Leucine, isoleucine and valine are branched-chain amino acids (abbreviated as BCAA) and are among the nine essential amino acids. They make up proteins and support the development and maintenance of muscle mass. BCAAs are often added to protein- and recovery shakes as well as sport drinks to fortify the body’s own BCAA reserves.

Long-chain proteins are partially hydrolysed to short-chain peptides. Less energy is expended by digestion depending on the degree of hydrolysis and the molecule size of the protein chain. These short-chain peptides are better tolerated and absorbed faster from the intestine into the blood. Direct absorption is only possible for di- and tripeptides which are chains containing either two or three amino acids respectively. Protein hydrolysate is not commercially available in its completely hydrolysed form and pure di-/tripeptides are restricted to clinical use. For this reason, only partially hydrolysed proteins are available as supplements or sports nutrition. SPONSER® offers such products in powder form (AMINOFORCE, GLUTAMINPEPTID) or as convenient ready-to-drink ampules (AMINO 12500)

Protein quality of meals or any products can be increased by supplying isolated, essential amino acids. The exclusive supply of all essential amino acids in the right ratio corresponds to about double the amount of whey protein. SPONSER®’s AMINO EAC tabs offer exactly this composition with three conditionally essential amino acids in a convenient form.

L-glutamine is the most commonly occurring amino acid in muscles. It is conditionally essential and thus has to be obtained from the diet. L-glutamine is an essential nutrient for rapidly dividing cells such as lymphocytes or intestinal cells and thus contributes to a strong immune system and a healthy gut microflora. Glutamine also plays an important role in regeneration, in that it helps replenish glycogen stores in the liver.

Beta-alanine acts as an acid buffer in the body and increases acid tolerance in muscles.
Improvements in performance are more apparent, the greater the exercise-induced metabolic acidosis. This implies that those who practice anaerobic lactic exercise will profit from beta-alanine supplements. Such exercise involves repetitive intervals prevalent in martial arts and many team/ball sports. Weight-lifters can also benefit from beta-alanine as the isolated training of a muscle group results in much higher lactic acid build-up. If not eliminated in time, muscles will be slower and less capable of sustaining loads in subsequent training sets.

L-carnitine transports fatty acids within cells and is thus essential for fat metabolism. However, it only comes into play once fat metabolism is activated by physical activity. L-carnitine takes time to show its effect and thus has to be ingested over a longer period of time. It can also be taken acutely to benefit from its antioxidative properties. This is of special interest to athletes, as it may positively influence performance and regeneration.
 

Leucine is the most important essential amino acid in terms of muscle protein synthesis (muscle development). It triggers muscle growth and formation of new muscle.
Leucine occurs naturally and in high concentration in whey protein. The products BCAA INSTANT, BCAA Caps, AMINO EAC tabs and WHEY PEPETO LEUCINE contain considerable amounts of leucine.