The group of dicarboxylic amino acid compounds is large. The most common two substances are aspartic and glutamic. Find out how to use and dosage. A large number of substances belong to the group of dicarboxylic amino acid compounds, but athletes actively use only two of them - aspartic and glutamic acids. The metabolites of these substances are also referred to as amino acids - asparagine and glutamine, respectively.
With each passing day, the popularity of these acids is growing and more and more supplements containing them appear on the market. Surely you know that amino acid compounds are usually subdivided into nonessential and irreplaceable. The first group includes substances that, if necessary, can be converted by the body into others. Essential amino acids do not have this ability.
This is precisely the key feature of aspartic and glutamic acids. In the conversion process, all nonessential amino acid compounds are first converted into one of these substances. This gives reason to talk about their important role in nitrogen balance. But the value of aspartic and glutamic acids is exhausted not only by the opportunity to obtain deficient amino acids at a certain point in time. If necessary, the body can redistribute nitrogen.
Simply put, if there is a deficiency of protein compounds in one organ, they will be removed from the other to eliminate the imbalance. First of all, in the redistribution of nitrogen, protein compounds of the blood are used, and then of other internal organs. Let's see what else dicarboxylic amino acids are useful for in bodybuilding.
Glutamic acid
It was not by chance that we began our review with this substance. About one fourth of all amino acid compounds are first converted to glutamic acid. This substance belongs to the group of nonessential amines, but recent scientific research suggests that it still cannot be replenished with other amino acid structures. The body has a certain amount of glutamine, which is consumed when needed.
Also, the latest research has shown that glutamic acid has the ability to be converted into some essential amino acids, such as arginine and histidine. These substances, in turn, play an important role in the growth of muscle tissue. We also note the positive effect of the substance on the liver, the performance of the intestinal tract and stomach.
For conversion to glutamine, ammonia is added to the glutamic acid molecule. This substance is very toxic and is a metabolite of nitrogen metabolism in 85 percent of reactions. After the addition of ammonia to glutamic acid, glutamine is obtained, devoid of toxic effects in the body. Moreover, this substance is necessary for the complete metabolism of nitrogen in the body.
Glutamic acid can be synthesized from glucose and this is a very important mechanism through which the brain receives nutrition. Since glucose is the only source of energy for the brain, the use of glutamic acid can quickly eliminate fatigue. An equally important property of the substance for athletes is its participation in the production of nucleotides that make up RNA and DNA. This allows for faster blood production. To get the maximum results from the use of glutamic acid, it must be used daily in an amount of 30 grams or more.
Aspartic acid
Aspartic acid, in comparison with glutamic acid, has a significantly lower specific gravity in the body. However, the same can be said about other amino acid compounds. Aspartic acid also has the ability to detoxify ammonia. The mechanisms of these reactions are similar and as a result, after the addition of the ammonia molecule, asparagine and urea are formed. The latter substance is not a toxin and can be freely excreted from the body.
The possibility of using aspartic acid for brain nutrition should also be noted. The substance is oxidized in the mitochondria of this organ and as a result of the reaction, ATP molecules are formed. Of course, almost all amino acids can be used for this, but the most effective are glutamic and aspartic acids.
A very important ability of aspartic acid is the ability to increase the permeability of cell membranes for magnesium and potassium. This is a unique ability that only aspartic acid has. In addition, it not only transports potassium and magnesium to tissue cells, but is itself a component of intracellular metabolism.
Membrane potential is a very important indicator for the cells of all tissues of the body. This concept should be understood as the difference between the potentials of the intracellular and extracellular media. The cell contains a large number of potassium ions, and outside of them - sodium ions. At the moment of excitation of nerve cells, these ions are exchanged, which leads to cell depolarization. In this way, nerve signals are transmitted.
To return to a dormant state, the cell must receive additional potassium and sodium from the intracellular environment. This mechanism has been called the sodium-potassium pump. After restoration of a stable state, cells may become less susceptible to external factors.
The cellular structure of the heart is highly sensitive to external stimuli. With age, this indicator only increases, which leads to disturbances in the work of the heart. This can be avoided due to the use of aspartic acid, which supplies potassium ions to the cell. Thus, returning her to a stable state.
Many athletes today use aspartic acid. The domestic pharmaceutical industry produces a drug called Asparkam. Its dosage is quite high - it is necessary to take 18-30 grams of the drug during the day. But since the body cannot be oversaturated with aspartic acid, there can be no drug overdose. If the level of the substance is high, then the body simply converts the excess into glucose.
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