2 Comments

1. 

   Alexandria

   February 12, 2014 at 2:16 am

   If my protein powder gas BCAA’s do I need additional supplements. I like Plant Fusion vanilla and chocolate.

   I have used Vega One Vanilla Chai before and I do enjoy it but for cost purposes and because I usually make vegetable and fruit smoothies with my protein, I buy plant fusion, and add hemp or flaxmeal in addition.

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   • 

     Jacquelyn Marks

     February 17, 2014 at 4:48 pm

     Hi Alexandria

     There are numerous sports supplements that are just extractions of amino acids that are found in protein. Some of the major ones are: L-Glutamine, all three BCAAs (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine), and HMB and Leucic acid (both metabolites of leucine).

     These are great amino acids, however, you do not need to supplement them if you are taking in enough protein. This is because the protein you are taking will give you more than enough glutamine and BCAAs, and leucine will convert into its metabolites in your body.

     Still, there are some other amino acids to consider like l-carnitine and taurine, which are not highly present in protein. Therefore, supplementation could still be considered despite high dietary protein intake.

     HMB for the specific purpose of anti-catabolism is apparently 20-fold more potent than leucine, so a 3g dosage of HMB is as anti-catabolic as 60g leucine. HMB can be a very useful supplement when cutting.

     The supplements mentioned earlier can be useful as supplements if your diet has gone down the toilet.

     Amino acid supplements (in reference to glutamine and BCAAs mostly) are not required if protein intake is high, but could be useful in specific situations. There are a few amino acids that may be worthwhile supplementing.

     I hope this helps!

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