Amino acid questions

**MikeNYY420** · 07-06-2008, 11:23 PM

So I was reading so about amino acids and I determined the best one for me right now would be glutamine. So I bought a $5 thing of 500mg glutamine pills and a 5lbs tub of whey protein... which has lots of glutamine in it, eh live and learn right. Anyway, I know that there are 9 amino acids that your body can't make naturally, if I remember right anyway. Now can someone tell me what amino acids are worth supplementing and what each does?
Thanks, I'll do some more research too.

**allstar** · 07-06-2008, 11:29 PM

Reference Guide for AMINO ACIDS
that site has alot of info.

**mitbar** · 07-06-2008, 11:42 PM

damn good site allstar!!!!!!

KM · 07-07-2008, 02:34 AM

Glutamine is questionable, not getting into that. Look into Leucine.
L-Leucine (100 grams) By: NutraPlanet

Tripower · 07-07-2008, 03:02 AM

Leucine is an essential amino acid, whereas glutamine is not. Glutamine is far easier to consume through a balanced diet anyway.

**ZiR RED** · 07-07-2008, 10:25 AM

If you really did your research you would see that glutamine is ineffective unless administered through an IV drip.

The supplement industry has been dooping you for years by mispresenting the primary research. What preserves muscle administered via and IV drip to bed ridden victims will not necessarily transfer into a training athlete.

Leucine on the other hand, is worth taking.

Br

**MikeNYY420** · 07-07-2008, 11:37 AM

I did do research, but all I could find was basic stuff and then the chemical make up of different acids. What I found about glutamine said

"Glutamine has a variety of biochemical functions including:

1. A substrate for DNA synthesis
2. Major role in protein synthesis
3. Primary source of fuel for enterocytes (cells lining the inside of the small intestine).
4. Precursor for rapidly dividing immune cells, thus aiding in immune function
5. Regulation of acid-base balance in the kidney by producing ammonium[2]
6. Alternative source of fuel for the brain and helps to block cortisol-induced protein catabolism
7. As a form of fixed nitogen by heterocysts, exchanged for photosynthate from undifferentiated cyanobacterial cells"

I think the whey protein already has enough leucine right now I'm getting about 9200mg of it. Is there any point still in supplementing it?

**ZiR RED** · 07-07-2008, 11:42 AM

At your stage, probably not. Supplemental leucine is only beneficial taken during workouts, or on an empty stomach between meals.

As for glutamine, here is a link to a couple studies I posted on another forum:

Glutamine effectiveness - Research Review - Category Name Example - BR Physical Performance - Message Board - Yuku

Br

d30n · 07-23-2008, 08:27 AM

Hey ZiR RED

You are so on the money about glutamine.

It is all about aggressive marketing by supplement companies.

Here is a piece of an article by Nelson Montana - The Bodybuilding Truth.
"Think glutamine works? Why? Because you've been told so? Get the facts straight first. Every study on glutamine ever cited involves trauma patients, but what works on someone with a debilitating condition doesn't necessarily work on a healthy individual. Glutamine can be of value in some instances but it must remain stable and free from moisture or it will degrade which in turn may raise ammonia levels in the bloodstream. Didn't know that, did you?"

Real food will always be the foundation of results and not supplements.