For professional athletes, the amino acid rating is of great importance as it helps navigate the large number of supplements on the market today. After all, you need to choose those that have been proven in practice, and help stimulate protein metabolism in muscles, improve their endurance, strength, and ability to recover.
Correctly placed accents
They are determined by the task that the athlete sets for himself:
Dialing speed
If it is necessary to accelerate the set of muscle mass, preference is given to amino acid complexes. When implementing the task of increasing the concentration of a specific substance in the body, attention is paid to individual amino acids and their combination with ready-made complexes.
Release form
Release form is a separate topic. Hydrolysates, for example, have a polypeptide chain, which is inconvenient for the assimilation of substances. They need to be destroyed, to make amino acids free. But there are situations when it is the long-term assimilation of the drug that fulfills the task set by the athlete. Manufacturers admit amino acids in capsules, tablets and powders. The capsules are coated with gelatin and are absorbed quickly enough. The tablets are slightly slower. Powders are used to build up the concentration of a specific substance. They are taken with caution, remembering the undesirability of an overdose. There are also liquid amino acids. They are utilized by the body almost instantly and are the drugs of choice.
D or L?
The structure of the molecules can be right- or left-isomeric: D or L. The vast majority of amino acids have a spatial structure L. They are able to participate in metabolism and are exclusive for sports nutrition. The D isomers are useless.
The cost
Amino acids are complex remedies. Incorrectly selected they are capable of causing harm instead of good. You need to understand that cheap amino acids do not exist a priori. Their price is regulated by the concentration of pure acid and impurities. The more additives, the worse, although such a dietary supplement is cheaper. Therefore, the composition of the amino acid complex must be carefully analyzed upon purchase. If there is no information on the label of interest to the athlete, it is worth asking for a certificate or annotation.
Manufacturer
This is a special question. You can buy amino acids only from time-tested firms with a solid reputation, whose preparations are in steady demand.
TOP pharmacy products
First of all, we offer the top ranking of pharmaceutical products. It looks like this.
4th place - capsules of L-glutamine
Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid. It is necessary for improving the functioning of the immune system, as well as gaining muscle mass. Glutamine is quite expensive when compared with other pharmacy amino acids, on average about 1000 rubles per package.
Take capsules 2 times a day. They have the following effect:
- fill with energy;
- help the body recover faster;
- strengthen the immune system;
- help muscle growth.
3rd place - Alvezin
This is a combined preparation containing a complex of essential amino acids, namely alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid; histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, valine. In addition, the medicine contains potassium, sodium and magnesium.
The drug is administered intravenously or by drip, 400 ml 1 time in 3 days, only under the supervision of a doctor. It is important to establish that the medicine is well tolerated. Use the remedy only during intense physical exertion, in no case should it be abused. Side effects may occur. The course lasts from 14 to 21 days.
2nd place - Methionine
It is an essential amino acid that is part of proteins. Methionine improves liver function, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in the body, and also has an antidepressant effect.
Use the agent 500 mg 3 times a day. As a rule, it is prescribed for those who suffer from protein deficiency, liver pathologies, dystrophy. It is forbidden to take methionine with hypersensitivity to the amino acid, as well as with viral hepatitis.
Sold in any pharmacy, 50 tablets. The approximate cost is 100 rubles.
1st place - Glycine
I got into the rating because it is an amino acid that is present in many proteins. Our body is in dire need of glycine during prolonged stressful situations, in a state of increased excitability, as well as with increased physical exertion.
The drug is taken in a course 3 times a day (100 mg each) for a month. If necessary, the course can be repeated. In case of hypersensitivity to the amino acid, it is better to refuse to take it.
You can buy glycine at any pharmacy, the cost of one pack is about 50 rubles (30 tablets).
The advantages of pharmacy drugs
The rating of drugs from the pharmacy is interesting, first of all, because, at a relatively low cost, it exhibits the properties that are necessary for athletes to build muscle mass. A preliminary condition for their use is laboratory examination and specification of the task.
Due to the different form of release, these drugs differ in the method of administration. The dosages agreed with the doctor are important. Injectable medicines have no competitors in terms of speed of action. But invasive administration is always accompanied by the risk of infection and the occurrence of unwanted complications. The timing of receiving funds is also important.
For maximum muscle gains, they should be taken in the morning, before and after strength training. If we are talking about losing weight, then 6 times a day in the same portions. The weight of the athlete, training loads are taken into account. The dosage of amino acids varies from 5 to 20 g.
