Their roles in our body

Amino acids are the molecules that make up proteins. Thus, a sufficient supply of amino acids allows better protein synthesis, which subsequently promotes the renewal of muscle tissue or the bone matrix.

For athletes with intensive training, amino acids play an important role in increasing muscle mass. They also intervene during resting phases, contributing to the improvement of tissue recovery and immune defences.

The different types of amino acids

Essential Amino Acids

There are 9 essential amino acids for our body to function properly: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. These amino acids are called "essential" because our body does not know how to manufacture them naturally , so it is through food that our needs must be met.

Among them, leucine, isoleucine and valine are particularly popular with athletes because they have a significant impact on the reconstruction of muscle tissue.

Essential amino acids are mainly present in protein-rich animal products such as meat, eggs, fish or dairy products. However, it is possible to also find it of vegetable origin , thanks to tofu for example. Nuts and legumes, as well as certain fruits and vegetables are also good sources of amino acids.

Amino acids made naturally by the body

The second category of amino acids includes those called “non-essential” because they are produced naturally by the body. There are 11 in total: glutamic acid , alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, cysteine, glutamine , glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine.

Although produced by the body, natural needs may exceed the quantities produced. Supplementing your diet with food supplements is recommended in these cases. Ironshark Nutrition offers three amino acid-based food supplements: our BCAA 8.1.1 Shark , our Gluta Shark and our Gaba .

Each of them has a different action on the body. Our BCAA 8.1.1 Shark contributes to muscle reconstruction, promotes muscle gain and better recovery. Our Gluta Shark plays a role in protein synthesis, maintains the acid-base balance of the body and protects the intestinal wall. Finally, our Gaba stimulates relaxation, mental and physical relaxation, reduces spasms and slows the heart rate.

We have already published an article on glutamine if you want to know more about this amino acid!

Their benefits

Even if we have already mentioned their benefits for athletes in particular, amino acids have many other benefits for our body. Indeed, they have an impact on hormonal activity and the nervous system. Thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone, is an amino acid for example.

It also participates in the nutrition of the skin, hair and nails and the transport of nutrients and oxygen in the body to the brain.