What are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins and are essential for numerous processes in the human body. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Some also contain sulfur or selenium. A distinction is made between essential amino acids, which must be obtained through diet, and non-essential amino acids, which the body can produce itself. There are a total of 21 proteinogenic amino acids.
1. Muscle Building & Recovery
Essential amino acids, especially the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, valine), are proven to promote protein synthesis and reduce muscle damage. A meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in muscle soreness (DOMS) after taking BCAAs – by an average of 33% compared to the control group [1].
2. Energy Production During Sport
Isoleucine and valine contribute to energy supply, particularly during intense exertion. In a study with trained men, the intake of 6 g of BCAAs before training improved physical endurance by an average of 17% compared to the placebo group [2].
3. Strengthening the Immune System
L-glutamine is the most important energy source for immune cells. In 21 martial arts athletes, a daily supplement of 0.3 g/kg of glutamine for 3 weeks led to a significant improvement in immune parameters (e.g., sIgA level +35%) and a lower infection rate after intense training [3].
4. Mental Performance
Tyrosine, as a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, can improve cognitive performance under stress. In a double-blind study, 2 g of tyrosine improved reaction time under cognitive stress by 20% compared to placebo [4].
5. Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
Arginine and proline are essential for wound healing as they activate collagen synthesis. A study showed that 30 days of daily intake of 9 g of arginine in surgical patients accelerated wound healing by 40% [5].
6. Hormone and Enzyme Synthesis
Threonine and methionine are precursors for enzymes, neurotransmitters, and hormones. In nutritional studies with protein deficiency, a targeted supplementation of these amino acids led to a normalization of liver enzymes and an improvement in nitrogen balance [6].
7. Cardiovascular Well-being
Taurine is proven to reduce blood pressure. In a placebo-controlled study, daily intake of 6 g of taurine for 7 days lowered the systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients by an average of 9 mmHg [7].
8. Skin, Hair & Nails
Cysteine and glycine are crucial for the formation of keratin and collagen. In a 12-week study, a daily supplement of 500 mg of cysteine and 1000 mg of glycine significantly improved hair density (+13%) and skin elasticity (+9%) [8].
Tyrosine is a component of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. In studies on latent hypothyroidism, a daily intake of 500 mg of tyrosine led to a normalization of TSH levels in 34% of patients within 8 weeks [9].
What Amino Acids Does MST Nutrition Offer?
MST Nutrition offers all 21 proteinogenic amino acids:
Essential Amino Acids (EAA):
Leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine
Non-essential Amino Acids:
Alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine, taurine
Semi-essential Amino Acids:
Arginine and cysteine, as their synthesis can be insufficient under conditions of stress and illness.
Dosage Forms from MST Nutrition
Capsules: e.g., EAA capsules with leucine, isoleucine, and valine – practical and precisely dosed.
Tablets: Ideal for daily use, e.g., after training for muscle recovery.
Powder: Flexible dosing, e.g., the EAA powder with vitamin B6, known for high bioavailability.
Where to Buy Amino Acids?
MST amino acids are available on the official website, on Amazon, as well as in specialized sports nutrition stores in France and Europe:
Online at: https://mstnutrition.fr/
With free shipping from 30 €
Available in cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, and Nice
Conclusion: What Are Amino Acids for?
A clinically well-documented amino acid complex can specifically support muscle development, immune function, mental performance, and recovery. The scientifically proven benefits make MST Nutrition's high-quality products a valuable supplement for athletes and people who care about their well-being.
List of Bibliographical References
[1] Salem et al., 2024: BCAA and DOMS, Sports Medicine – Open.
[2] Negoro et al., 2022: Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Exercise Endurance, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
[3] Lu et al., 2024: Glutamin und Immunität bei Sportlern, JISSN.
[4] Deijen et al., 1999: Tyrosin verbessert kognitive Leistung unter Stress.
[5] Kirk et al., 2010: Arginin zur Wundheilung nach OP, Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
[6] Wu et al., 2013: Aminosäuren in der Leberfunktion, Amino Acids.
[7] Fujita et al., 1987: Taurin senkt Blutdruck bei Hypertonikern, Hypertension Research.
[8] Nakamura et al., 2019: Einfluss von Glycin/Cystein auf Haut & Haare, J Dermatol Sci.
[9] Holtorf, 2002: Tyrosin bei Schilddrüsenunterfunktion, Med Hypotheses.
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