The Importance of the Amino Acid Lysine for Bodybuilders and Other Athletes

Lysine is an amino acid that is very important in the production of many essential proteins in the human body. It is considered an essential amino acid because the body cannot fabricate it out of precursor chemicals. Lysine has a number of functions that are particularly useful for bodybuilders and other strength focused athletes

Studies have shown that Lysine, working in accord with other amino acids, enhances the production and release of growth hormone. Growth hormone is necessary to achieve the kind of muscle building results that bodybuilders are looking for. Lysine has also been shown to be effective in the stimulation of other hormones that encourage the growth of new muscle tissue.

In addition to these benefits, it also enhances the fast metabolism response, which allows additional energy to be released when muscle cells have used up other available energy supplies. This helps muscles to keep working after they would have otherwise succumbed to fatigue.

Top 5 Amino Acid Supplements

	ISS Research Complete Amino 2200 Bodybuilders can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue.
	SciVation Xtend Xtend is a scientific blend of energy aminos consisting of the proven ratio of branched chain amino acids, glutamine, citrulline malate, and vitamin B6 that will give you the energy you need to maximize your training while enhancing recovery at the same time.
	Universal Animal Nitro Animal Nitro is the first and only supplement that contains the correct ratios of those aminos based on human muscle protein itself. This complex of aminos is appropriately called Human Muscle Protein Complex (HMPC).
	Optimum Amino 2222 Softgels Getting enough amino acids is an important factor in maintaining good nutrition. Each two softgel serving of Superior Amino 2222 Softgels provides 2,000 milligrams of high quality amino acids.
	Twinlab Amino Fuel Liquid A fast acting, easily digested liquid concentrate providing L-carnitine, branched chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine) and pharmaceutical grade, peptide bonded and free amino acids.

Every athlete knows that continuous training is important to stay in peak condition. Nothing throws a wrench in those plans more than losing time to an illness or injury. Lysine is effective in helping the body combat bacterial infections by assisting in the production of natural antibiotics. Lysine is also useful for helping control viral infections, particularly those caused by the Herpes virus family.

The repetitive motions that are common in strength training workouts can wreak havoc on ligaments, tendons and bones. Lysine has been shown to improve the uptake of calcium into bone tissue, which helps bones maintain their rigid structure. It is also important in the creation of collagen, which is a vital component of tendons and ligaments. Many sports related injuries are due to strains, sprains, and other injuries to the connective tissues. Taking Lysine supplements can help you avoid such injuries and can also enhance the body's healing in response to a broken bone, strain, sprain, or tear.

Lysine is also helpful in that it is a precursor to chemicals that encourage the use of fatty acids for energy. This means that Lysine can protect muscles from degradation during strenuous exercise and helps reduce the fat content in the body. Lysine supplements are particularly useful in this regard for athletes who need to create new muscle but need to remove fat at the same time.

Lysine is found in a number of foods that constitute a healthy diet and, for most people, taking a Lysine supplement is not necessary. However, for those looking to maintain peak performance and demand the most from their body, taking a Lysine supplement can help keep muscles in top working condition and keep the body lean and trim by encourage the removal of fat and assisting in the creation of new muscle tissue.

More Amino Acid Supplements

Read more on BCAA - Branched Chain Amino Acids for muscle building.

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Aspartic Acid
• Carnitine
• Cysteine
• Dopa
• Glutamic Acid
• Glutathione
• Histidine
• Isoleucine*
• Leucine *
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Ornithine
• Phenylalanine
• Taurine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Tyrosine
• Valine *