Another nuance is sports nutrition. It is not always wise to combine it with drugs. In this case, amino acids are poorly absorbed and the benefits of taking them are leveled. The same goes for combining them with gainers, proteins and simple meals. They are not competitive in this situation. There are no cycles when using amino acids, they can be drunk indefinitely, without interruption.
TOP non-pharmaceutical dietary supplements
The following amino acid complexes are popular in the sports environment, which cannot be found in a pharmacy.
10th place - Super Amino 6000 by Dymatize
It has the best price according to the athletes. 345 tablets cost 1160 rubles, 500 - 1680. Produced by one of the most stable companies. Stimulates the growth of muscle mass, improves endurance, relief. Has no gender differences. Sugar free, fast acting.
9th place - Amino by Power System
Highly concentrated preparation. It costs 1250 rubles for 220 tablets. Promotes rapid muscle rehabilitation, increases strength. Biocomplex destroys and utilizes lipids, blocks fatigue.
8th place - Anabolic Amino from Olimp Sport Nutrition
The most powerful energetically charged complex. The composition contains polypeptide chains, vitamins. It costs 2160 rubles for 400 capsules. It activates the synthesis of RNA and nucleic acids, breaks down and utilizes carbohydrates. Recommended for beginners.
7th place - Aminomax 8000 from Gaspari Nutrition
The cost of the supplement is 1650 rubles for 350 tablets. The composition contains many essential amino acids, which ensures rapid muscle growth.
6th place - Amino Energy from Optimum Nutrition
A combination of energy drinks and amino acids. It is worth adding:
- 270 g - 1130 rubles;
- 585 g - 2390 rubles;
- 75 chewable tablets - 2100 rubles.
Tones up the entire body.
5th place - Weider's Pure Amino Egg
In fifth place is another complex that stimulates protein synthesis in the body and contributes to the rapid growth of muscle mass - WEIDER PURE AMINO EGG. The dietary supplement costs 1800 rubles for 300 tablets. He has practically no side effects, so he has no age restrictions. Its task is the intensive growth of muscles.
4th place - Amino Gold Tablets and Capsules from Ultimate Nutrition
This is the best balanced preparation. Its cost:
- 250 tablets - 800 rubles;
- 250 capsules - 1,700 rubles;
- 325 capsules - 2150 rubles.
Contains BCAA. Supports metabolism, is not contraindicated in patients with kidney and joint pathology.
3rd place - Xtend by Scivation
A complex preparation with precisely adjusted proportions of components - SCIVATION XTEND opens the top three. The dietary supplement costs 2600 rubles for 420 grams. Stimulates protein synthesis and prevents tissue breakdown.
2nd place - Twin Lab Amino Fuel Liquid
This superior instant-acting amino complex is ranked second. It is on fructose, vitamins, choline are included in the composition. Helps to grow muscles, utilizes lipids, generates energy. Out of competition for improved definition.
Cost:
- 948 ml - 1600 rubles;
- 474 ml - 100 rubles.
1st Place - Amino Liquid 50 by Scitec Nutrition
The champion costs 1,700 rubles per 1,000 ml. This is a unique premium product. It is produced in solution, therefore it is instantly absorbed and begins to act: it stimulates the growth of muscles and preserves it even in conditions of starvation. Rehabilitates muscles after training, relieving pain.
Which is better: protein or amino acid complex?
The comparison is presented in the table.
| Amino acids | Protein |
| No need to digest, which a priori means faster assimilation of amino acids. Protein must first be broken down into amino acids, and only then disposed of. The difference in action is one hour. | Saturates better, meaning you can eat protein instead of food. In doing so, making a shift in the body in favor of protein and reducing the amount of consumed fats and carbohydrates. This is important when dieting. And amino acids are capsules and tablets, it is impossible to get enough of them. |
| They contain a minimum of carbohydrates and lipids, that is, they are more suitable for losing extra pounds. Protein complexes contain up to 6% fat and more than 16% carbohydrates. | Decompose slowly. Sometimes it's a plus. For example, if you drink casein at night, you can be sure that amino acids will be supplied regularly during sleep. This helps muscles grow or repair. Amino acids are completely utilized in the first hour. |
| Convenient form of administration: no mixing vessel is needed, which must then be washed. There is no need to constantly buy milk that turns sour. Just drink water and that's it. | It costs less, which turns out to be the biggest advantage, since the price differs significantly. It seems to be the same thing, but additives cost differently. The reason is that amino acids require more purification. To obtain them, ready-to-use protein is processed. |
The score is 3: 3. The choice is up to the athlete.
