WHICH IS THE MOST USEFUL SUPPLEMENT FOR HOBBY ATHLETES?

The different forms of movement of different sports justify the use of different dietary supplements, but there are some basic preparations that can be especially useful for all athletes (whether hobby or professional level).

One of these is a suitable multivitamin, which we have written about in detail before . The other "jolly joker" is the amino acid preparation called BCAA. The four letters stand for the English equivalent of branched-chain amino acids. We classify BCAAs as the most basic supplements because they contain the three most important amino acids. What they are, what purpose they serve (how they can significantly increase our sports performance) and which one should be chosen from the many versions on the market can be found in the following lines.

WHAT IS BCAA GOOD FOR?

Increasing muscle mass, avoiding muscle loss

BCAA amino acids are vital for the body. Their replacement must be taken care of every day, because the body cannot produce them. The muscle tissue is approx. 35% of it is made up of BCAAs, i.e. leucine, isoleucine and valine, which is why supplementation is almost essential for athletes. BCAAs can help increase muscle mass and prevent muscle loss. The latter is particularly important in aerobic sports - such as running.

Increase energy levels

Leucine plays the biggest role in energy production; both at rest and during exercise, this amino acid is used fastest and to the greatest extent by the body. Leucine, isoleucine and valine enhance each other's effects, the recommended intake ratio is 2:1:1 in favor of leucine.

WHICH ONE IS WORTH CHOOSING?

Synthetic and natural BCAA preparations

Many people don't know, but most BCAAs are produced synthetically. However, there are high-quality preparations that are produced using a completely natural process, the so-called fermentation (microbacterial fermentation), exclusively from plant materials. One of its advantages is that it does not contain lactose or allergenic substances, which makes it much easier to digest, which is further enhanced by the fact that the amino acids (leucine, isoleudin and valine) are in a pre-digested state thanks to fermentation. Fermented BCAAs represent the highest quality and maximum purity. It can be consumed by vegans, vegetarians, diabetics and people with gluten intolerance.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS THAT ENHANCE USAGE

Zinc regulates the hormone insulin, which consists of 91 amino acids, which is the most important link in the muscle building process. The zinc supplement is vitamin B6, which is an important intermediary element in amino acid metabolism. The intracellular transport of amino acids is related to the adequate supply of vitamin B6. Chromium increases the effectiveness of the hormone insulin, as well as increases protein synthesis and encourages the body to absorb free amino acids from the blood. At the same time, it inhibits harmful protein breakdown within muscle cells. Therefore, supplemented with chromium, zinc and vitamin B6 in an optimal ratio, BCAA is more effective in the muscle building process than on its own.

THE SOLUTION IS ALSO DIFFERENT

Traditional BCAA preparations are poorly soluble in water. Therefore, in order to improve the reconstitution (redissolving) properties of BCAA, premium manufacturers use a steam agglomeration technique without mechanical intervention. As a result, the BCAA preparation dissolves easily, quickly and perfectly in water. If you don't want to bother with bad dissolution, choose instantized BCAA.

FLAVORING WITH AROMAS OR NATURALLY

BCAA amino acids themselves have a bitter taste, which can be particularly unpleasant. Therefore, manufacturers usually emphasize flavoring, so that the product's functionality is accompanied by a consumption experience. It is rare, but definitely an added advantage, if real fruits are used for flavoring.

THE IDEAL BCAA PREPARATION

Taking the above into account, it can be concluded that an ideal BCAA preparation is fermented (naturally produced), instantized (perfectly soluble), contains zinc, chromium and vitamin B6 (maximum utilization), leucine, isoleucine and flavored with valine as well as natural flavorings and real fruit powders. Despite dozens of different BCAA preparations, it is not easy to find a product with all these parameters, but Panhellen BCAA MAX can be cited as an example, which meets all of the above conditions.

No matter what sport you do, you can benefit from a high-quality BCAA, its positive effect can be felt the first time, and its effectiveness in the long term is unquestionable. Its consumption is mostly recommended during and after sports activity.

You can read more about the correct proportion of BCAA in our BCAA WAR OF THE NUMBERS blog post.

WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR, WHO DO YOU RECOMMEND IT TO?

BCAA is one of the most important nutritional supplements for athletes!

WHAT CAN YOU HELP WITH?

• Increasing muscle mass, avoiding muscle loss: BCAAs, also known as branched chain amino acids, are essential, i.e. vital for the body. Their replacement must be taken care of every day, because the body cannot produce them. The muscle tissue is approx. 35% of it is made up of BCAAs, i.e. leucine, isoleucine and valine, which is why supplementation is almost essential for athletes. Through their role in protein synthesis, BCAAs can contribute to increasing muscle mass and avoiding muscle loss.
• Increase energy level: As an immediate source of energy for the muscles, they help to achieve and maintain the appropriate energy level. By increasing insulin secretion, thus ensuring adequate glucose supply and replenishing glycogen stores, they can help stabilize the ideal blood sugar level. Leucine plays the biggest role in energy production; both at rest and during exercise, this amino acid is used fastest and to the greatest extent by the body. Leucine, isoleucine and valine enhance each other's effects, the recommended intake ratio pair is 2:1:1 - PANHELLEN BCAA MAX was made with this ratio.
• Other effects: An additional advantage of BCAA is that it reduces the level of the stress hormone, i.e. cortisol, in the blood plasma, thus eliminating its negative effects (e.g. catabolic processes). (For additional product features, see below, in the description of the active ingredients.)