Arginine
Arginine (or L-Arginine) is a natural substance that has similar properties to B group vitamins. The body can reproduce it on its own, so L-arginine is also called a vitamin-like substance. L-arginine is one of the most common additives used in bodybuilding, which is produced both as a freely available substance and in the composition of amino acid complexes. Arginine stimulates the muscles after working out, triggers regenerative processes, takes part in the division of muscle cells, removes toxins from the body, improves the passage of oxygen to the muscle tissue as well as the transportation of creatine to the muscles.
BCAA Amino Acids
BCAA’s (branch chain amino acids) are a complex consisting of three amino acids. They are an important component of protein. The difference between BCAA’s and other amino acids is that the body does not synthesize them. Three amino acids are combined into one complex because their action occurs simultaneously and they complement each other. BCAA amino acids release energy in the muscle fibers, resulting in increased growth. Moreover, the effect of amino acids continues throughout the time of their administration. By performing physical exercises, you reduce the level of amino acids in the muscles, so their intake is also designed to restore the body’s natural BCAA levels. It is necessary to take a full complex of amino acids for quick muscle tissue recovery after strength training. The hormone levels rise in the body shortly after training, which contributes not only to the recovery of muscles, but also to their growth.
Citrulline
Citrulline is an amino acid that is not part of the building proteins, but has a large number of physiological effects. Citrulline is involved in the metabolism of urea and is an. intermediate metabolite in the utilization of a toxic substance – ammonia, which damages the liver cells. Citrulline performs a number of physiological functions. Improves peripheral circulation in the tissues of the body. Promotes the normalization of metabolism. Promotes the activation of nonspecific protective factors of the body. Provides a natural means of production of several amino acids, i.e. arginine, which helps to pump muscles with nutrients, blood, oxygen and hormones, making them bigger and stronger. It stimulates the immune system. It removes lactic acid and ammonia, restores the reserves of adenosine triphosphoric acid and phosphocreatine after working out. It maintains the nitrogen balance, and hence promotes muscle growth. Citrulline is found in the liver, human skin, nerve membranes and hair.
Glutamine
Glutamine is a dispensable amino acid, abundantly found in the muscle cells and blood. It is produced in muscle cells from other amino acids like glutamic acid, valine and isoleucine. Glutamine is necessary for cell growth, and also serves as fuel for the immune system. During a period of intense workouts or stress, the glutamine level in the blood falls, which weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infection. The level of glutamine also falls in the muscles, which leads to a loss of muscle tissue, despite continuing training. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, and the muscles are 60% glutamine, which explains its wide application in bodybuilding and sports nutrition.
Arginine Alpha-ketoglutarate
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a salt of the amino acid arginine and alpha-ketoglutaric acid. It first came in to popularity as a supplement for pumping in bodybuilding. The mechanism of action is the synthesis of nitric oxide from the intermediate products of the decomposition of the arginine. The main function of arginine is as a donator of nitric oxide, it also has a vasodilating effect, and enhances blood flow and nutrient delivery, consequently increasing endurance and promoting pumping. The principle of action is that arginine supplies the enzyme system with the necessary substances, which in turn start to produce nitrogen oxide (NO). The main purpose of NO is the regulation of blood pressure; if the body lacks nitrogen oxide, the blood pressure may increase. The second important benefit of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is that it promotes the production of growth hormone. Many people already know its effects: strengthening of connective tissues, increasing muscle mass, fat burning, rejuvenation, etc.
