Amino Science
It is time to rethink the way that you view protein. At the foundation of every protein are critical building blocks- Essential Amino Acids! Amino Science will challenge your long-held bias towards protein supplements and protein requirements. But if you read all the way until the end, you will have an opportunity to change the way you think about protein and you will allow yourself the potential to dramatically improve your health and performance.
What is an Amino Acid and what does it have to do with protein?
Protein is a molecule made up of smaller molecules called amino acids. There are about 500 different amino acids that researchers have been able to identify, with only 20 that are used in the human body to make protein.
Every protein has a different and distinct composition of amino acids to allow for specific utilization inside the body. Some are shorter, like the hormone insulin, which has 51 amino acids in its structure. Others can be very long, like the muscle protein actin, which has 6,100 amino acids in its structure.
Essential Amino Acids vs Non-Essential Amino Acids
There are two main types of amino acids: Essential Amino Acids and Non-Essential Amino Acids.
Non-Essential Amino Acids are amino acids that the human body can make or synthesize on its own. Therefore, we do not require them to be consumed from outside protein sources in your diet.
On the other hand, Essential Amino Acids are amino acids that the body cannot make or synthesize on its own. We must consume them from an outside protein source. Taking it a step further, not only are Essential Amino Acids required, they are all required together. Your body cannot make proteins without all of the Essential Amino Acids.
This is the reason why the fad supplement BCAAs, which are only three of the Essential Amino Acids known as Branched-Chain Amino Acids, are inadequate and a waste of money. It is physically impossible for them to build new protein.
Protein Digestion and Absorption: Not all proteins are equivalent. 1 gram doesn’t actually equal 1 gram.
When protein has been digested and absorbed, it is in a completely different form than what it was when it came in. The body breaks it down and rebuilds it into whatever the body needs. In order for this process to take place, the digestive system must be working adequately.
The first step in the digestion of protein happens in your stomach. Stomach acid and digestive enzymes work together to break down the proteins into smaller units of amino acids. These smaller units of amino acids then travel into your small intestine. They are met there with additional digestive enzymes that help to break the amino acid units into individual amino acids.
No matter what protein source you eat, the same process occurs. Beef, collagen and whey all turn into the same end product, individual amino acids. These individual amino acids are then absorbed through the walls of your small intestine, pass through your liver, and are released into the bloodstream. When the cells of the body absorb the individual amino acids, they are joined together into new proteins as required by that type of cell.
What sets Essential Aminos apart from food sources is that it does not require an optimally functioning digestive system for optimal amino acid utilization. When consuming Essential Aminos, you are getting the direct, individual amino acids that are ready to be utilized. This allows for the most efficient delivery system possible.
How do we know about the accuracy of protein bioavailability?
Every source of protein has a different bioavailability. Put more simply, every protein source is different in how the body is able to utilize it. Protein is only useful if the body has the ability to digest and absorb it. The usable amount of protein can differ greatly depending on the protein source. 1 gram of protein from whey is not the same as 1 gram of protein from whole eggs or beef.
Amino acids are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen molecules. Nitrogen is what sets amino acids and protein apart from carbohydrates and fats. When an amino acid is broken down or deaminated, nitrogen is released. If the body is efficiently using amino acids, minimal nitrogen is released. However, if amino acids are not in optimal ratios, nitrogen release increases. This is all measurable and it allows us to know the bioavailability of different protein types.
Listed below are some of the most common protein sources and their bioavailability according to nitrogen release studies.
- Whole Eggs- 48%
- Meat, Fish, Poultry- 32%
- Dairy, Whey, Soy- 18%
With Essential Aminos being closer to 100%, it is easy to see what supplementing your daily diet with Essential Aminos is a no brainer!
How much and how often should I take Essential Aminos?
The best answer to this question is, it depends. For general daily support, we recommend 2-4 servings per day, with one serving being the equivalent of 5 grams of Essential Amino Acids. For those with more significant protein requirements, such as athletes and highly active individuals, we recommend 4 servings daily. Elite endurance athletes may need up to 6-8 servings and possibly more depending on the duration and intensity of exercise.
For a more specific questions regarding optimal usage and recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at support@vitalnutrition.net.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.