acids. supplements as if they are all the same. However,
The maximal effectiveness of the BCAAs is only this couldn’t be further from the truth. A great
achieved when they are taken along with the deal of research has been done to define optimal
other six EAAs. Only a mixture of all the EAAs EAA profiles in a variety of circumstances.
can provide a sustained stimulation of muscle
protein synthesis. To obtain maximal beneficial effects, it is
necessary to match the specific circumstance
A non-scientific analogy might be helpful in with the most appropriate profile of EAAs.
understanding the difference between BCAAs
and EAAs. Think of EAAs as different players on A starting point for all formulations is the
a football team. In this analogy, leucine is the composition of the proteins in the body. Since
quarterback that calls the signals and is the most samples of muscle are easily obtained to
important player on the team—what team wins measure the amino acid contents, and muscle
without a good quarterback? However, a team of protein is an important destination of absorbed
just quarterbacks wouldn’t be very successful, amino acids, we will focus on the composition of
and neither is an amino acid supplement made muscle protein.
up entirely of grams of leucine.
Muscle protein contains all the EAAs. Leucine
All the positions on the team have an essential and lysine are the most abundant EAAs in
role to play, and without enough players for each muscle, while methionine and tryptophan are the
position, the team will fail. Similarly, all the EAAs least abundant. The other five EAAs are present
are required for the effects of leucine to translate in concentrations between this range.
to increased production of muscle protein.
Taking a balanced mixture of all the EAAs that If the goal is to stimulate muscle protein
includes a generous proportion of leucine is synthesis, it would seem logical to provide an
necessary for maximal results. EAA supplement that mimics the EAA profile of
muscle protein. Unfortunately, the availability of
EAAs inside muscle cells will differ from what is
consumed.

Here’s why. Amino acids enter the muscle cells

by specific carriers, and the transport rates differ
for each EAA. For instance, lysine is transported
into the muscle quite slowly, while phenylalanine
transport is quite rapid.

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An effective EAA supplement takes into account Also, there are circumstances in which additional
the differing transport rates. amino acids amplify the EAA effect. For example,
the addition of the nonessential amino acid
Also, in some circumstances, such as aging or arginine, or even better, the arginine precursor
heart failure, the nutraceutical role of leucine citrulline, augments the effectiveness of an EAA
plays an important role in activating protein formulation designed to promote muscle health
synthesis, so it is necessary to provide leucine in in older individuals. Similarly, the nonessential
an amount well in excess of its content in muscle amino acid glutamine can provide additional
protein. When a relatively high amount of leucine support to immune function when added to an
is included, adjustments must be made to all the EAA supplement.
other EAAs in a supplement.
It’s quite exciting that we can formulate
Further, the goal of the supplement must supplements with different profiles in order to
be considered. For example, tryptophan is target specific conditions and circumstances!
the precursor of the brain neurotransmitter In that respect, EAA supplements can provide
serotonin, which induces fatigue and sleepiness. advantages that no intact dietary protein can
This might be desirable for a supplement match.
designed to be taken at bedtime, but not for
a supplement designed to promote athletic
performance.

Conversely, phenylalanine will promote the

production of dopamine and epinephrine in the
brain, which are excitatory neurotransmitters that
promote alertness.

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14 Amazing Benefits of
EAA Supplements
It is hard to believe all the ways that EAA 1. Bodybuilding
supplements can benefit health until you
think about the fact that these are the only
The physiological basis for
macronutrients that we can’t live without.
bodybuilding is stimulation of
muscle protein synthesis.
We can’t live without EAAs mainly because
of their indispensable role in the process of
Resistance exercise primes the
protein synthesis, not only in the muscle, but
muscle for increased muscle
also in all the tissues and organs in the body.
growth, but an extra supply
of EAAs is needed to make
We tend to think of amino acid supplements
new muscle. You can’t make
as mainly targeting athletic performance, and
something out of nothing!
that is certainly true, but EAA supplements
have proven beneficial in a wide range of
Studies show that EAA
circumstances. Most importantly, since EAAs
supplements promote muscle
are natural nutrients, there are no known
protein synthesis four times
adverse effects of EAA supplements.
effectively than whey protein
does.
EAA supplements can be effective
with doses as low as 3 grams, and EAA
formulations can be extremely low calorie.
2. Aerobic Exercise
Here are 14 ways EAA supplements can
benefit your health. EAAs are oxidized at an
increased rate during aerobic
exercise. An EAA supplement
is needed to replace these lost
EAAs.

