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Lead Stories: Thursday, November 20, 2008

Amino Acids 101: Do they positively affect performance?

Posted March 11th, 2007 at 12:52 PM by Megan Hueter

Section: Nutrition, Supplements

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. About two-thirds of a person’s body consists of water, and most of the rest is made of proteins. Proteins are one of the three principal nutrient elements, along with carbohydrates and fats. About 100,000 different kinds of proteins are found in the human body. These proteins are made up of only 20 amino acids, some of which are produced by the body (non-essential amino acids), others of which we have to ingest (essential amino acids). (1)

Amino acids act in various ways. During physical exercise, your body needs energy to do work. Initially, the body uses carbohydrates for energy, and then after a period of time, it resorts to fat. When the body breaks down fats, it goes through a process called the Krebs Cycle, where lactic acid is formed. A buildup of lactic acid makes muscles very fatigued. During prolonged physical activity such as a marathon, if sugars and fats are no longer available for energy, lactic acid builds up in the muscles and stamina declines and the athlete tires very quickly. (1)
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