To improve energy levels and aid in recovery, did you know about amino acids supplements? Elite atheletes have extensively used powdered amino acid over the last 10-15 years as it requires no digestion, singular amino acid supplements can be absorbed rapidly. An athlete is then enabled by this efficient process to target a specific amino acid deficiency more accurately than by using a protein food source.
Eating foods higher in protein, such as red meat, is not the solution as this could lead to an excess of some non-essential amino acids as well as extra fat and carbohydrates.
In studies at Deakin University a few years ago, results showed that it took only 10 minutes for supplementation of amino acids to reach the equivalent level in bodily plasma of 100g of lean steak, which itself took over 2 hours of digestion to release its amino acids into the blood plasma.
Many people take a protein shake straight after training. This is a great way to get protein and carbohydrates into your blood in 1 to 2 hours after exercise. However by doing this you are not taking advantage of the ?-1 hour window of opportunity the training provides us with, by elevating growth hormone.
Direct amino acid supplementation after training offers the unique advantage of no digestion time required, as the amino acids can be directly taken up into the bloodstream from the digestive tract. Numerous studies show shortened recovery times and decreased instances of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) when using BCAA supplementation.
Article source: Musashi UK