Taking an EAA supplement

before, during, or after exercise
increases muscle protein
turnover, which improves
muscle strength and function.
Damaged muscle proteins are
broken down and replaced
by new, better functioning
proteins. As a result, you enjoy
greater training benefits.

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 3. Energy Balance/ 5. Aging
Weight Control
Muscle mass and function
EAAs increase muscle is lost with aging. This
protein turnover, even without degeneration is the most
exercise, which in turn common reason for
maintains or improves muscle decreased quality of life.
mass and function. Research indicates that EAA
supplements can improve
We lose weight when the physical function and help
number of calories we expend maintain muscle mass in
is greater than the number of healthy older people, even
calories we take in. Consuming without exercise.13
EAAs increases caloric
expenditure by stimulating
protein turnover throughout 6. Brain Function
the body. But there’s an
added benefit. Consuming Normal brain function
EAAs during weight loss also requires a proper balance of
maintains muscle so you lose a variety of brain chemicals
more fat. called neurotransmitters. The
key neurotransmitters are
produced from EAAs that are
4. Recovery from transported into the brain from
the blood.
Injury or Surgery
An EAA supplement keeps
Serious injury or surgery EAA levels in the blood
causes rapid loss of muscle, stable and can improve
and traditional nutrition is neurotransmitter balance in
very slow to restore normal a variety of circumstances,
muscle mass and function. As ranging from recovery from
a result, energy level is low and alcohol or drug abuse to
recovery is prolonged. athletic performance.

Taking an EAA supplement

after surgery or injury has been
shown to speed recovery.
In the case of elective
surgery, such as hip or knee
replacement, EAAs taken
before surgery will further
benefit recovery.12

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 7. Wound Healing 9. Cancer Therapy
Wound healing occurs from Cancer induces such a
the synthesis of new proteins, pronounced catabolic state
particularly the protein that it has its own name—
collagen. Collagen is made cancer cachexia. Cancer
up largely of nonessential cachexia suppresses appetite
amino acids, which are and instigates metabolic
abundant, so protein synthesis changes in the muscle that
in normal healthy skin is not make normal protein nutrition
particularly responsive to EAA ineffective when it comes to
supplementation. reversing the accelerated loss
of muscle.
However, the situation is
different in the case of wound Studies including thousands
healing. Wounds are generally of patients with different types
accompanied by inflammation, of cancer have revealed that
which impairs healing. An EAA cancer cachexia, with the
supplement can help reduce associated loss of muscle
tissue inflammation, which mass, is directly linked to
speeds up collagen protein survival.16 With greater loss of
synthesis and wound healing.14 muscle mass, patients lose the
ability to withstand the rigors
of chemo and radiation
therapy.
8. Immune Function
Conventional meal
Proper nutrition is a must for a replacements are ineffective in
strong immune system. Most reversing muscle loss in
components of the immune patients with cancer cachexia.
system defense arsenal are In contrast, free EAAs can
proteins, so it makes sense overcome cancer cachexia and
that the building blocks for stimulate muscle protein
these proteins, amino acids, synthesis. Adequate EAA
and especially EAAs, must be supplementation can thus help
in plentiful supply. to maintain muscle mass in
patients with cancer.17 There is
While very few people in the little concern that EAA
United States are protein- supplementation will stimulate
malnourished, many people the growth of cancer cells,
may not be consuming as those cells are getting
enough high-quality proteins plenty of amino acids from the
to obtain the amount of EAAs breakdown of muscle protein.
needed for optimal support
of all the components of the
immune system. Taking an
EAA supplement promotes
immune function by ensuring
that adequate precursors are
available for the synthesis of
the involved proteins.15

