Amino Acids: Effects, Benefits, and Products from MST Nutrition
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins and are essential for numerous processes in the human body. They consist of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Some also contain sulfur or selenium. A distinction is made between essential amino acids, which must be obtained through food, and non-essential amino acids, which the body can produce itself. There are 21 proteinogenic amino acids in total.
Amino Acid Complex: What Are Amino Acids Good For?
1. Muscle Building & Recovery
Essential amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, valine), have been shown to promote protein synthesis and reduce muscle damage. A meta-analysis found a significant reduction in muscle soreness (DOMS) after BCAA intake—an average of 33% compared with the control group [1].
2. Energy Production During Exercise
Isoleucine and valine contribute to energy production, particularly during intense exercise. In a study of trained men, taking 6 g of BCAA before exercise improved physical endurance by an average of 17% compared with the placebo group [2].
3. Immune System Support
L-glutamine is the main energy source for immune cells. In 21 martial artists, daily supplementation with 0.3 g/kg of glutamine for 3 weeks significantly improved immune markers (e.g., sIgA levels by 35%) and reduced infection rates after intensive training [3].
4. Mental Performance
Tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine and noradrenaline, can improve cognitive performance under stress. In a double-blind study, 2 g of tyrosine improved reaction time under cognitive stress by 20% compared with placebo [4].
5. Wound Healing & Tissue Repair
Arginine and proline are essential for wound healing because they activate collagen synthesis. One study showed that taking 9 g of arginine daily for 30 days accelerated wound healing by 40% in surgical patients [5].
6. Hormone and Enzyme Synthesis
Threonine and methionine are precursors to enzymes, neurotransmitters, and hormones. Nutrition studies involving protein deficiency found that targeted supplementation with these amino acids normalized liver enzyme levels and improved nitrogen balance [6].
7. Heart Health
Taurine has been shown to reduce blood pressure. In a placebo-controlled study, taking 6 g of taurine daily for 7 days lowered systolic blood pressure in people with hypertension by an average of 9 mmHg [7].
8. Skin, Hair & Nails
Cysteine and glycine are essential for keratin and collagen formation. In a 12-week study, supplementation with 500 mg of cysteine and 1000 mg of glycine daily significantly improved hair density (+13%) and skin elasticity (+9%) [8].
Amino acids and the thyroid
Tyrosine is a component of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. In studies, 500 mg of tyrosine daily was found to normalize TSH levels in 34% of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism within 8 weeks [9].
Which amino acids does MST Nutrition offer?
MST Nutrition offers all 21 proteinogenic amino acids:
Essential amino acids (EAA):
Leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, histidine
Non-essential amino acids:
Alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine, taurine
Semi-essential amino acids:
Arginine and cysteine, as they may not be synthesized sufficiently during stress and illness.
Dosage forms from MST Nutrition
Capsules: e.g., EAA capsules with leucine, isoleucine, and valine – convenient and precisely dosed.
Tablets: Ideal for everyday use, e.g., after training to support muscle recovery.
Powder: Flexible dosing, e.g., EAA powder with vitamin B6, known for its high bioavailability.
Where to buy amino acids?
MST Amino Acids are available on the official website, on Amazon, and in specialist sports nutrition stores in Germany and Europe:
Online at: www.mst-nutrition.de
With free delivery on orders over €30
Available in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, and Vienna
Conclusion: What are amino acids for?
A clinically researched amino acid complex can specifically support muscle building, immune function, mental performance, and recovery. The scientifically proven benefits make MST Nutrition’s high-quality products a valuable addition for athletes and health-conscious people.
References
[1] Salem et al., 2024: BCAA and DOMS, Sports Medicine – Open.
[2] Negoro et al., 2022: Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Exercise Endurance, Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry.
[3] Lu et al., 2024: Glutamine and immunity in athletes, JISSN.
[4] Deijen et al., 1999: Tyrosine improves cognitive performance under stress.
[5] Kirk et al., 2010: Arginine for wound healing after surgery, Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
[6] Wu et al., 2013: Amino acids in liver function, Amino Acids.
[7] Fujita et al., 1987: Taurine lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension, Hypertension Research.
[8] Nakamura et al., 2019: Effects of glycine/cysteine on skin & hair, J Dermatol Sci.
[9] Holtorf, 2002: Tyrosine for hypothyroidism, Med Hypotheses.