Once amino acids have been taken up into the muscle, there are tow basic cellular functions they are called upon to perform. The first, and most vital function is to becom cellular catalysts. These catalysts perform cellular work, and the rate of their depletion is directly related to the amount and duration of cellular work performed. Without catalysts, the muscle fiber would no longer function. For this reason, catalyst replenishment take precedence over repairing tissue. Once catalysts have been repleted, the remaining pool of absorbed amino acids can be used for protein synthesis (repairing & building tissues).
If the duration of intense exercise is too great, catalysts are depleted and must be replaced immediately in order for them to perform survival functions. The absorbed amino acids that are intended for protein synthesis are the first to be converted into catalysts. If there are insufficient amino acids present, the muscle tissue itself will be used for catalyst synthesis. The simplest way to avoid this type of catalyst depleting to consume adequate total calories to include at least 30 g of protein every 3 to 4 hours. Also since the body prefers to use carbohydrates for energy, insure that you are consuming an adequate amount of protein sparing carbohydrates.
It is intersting to know that the individual amino acids Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine make up almost 60% of all muscle tissue. They are believed to be primary amino acids that are most readily taken up and converted into catalysts, sering other amino acids for protein synthesis and energy production.
Cellular catalysts are depleted during physical exertion and therefore require replenishment. BCAAs should be supplemented within one hour prior to, and during prolonged, intens exercise.
Taking Free Form Amino Acids with meals that are 3 to 4 hr apart and include incomplete protein food sources will assure that all required essential amino acids are present at once. In theory, this will assure continued uptake,tissue repair and anabolism.
