What is Amino Acid IV Therapy? Benefits, Uses, and More
Amino acids are included in many sports drinks, protein powders, and other healthy drink mixes. But amino acids are more than just an added drink ingredient—they are vital for proper muscle growth, maintaining tone and tissue strength, and providing energy for your body.
What are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are compounds the body produces when breaking down ingested protein. Of the 20 amino acids, 9 of them are obtained through the food we eat. After breaking down protein the body uses these essential amino acids to carry out various key functions needed to maintain optimal body function.
The functionality of Essential Amino Acids
There are 20 amino acids, 9 of these are essential amino acids obtained from the food we eat.
Lysine plays an important role in muscle building throughout the body. It also helps to maintain bone health and strength. Lysine has also been found to improve wound healing. Some studies have suggested it may also help reduce anxiety.
Histidine helps to facilitate growth, the creation of blood cells and tissue repair. It has also been found to be helpful with rheumatoid arthritis.
Threonine is used in the treatment of various nervous system disorders including Lou Gehrig’s disease. Threonine is changed in the body to a chemical called glycine. Glycine works through the nervous system to help control muscle spasticity.
Methionine is used to treat liver damage, specifically damage from acetaminophen. Other uses include alcoholism, depression, allergies, asthma, wound healing and Parkinson’s disease.
Valine is an essential amino acid that helps to enhance energy, assist in muscle tissue damage and repair and increase endurance. It can also be helpful for those who suffer from insomnia and nervousness.
Isoleucine is another essential amino acid beneficial in promoting muscle repair and growth. Its muscle recovery properties make isoleucine popular among individuals looking to improve muscle growth.
Leucine is an amino acid used by the muscles as fuel. It helps to stimulate protein synthesis and muscle repair and growth. Leucine has also been found to help improve energy and endurance.
Phenylalanine has been studied for its potential beneficial effects on depression, pain, skin disorders, ADHD, vitiligo and multiple sclerosis.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that plays an important role in producing niacin, which is essential in creating the neurotransmitter serotonin. It has also been shown beneficial for individuals who suffer from insomnia.
Foods Containing Amino Acids
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein, naturally making foods high in protein the most beneficial in amino acid supplementation. Animal-based foods contain the most essential amino acids, with plant-based foods containing significantly less.
Red meat is one of the best sources of protein, with lean cuts containing more protein than fattier cuts. Poultry and seafood are another good source of dietary amino acids. If you’re not a big meat eater, eggs and dairy are another dietary alternative packed full of amino acids. For vegans and vegetarians – quinoa, soybeans and tofu are also amino acid rich foods.
Why Amino Acid IV Therapy?
A standard diet should supply your body with enough amino acids, but sometimes that isn’t enough. Consequently, your body cannot replenish the materials needed to build itself or repair damaged tissue—two processes required to keep you healthy. Amino acid IV treatment can help resolve this issue.
IV’s, in general, are the most efficient way to transport nutrients to the body due to their high bioavailability. Oral supplements lose much of what they provide through digestion, so by the time the nutrients enter the bloodstream, they are much less abundant than when first consumed.
What is in Amino Acid IV Therapy
Amino Acid IV Therapy contains various amino acids that are important for bodily optimization:
L-Glutamine: one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, helping promote energy and athletic performance, boosting metabolism, and healthy weight loss.
L-Ornithine: helps relieve stress and improve sleep quality related to fatigue.
L-Arginine: promotes improved circulation, strong immune responses, and helps kidneys secrete waste products.
L-Lysine: helps reduce anxiety by blocking stress receptors and allows your body to hold on to calcium, vital for bone health.
L-Citrulline: new ongoing research has shown that this amino acid may help with boosting immunity, exercise, and athletic performance, as well as reducing the risk for high blood pressure in young adults
L-Carnitine: a useful amino acid that helps prevent certain congenital conditions such as chest pain (angina) and swelling of the heart (myocarditis)—a recent side effect after COVID-19 infection.
Who benefits from amino acid IV Therapy?
No matter your body type or level of activity, keeping a steady supply of amino acids can provide for optimal health. Those who find themselves regularly feeling exhausted from their daily routine should consider trying amino acid IV therapy. Amino acids, both directly and indirectly, affect how your body functions. For example, they may not now give you added energy, but they will help achieve maximum sleep quality and mitigate stress management, helping your body take on each day at full tilt.
Amino acid IV therapy is especially beneficial for high-level athletes. The combination of vitamins and amino acids can help enhance athletic performance and minimize muscle loss. L-Arginine and L-Lysine specifically work together to promote the building, healing, and repair of muscle tissue.