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Research Paper

Branched-Chain Amino Acid Blood Plasma
Levels with Infinity2’s Proteabolic Mass Nutrients™

Introduction
Muscles are made of proteins. Proteins are made up of amino acids and amino acids are the building blocks of life. Amino acids have three functions within our bodies. They can be incorporated into proteins, used in the synthesis of other nitrogen-containing compounds, or degraded and oxidized as a source of energy. There are 20 specific amino acids from which proteins are synthesized. From a nutritional point of view, amino acids are classified into two groups: essential and nonessential. There are nine essential amino acids required for protein synthesis that cannot be synthesized by humans and must be obtained in the diet. There are eleven nonessential amino acids required for protein synthesis which are synthesized by humans and are not specifically required in the diet.

There are three essential amino acids that are called the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA): leucine, isoleucine and valine. These three make up one-third of muscle protein. Studies show that muscles lose BCAA during exercise. Because athletes want to avoid reduced muscle size and strength due to muscle breakdown, maintaining an adequate supply of free BCAA in the blood is a smart strategy.

Absorption and retention is the key to any nutrient ingested into the body. If a nutrient can’t get to the target area or can’t be used by the body, the nutrient is of little use. Using the research on absorption of amino acid chelates, Infinity2’s Proteabolic Mass Nutrients™ was formulated to enhance the absorption of all its ingredients.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to measure the plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids present after ingesting Infinity2’s Proteabolic Mass Nutrients before exercise, immediately after exercise, and after one hour of rest. These plasma concentrations were to be compared to similar studies in which larger dosages of free form BCAA were ingested.

Methods
To compare the plasma concentrations of BCAA supplementation to a previous study (1), three male strength-trained body builders performed resistant exercises for 60 minutes at 75 percent VO2max. Immediately prior to starting the exercises, subjects were given a solution of Infinity2’s Proteabolic Mass Nutrients containing 1.3 grams of BCAA. Baseline plasma samples (antecubital vein) were collected at rest before any exercise and prior to ingesting the sample. Blood samples were taken at the end of 60 minutes of exercise and again after 60 minutes of rest.

Results
The plasma BCAA level prior to administering the Mass Nutrients and before any exercise was 454+42 mM. After 60 minutes of exercise the plasma BCAA level increased to 658+112 mM. After 60 minutes of rest the plasma BCAA level continued to increase to 695+136 mM. The increases in BCAA levels in this study were comparable to the results in another study (1) in which five grams of BCAA were administered.

Figure 1 below compares the BCAA plasma levels of Infinity2’s study, using 1.3 grams of BCAA in the Mass Nutrients to a studying using five grams of free-form BCAA. The amount of BCAA in the plasma in Infinity2’s study was comparable to the study in which only free form BCAA was administered. The figure also shows the Infinity2 results after one hour of rest. This information was not recorded in the five gram study.

Discussion
Branch-chain amino acids (BCAA) play key roles in both energy metabolism and the repair and growth of muscle tissues. These amino acids are used up quickly during exercise and times of stress. When these BCAAs become depleted, individuals can experience fatigue, depression, insomnia or an inability to concentrate. The availability of these amino acids during recovery is important in rebuilding and repairing tissues.

Knowing how amino acid chelates are absorbed in the small intestine and understanding the metabolism of proteins is essential in the formulation of any supplement designed for muscle growth and enhancement. Infinity2’s Formulation Team designed the Proteabolic Mass Nutreints to work synergistically in the body to enhance the absorption of all the product’s nutrients.

This study demonstrates the BCAA contained in Proteabolic Mass Nutrients can effectively elevate plasma BCAA levels following exercise to assist in muscle repair. Although the quantity of BCAA (1.3g) in Mass Nutrients was significantly less than the amount (5.0g) used in the study by MacLean and Graham (1), plasma BCAA levels were not significantly different between studies.

Conclusion
We believe this study shows that even small amounts of BCAA can elevate plasma BCAA levels and that BCAA can be absorbed more efficiently when used in conjunction with the other nutrients in the Proteabolic Mass Nutrients.

Reference
1. MacLean, D.A., Graham, T.E., School of Human Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada

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