DAILY BLOG: Amino Acid - L-Lysine

As always, I (GP) will try and address first the most likely reason for your search - Herpes? The reason you'll find L-Lysine mentioned amongst text of the Herpes Virus is that L-Lysine is the antagonist of L-Arginine, which nourishes the virus. More a reason why not to supplement L-Arginine though, than to supplement L-Lysine.

Another instance for your search is that the aforementioned L-Arginine, coupled with a pyroglutamate molecule (making Arginine pyroglutamate), is used in conjunction with L-Lysine as a reasonably common supplement aimed to stimulate growth hormone. Do not expect miracles though!

Other points of possible interest, L-Lysine (acting alongside L-Proline and Vitamin C) inhibits vascular lesions caused by Atherosclerosis. Also, collagen in the skin contains hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline - formed from L-Lysine and L-Proline.

Contraindications: Breast feeding, high cholesterol, liver or kidney problems, pregnancy.

Food sources include: Meat, Dairy Products, Eggs, Lima Beans, Brewers Yeast.

DAILY BLOG: Amino Acid - L-Leucine (BCAA)

Perhaps the second most common (to L-Glutamine) individual amino acid supplement, L-Leucine is one of three BCAA's. BCAA's making up the largest composite of muscle protein. Another popular supplement to which L-Leucine relates and which I (GP) am often asked about is HMB - Leucine converting into Ketoisocaproate (KIC) and then into Hydroxy Methylbuterate (HMB) to prevent muscle breakdown. The idea, supplementing HMB to prevent degradation of protein and subsequent muscle breakdown.

Food Sources: Chicken, Fish, Red Meat, Dairy Products, Eggs, Whey, Beans, Brown Rice, Nuts, Whole Wheat.

DAILY BLOG: Amino Acid - L-Isoleucine (BCAA)

BCAA is short for Branch Chain Amino Acids. Bonded in a chain configuration, the BCAA's - Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine - collectively form the largest amino section of human protein (about 33% of MUSCLE protein!). Therefore, its use in general, and specifically after training, promotes muscle recovery - whey protein being high in BCAA's, hence its high assigned biological value (100), and widespread use as a supplement. Also, many post-workout drinks (normally 3:1 carbs:protein) now have added BCAA's and added L-Glutamine. Again, as mentioned on prebious blog posts, fulfilling your nutritional requirements - i.e. consuming an adequate quantity of protein daily from varied sources - will far outweigh the benefits of individual amino supplementation.

L-Isoleucine is used in the formation of Haemoglobin and assists with the regulation of blood sugar and subsequent energy levels.

Contraindications: Kidney or Liver illnesses.

Food Sources: Chicken, Fish, Red Meat, Dairy Products, Eggs, Whey.

DAILY BLOG: Amino Acids

Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino Acids are linked in various sequences and chains (polypeptides), thus accounting for the vast variety of different proteins manufactured by the body. Likewise, our dietary protein differs, and it's subsequent utilisation by the body.

Scientists have attempted to measure utilisation rates of different sources of dietary protein, creating various forms of measure, such as Protein Efficieny Ratio (PER) and Biological Value (BV), which you may've come across on the back of your protein supplements tub.

Other tags, relating to Amino Acids, which you may be familiar with (from reading the back of protein supplements), are the prefix "L" and the noting "BCAA". An "L" prefix denotes a naturally occurring amino acid. The opposite "D" (which you're probably not so familiar with) is synthetic, and is not normally useful to the body. "BCAA" is short for Branch Chain Amino Acids. Bonded in a chain configuartion, the BCAA's - Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine - collectively form the largest Amino section of human protein (about 33% of MUSCLE protein!).

Naturally occurring Amino Acids are further categorised as "essential", which means that they cannot be made by the body (&, subsequently, have to be included in the diet), and "non-essential", which can be made by the body (NB: Although, still benefical within diet).

A list can be found below of each Amino Acid, I'll go in to detail about each one in turn on the daily blog. It must be remembered that many work hand-in-hand, and adequate amounts of protein, and good sources of protein (remember, this is what Amino Acids collectively form), are of greater importance and benefit than simply supplementing high dosages of certain Amino's.

Essential Amino Acids:

L-Isoleucine (BCAA)
L-Leucine (BCAA)
L-Lysine
L-Methionine
L-Phenylalanine
L-Threonine
L-Tryptophan
L-Valine (BCAA)

Non-Essential Amino Acids:

L-Alanine
L-Arginine*
L-Asparagine
L-Aspartic Acid
L-Cysteine
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamic Acid
L-Glycine
L-Histidine*
L-Ornithine
L-Proline
L-Serine
Taurine**
L-Tyrosine

*These are regarded as "semi-essential". The reason, they can be made by the adult body, but babies and young children may not be able to manufacture enough for their needs.

**Taurine does not have an "L" prefix as it only exists in one form. Furthermore, Taurine's unusual as it's not incorporated into proteins in the body (likewise, L-Ornithine).

Please visit www.gymprofessor.com to find out more about the following:

Amino Acids
Dietary Protein
Nitrogen Balance
Protein Requirements
Protein Source Comparisons
Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER)
Biological Value (BV)
Net Protein Utilisation (NPU)
Protein Fractions
Protein Supplementation

Protein

Protein's the second most abundant substance in the body (second only to water) and with functions as varied as providing structure and repair (& growth) of tissue (skin, bone, MUSCLE), to preventing and fighting infection, protein is suitably named (from the Greek word meaning "of first importance").

Proteins are made up of smaller sub-units called Amino Acids, which I'll post about tomorrow :-).

In the meantime, if you wish to find out more about the subjects listed below, please visit www.gymprofessor.com

Amino Acids
Dietary Protein
Nitrogen Balance
Protein Requirements
Protein Source Comparisons
Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER)
Biological Value (BV)
Net Protein Utilisation (NPU)
Protein Fractions
Protein Supplementation

Key Nutrients

I, GP, am always amazed that people do not know the functions that their food items (& nutrients within those items) play. That said, many adults don't even know what nutrients are derived from foods they're eating, despite most being clearly labeled. Below is a list of our key nutrients and the main function that they perform. I'll cover each in turn (plus some more intricate detail) on this blog page.

Protein – repair & growth of tissue
Carbohydrate – primary energy source
Fat – secondary energy source
Vitamins & Minerals – regulate metabolic processes.
Water – transportation of other nutrients

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