Natural amino acids for weight loss

Because they are used

The rationale for using amino acids to lose weight - be they natural or synthetic - lies essentially in their ability to

preserve muscle mass from the catabolic phenomena induced by caloric restriction.

In practice, when we eat less than we should, the body draws energy not only by drawing on the fat and carbohydrate reserves, but also by demolishing the muscle proteins to use the amino acids that make them up for energy purposes.

Unfortunately, the catabolic phenomena affecting muscle tissue contribute to reducing metabolism, and are partly responsible for the well-known yo-yo effect and the failure of too restrictive diet programs. Furthermore, an important muscle catabolism tends to make the muscles flaccid and helps to make the skin that covers them wrinkle.

Do they work?

It is never superfluous to recall that - contrary to what is often proposed by the media, with even illegal forms of advertising - there are no miraculous amino acids to lose weight. Every single amino acid, in fact, performs specific functions within the organism and it is quite naive to hope that taking it in greater quantities can somehow strengthen the functions in which it participates, these being influenced by others, very numerous, factors. For example, a specific supplementation with tyrosine - except for ascertained deficiencies of this amino acid or phenylalanine - certainly cannot increase the synthesis of thyroid hormones, although tyrosine participates directly in this process.

Protein or amino acid supplementation, as mentioned, can still help to preserve muscle mass and support metabolism; this is particularly important for people who have a particularly active lifestyle and / or follow a diet low in protein foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes and cheeses. Even the strict vegetarian (or vegan) may need to supplement their diet with natural amino acids in order to fill any protein deficiencies associated with this particular diet.

Quality

Generally, the amino acids used in the various supplements can have an animal origin (hair and carcass) or vegetable (from corn and cassava). The former are generally of Chinese origin (obviously they are purified and are subject to health checks, so there are no particular risks for the consumer), while the latter are generally of Japanese origin (Ajinomoto and Kyowa brands).

Important recommendations

As explained in the article, before resorting to the use of natural amino acids to lose weight, it is essential to assess the caloric-protein intake of one's diet on the one hand, and on the other the real need for amino acids and proteins. In order for supplementation to be able to achieve some real benefit, limiting the potential side effects, it is therefore necessary to establish the quota to be integrated, correlating it to the type of physical activity performed and to the physiological, nutritional and dietary state of the subject. In general, however, natural amino acids are recommended at dosages ranging from 5 to 20 grams per day.