Question
I’ve had great luck with Creatine so tried some other amino acids but was disappointed. Thought I read something about amino combinations being better than single, free form aminos.
Is there anything to this?
Answer
There is but there isn’t, so let me explain that and then I’ll get to some recommendations.
I do think various combinations of aminos can be very useful.
For example, its often overlooked that creatine is synthesized from Arginine, Glycine and Methionine
In fact, back in 1991 before anyone really knew what creatine was, I was using an arginine, Glycine and Methionine powder from Beyond-A-Century that gave a noticeable improvement.
Sounds good, until you tasted it. We’re talking a simple, unflavored bulk powder of all 3 aminos so, for those of you who don’t know.
Arginine is bitter as hell, like drinking alkaline batteries. Glycine is almost sickly sweet and methionine has a strong sulfur like taste. The resulting potpourri smelled a bit like rotten eggs rolled in wet dog, then stuffed into an old, dirty sock.
Who drank this vile concoction? I did. Anyway, I digress.
The fact it gave results though is indicative of the fact that yes in fact, certain amino combinations work very well, or at least have noticeable effects.
BCAA’s, EAA’s as well as di- and tri-peptides are further evidence of this.
Patient Process
But unless you’re a really good guesser or incredibly patient, you have years of work ahead of you putting various combinations together of 2, 3, up to 9 or 10 aminos before you hit pay dirt.
Synthagen’s EAA/non-EAA profile for example took 2 years to achieve, and I’ll readily admit it was because I was a good guesser.
In any case, this leaves singular amino acids of which many have merit. Leucine, Taurine, Arginine, Citrulline, Beta-alanine, Glycine, Tri-Methyl Glycine, Tyrosine etc have all been used with varying degrees of success.
Lately, I’ve even been looking into OKG – Ornithine Alpha Ketoglutarate – a product that was popular in the late 80’s/early 90’s when it first appeared in French medical journals, showing it helped burn victims recover much faster vs. controls.
OKG didn’t last, but I’m not convinced that was due to its complete ineffectiveness.
From the research, it appeared at least 10g/day were needed, preferably with a higher carbohydrate breakfast to make a meaningful anti-catabolic impact.
At the time however, it was very expensive and its doubtful most athletes could afford enough of it (and get it down, tasted nasty too) to determine its real value.
The rise in popularity of low carb diets more of less sealed its fate.
Anyway, I would tell you that besides BA, athletes are having much success with Taurine and TMG more so than others, at least based on emails and texts that I’ve received.
After a good EAA formula, I’d suggest 2-4 grams of Taurine as well as 1.75 to 3.5 grams/day of TMG. Going higher on either doesn’t seem to be necessary, and just adds unnecessary expense.
Hope that helps.
