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The men then performed 6 sets of no more than 10 repetitions of the squat at 75 percent of their 1 repeti-tion maximum (1RM) with 2 minutes of rest between sets.The men who supplemented with the amino acid formula could do more repetitions and lift heavier weights than those on the carb-placebo drink. Equally impressive, the enhanced exercise performance resulted in a significantly greater increase in both growth hormone and insulin concen-trations, indicating an augmented anabolic hormone response from sup-plementing with the amino-acid for-mula. (1) There is more: amino acid supplementation works as a treatment for “cachexia,” the life-threatening muscle loss that occurs with cancer and other diseases that cause muscle- wasting. Nutritional supplementationwith amino acids has been shown to significantly improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity in poorly controlled elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes. And, amino acids are being studied in cardio-vascular diseases, which show it might improve well-being, en-hance physical function, and im-prove recovery from exercise.

(2)For years, Parrillo Performance has recommended that active peo-ple, from bodybuilders to endur-ance athletes to exercisers, sup-plement with amino acids. Here is an overview of what a solid amino acid supplement program should entail – and why: Incorporate BCAA’s Parrillo Performance provides an important mixture of amino acids – the branched chain aminos – in its Muscle Amino Formula™. The time to use this product is imme-diately before and after training as well as with meals. Hard dieting is a great time to supplement with branch chain amino acids. Dur-ing times of energy insufficiency (dieting), your body will actually break down its own muscle to use as fuel if no other is available. Catabolism is a dreadful meta-bolic state that occurs when gly-cogen stores have been depleted and fat oxidation has maximized. Metabolically, your body requires a certain level of glucose (blood sugar) to be maintained in order for the brain to function. While body fat provides a long-lasting energy supply, fat cannot be con-verted into carbohydrate by the human body. But protein (amino acids) can. Under adverse condi-tions, carbohydrates are exhausted and your body breaks down pro-tein stores (muscle tissue) to con-vert into carbohydrate to supply energy.

Branched chain amino acids are effective because they form a substrate for growth and are metabolized as fuel directly within muscle cells. A handful of Muscle Amino Formula™ cap-sules will help prevent the onset of catabolism and has both anabolic and anti-catabolic properties. Hi- Protein™ and Optimized Whey™ are fortified with extra BCAAs for just this reason. We suggest two or more with every meal. Rememberthat BCAAs require insulin for ab-sorption into muscle cells so take them with food or a protein and/orcarb drink rather than on an empty stomach!Don’t Forget Growth Hormone Releasing AminosCertain combinations of specific amino acids, such as those found in Enhanced GH Formula™, are shown to enhance GH release (8). Probably the best way to use these is on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, right before a workout, and before bed. (MCTs, like CapTri®, can be a potent stimulus for GH release.)

Our supplement contains arginine pyroglutamate and lysine mono-hydrochloride, two potent amino acids, when isolated and grouped together and taken on a regular ba-sis have been shown to promote the secretion of growth hormone in the body. Growth hormone is the might-iest of all hormonal secretions as it increases mass and decreases body-fat simultaneously, and aids in joint repair!Arginine has a number of other im-portant functions in the body, includ-ing the fortification of the immune system. In studies with animals and humans, arginine has been found to improve wound healing and bolster immune responses, plus reduce the incidence of infection following sur-gery. Arginine has other duties, as well. It is required to manufacture creatine, an important chemical in the muscles that provides the energy for contractions. In addition, Argi-nine apparently helps prevent the body from breaking down protein in muscles and organs to repair itself when injured. Meat, poultry, and fish are good sources of arginine, as are numerous supplements, including our Enhanced GH Formula™ and our Ultimate Amino Formula™.

Glutamine & Ultimate Amino Formula™Glutamine is another important ami-no acid. It is the favored fuel of your immune system. This means you need it when you’re ill, stressed, or recovering from surgery. Researchers have discovered that many athletes are deficient in glutamine – a short-age that makes them vulnerable to infections. Glutamine is technically described as a “glucogenic,” mean-ing that it assists your body in manu-facturing glycogen, the chief muscle fuel. Also, supplemental glutamine has been shown to elevate growth hormone levels – and may even curb the desire for sugary foods.Each capsule in our Ultimate AminoFormula™ contains 103 milligrams of glutamine. We recommend that you take two or more capsules of this supplement with each meal. That should supply a gram or more daily – which is appropriate for athletes and active individuals. So – there are plenty of wonderful benefits to supplementing with amino acids, especially if you want to maximize performance, muscle development, and overall well-being.

References

1. Hoffman, J.R., et al. 2008. Effect of a pre-exercise energy supplement on the acute hormonal response to resistance exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 22:874-882.

2. Strasser, F. 2007. Appraisal of current and experimental approaches to the treatment of cachexia. Current Opinions in Supportive and Pallia-tive Care 1:312-316.

3. Isidori A, Lo Monaco A, Cappa M. 1981. A study of growth hormone release in man after oral administra-tion of amino acids. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 7: 475-481.

4. Valls E, Herrera F, Diaz M, Bar-reiro P, and Valls A. 1978. Modifica-tion in plasmatic insulin and growth hormone induced by medium chain triglycerides. Span. Ana. Ped. 11: 675-682.