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 10. Kidney Disease 11. Heart Failure
The kidneys are responsible for As many as 65% of individuals
excreting the waste products over the age of 65 have some
of amino acid metabolism— degree of heart failure. Severity
urea and ammonia. Kidney of symptoms range from
disease is defined by the getting winded climbing a flight
inability to effectively clear of stairs to being so debilitated
these compounds from the that you can’t walk out to get
blood. the mail. Heart failure not only
impairs heart function, but also
The treatment for kidney the ability to function physically
disease has historically due to loss of skeletal muscle
included a low-protein diet to mass and function.
decrease the load of ammonia
and urea on the kidneys. Conventional nutrition is
However, a low-protein diet, ineffective in reversing the loss
coupled with the catabolic of heart function and skeletal
state induced by the disease, muscle mass and function
causes a pronounced loss because of the metabolic
of muscle mass that can changes that cause anabolic
adversely affect quality of life resistance. In contrast, a
and even survival. specially formulated EAA
supplement can overcome
EAA supplementation is ideal anabolic resistance and
for this circumstance. EAAs stimulate muscle protein
stimulate muscle protein synthesis, thereby offsetting
synthesis, which increases the the catabolic effect of heart
nonessential amino acids that failure and improving both
are re-incorporated into protein heart and skeletal muscle
rather than metabolized to function.19
ammonia and urea. Thus,
in contrast to intact dietary
protein, consumption of EAAs
does not increase either
urea or ammonia. As a result,
muscle loss is curtailed while
the metabolic load on the
kidneys is reduced.11

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 12. Cystic Fibrosis 14. Chronic
Obstructive
Cystic fibrosis has a number of
symptoms, including impaired Pulmonary
digestive capacity that hinders Disease (COPD)
the absorption of nutrients
and thus impairs growth and As with many serious diseases,
development. COPD causes muscle loss,
making it even more difficult
Unlike dietary protein, free to perform everyday activities.
EAAs require no digestion. As Even more importantly, loss
a result, EAAs provide a unique of muscle mass is associated
way to obtain optimal amino with decreased survival.
acid nutrition. EAAs have been Research shows that EAAs
shown to be more effective have a unique capacity to slow
than intact dietary protein in the loss of muscle mass and
stimulating protein synthesis in function in COPD patients, a
children with cystic fibrosis.20 benefit not evident with intact
protein.22

13. Liver Fat

Fatty liver disease, marked by
excess deposits of fat in the
liver, has become recognized
as a major health problem.
Most commonly associated
with obesity and alcohol abuse,
fatty liver disease can also be
the consequence of normal
aging. Liver fat deposition is a
precursor of liver fibrosis and
ultimately cirrhosis. Liver fat is
also a component of metabolic
syndrome, which is the stage
of metabolic disruption
immediately prior to diabetes.

Medication to reduce liver

fat is often not prescribed or
is halted because of adverse
side effects, especially in
the elderly. Supplementing
with EAAs has been shown
to reduce liver fat in older
individuals as effectively as the
standard of care medication.
Improvements in blood lipid
profiles and insulin sensitivity
are also obtained with EAA
supplementation.21

Amino Acids 101:

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Essential Amino Acid
Wrap Up
Whether it’s muscle building, endurance
enhancement, immune boosting, or any
of the other amazing benefits covered, an
EAA supplement is a must-have in your daily
supplement arsenal.

We hope you’ll continue learning more about

amino acids with us, as we explore the latest
research and continue to develop the most
precise and expertly formulated amino acid
blends. Our mission...to tackle every health crisis
plaguing the modern world using the natural
synergy of amino acid science.

Amino Acids 101:

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