Amino Acids: Effects, Benefits, and Products from MST Nutrition

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are the basic 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 Growth & Recovery
Essential amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine, valine), have been shown to promote protein synthesis and reduce muscle damage. A meta-analysis found a significant reduction in delayed-onset 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, consuming 6 g of BCAA before training improved physical endurance by an average of 17% compared with the placebo group [2].

3. Immune System Support
L-Glutamine is the most important energy source for immune cells. In 21 martial artists, daily supplementation with 0.3 g/kg of glutamine over 3 weeks led to a significant improvement in immune parameters (e.g., sIgA levels +35%) and a lower infection rate 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 for enzymes, neurotransmitters, and hormones. In nutritional studies involving protein deficiency, targeted supplementation with these amino acids normalized liver enzymes and improved nitrogen balance [6].

7. Heart Health
Taurine has been shown to reduce blood pressure. In a placebo-controlled study, daily intake of 6 g of taurine over 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 crucial 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. Studies observed normalization of TSH levels within 8 weeks in 34% of patients with latent hypothyroidism after taking 500 mg of tyrosine daily [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 be synthesized insufficiently during stress and illness.

MST Nutrition dosage forms

Capsules: e.g. EAA capsules with leucine, isoleucine, and valine - practical and precisely dosable.
Tablets: Ideal for everyday use, e.g. after training for muscle recovery.
Powder: Flexibly dosed, e.g. the 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 supported amino acid complex can specifically support muscle growth, immune function, mental performance, and recovery. The scientifically proven benefits make MST Nutrition's high-quality products a valuable supplement 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: Effect of glycine/cysteine on skin & hair, J Dermatol Sci.
[9] Holtorf, 2002: Tyrosine in hypothyroidism, Med Hypotheses.