What are amino acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids can be combined to form proteins and vice versa, proteins can be broken down to form amino acids. These are essential for supporting rapid recovery and building of muscle tissue, creation of new cells, energy production, formation of connective tissue and bone growth, transport and storage of nutrients and more important functions. In total there are 22 different types of amino acids that can be divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. There are 7 amino acids that the body can make itself and 9 that you must get through food.

Non-essential amino acids

The non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body itself. These are alanine, aspartic acid, cysteine, cystine, glutamic acid, tyrosine and hydroxyproline.

Essential amino acids

The other 9 amino acids belong to the essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. In addition, there are 6 semi-essential, which means that the body can normally produce them itself, but under certain circumstances not such as disease or disorders. These are: Arginine, Asparagine, Glutamine, Glycine, Serine and Proline. The essential amino acids must end up in the body through food, dietary supplements or amino acid supplements. Are you looking for a supplement that contains the essential amino acids? Then go for an EAA supplement.

Three of these amino acids are: isoleucine, leucine and valine. This group is also called BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids). BCAAs are most commonly used by strength athletes. Isoleucine is involved in building and growing muscle tissue. Isoleucine also produces substances that are necessary for the energy production of the muscles. Leucine helps prevent muscle breakdown and can be used as an energy source for the body. The third of the group 'valine', together with other amino acids, ensures muscle recovery after physical exertion.

Looking for a good BCAA? We are from Volt BCAA 8:1:1 or give Performance Sports Nutrition BCAA-G 8:1:1 Complex a try.

What are amino acids in?

Protein sources therefore contain amino acids. It depends on the source how many amino acids are in it. By eating as many different proteins as possible, you ensure that you get a good distribution of the amino acids. You also get different vitamins and minerals by varying the protein sources.

Almost all foods contain protein. Both in plant and animal products. Examples of vegetable products that contain this substance are grains, bread, legumes, tofu, tempeh or nuts. For animal protein sources, think of meat, fish, poultry or dairy. In the sports world, athletes also add amino acids supplements to their diet as an extra.

When to use amino acids?

If you want to lose weight, you will have to eat fewer calories than you burn. In this situation you do not get the full nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your body actually needs. There is a good chance that there will be a shortage. Therefore, it may be desirable to take an extra amino acid supplement. In our range you will find individual amino acids in capsule form and liquid amino acids . Liquid amino acids are absorbed faster by the body because the body does not have to break down a capsule. The disadvantage of liquid amino acids is that it may taste slightly less tasty.

Buy amino acids?

If you exercise a lot and want to prevent "your hard work doesn't pay off" and your muscle mass does not recover quickly, it is recommended to get essential amino acids. At House of Nutrition you buy the highest quality amino acid supplements that contribute to the maintenance of the growth of muscle mass. If you want to know more about amino acids, read our blogs or contact our customer service. House of Nutrition has built up the best knowledge about amino acids in almost 35 years. Start here, end stronger!