Myths around the best muscle building supplement come from the lack of understanding around which parts of protein are used for muscle synthesis, and hence, the reason why we find the need to consume ‘protein’.
BUILDING MUSCLE: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
The purpose of building muscle does not solely circle back to striving for big biceps and boulder shoulders. Muscle building is essential for many bodily functions, namely: general health, longevity and metabolism. Understanding the basics of muscle synthesis will aid you in choosing the best muscle building supplement for you and your goals.
Muscle building will not only benefit one’s current quality of life, but specifically while we age. Recovering from medical emergencies, enhancing metabolism, maintaining bone density and preventing serious muscle degeneration are a few benefits of muscle building in the long-term.
HOW DOES MUSCLE BUILDING WORK?
There are a couple of key factors that determine the balance between muscle protein synthesis (MPS) or muscle protein breakdown (MPB) during and after exercise. If the two forces are balanced, there is no muscle gain or loss. Hence, in order to build muscle, MPS needs to be the winning force.
When there is a positive protein balance in the body, the surplus of protein is directed into muscle cells, encouraging the growth of muscles. On the contrary, when the protein balance is negative, there’s no surplus, which means that there is no fuel for the engine, encouraging muscle cells to degenerate.
The fact that protein is the fuel that muscle engines use to grow does not come as a shock for most athletes. What is interesting, though, is the lack of understanding around which parts of protein are used for this process.
AMINO ACIDS: THE REASON BEHIND PROTEIN CONSUMPTION
The parts of protein that are used for muscle synthesis and recovery are essential amino acids. However, the human body is unable to manufacture its own essential amino acids. This poses an issue for muscle building, which is the reason why we need to attain these amino acids elsewhere. The 9 essential amino acids consist of: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine (and Arginine and Glutamine being nonessential but also vital), each of them possessing their own nutritional benefits.
Generally, in order to attain these amino acids, we consume more manufactured protein (whey or soya) or increase dietary protein intake (meat or fish).
Facts to consider:
- The percentage of protein that is broken down into amino acids and utilised, is between 16-32%. The rest is considered nitrogen waste.
- According to 31 years of research by Prof. Dr. Lucà-Moretti: In order to optimally absorb these amino acids, living organisms have their very own, and very specific, amino acid pattern. In humans’ case, Moretti has discovered “Master Amino Acid Pattern” or “MAP”. Thus, all 9 essential amino acids must be present at the same time and exactly in accordance with MAP in order to maximise our protein synthesis and muscle building.
This poses two problems:
1. 68-84% nitrogen waste puts massive pressure on organs such as the liver and kidneys.
2. When it comes to dietary / whey / soya / other protein, amino acids are never presented in this ratio, and these forms of protein often lack key essential amino acids.
PLAN A: THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
Plan A is one of four products globally that has been scientifically formulated to provide the optimum amino acid ratio and pattern for humans: Plan A(MAP), providing your body with all 9 essential amino acids and 2 conditional amino acids.
1. Plan A contains 99% amino acids. Meaning there is only 1% of nitrogen waste, causing little to no stress on organs.
2. All 9 essential amino acids (and 2 conditional amino acids) are presented according to MAP, allowing the body to function at an optimum level, optimising muscle building.
Thus, within 20-30 minutes of taking Plan A, we ensure that amino acids are readily available, in the correct ratios, to be the fuel that our bodies need.
OTHER KEY COMPARISONS:
- Absorption: 23 minutes (Plan A) | 3-6 hours (other protein forms)
- Side effects: No side effects (Plan A) | Allergens and risk of organ failure (other protein forms)
- Does not require metabolism (Plan A) | Requires metabolism for the breakdown of protein into amino acids (other protein forms)
- Calories: 0.04kcal/g (Plan A) | 4kcal/g (other protein forms)
- Fat content: Fat free (Plan A) | Contains fat (other protein forms)
- Vegetarians and vegans: Suitable (Plan A) | Not suitable (other protein forms)
- Other key health benefits: Multiple (Plan A) – read about these | Little to none (other protein forms)
