Amino acidsAmino acids are considered the building blocks of proteins. Breaking down proteins will produce 22 known amino acids. There are three types of amino acids. These are indispensable (essential), conditionally dispensable and dispensable. Conditionally dispensable amino acids can be synthesized from other amino acids by our body. Superfluous amino acids are considered non-essential. Amino acids are "one of the six basic nutrients our body needs." Essential amino acids are the focus of our discussion regarding their use in weightlifting and training.httg:///www.kaiwan.com/-fitnessalaacid.html(hftp://www.thelinx.com/healthy /aminoacd.htm #valina)(hftp://www.getbig.com/articies/protein.htm)Essential Amino AcidsOf 22 amino acids, 8 or 9, are considered essential because our bodies cannot produce them. These are tryptophan, lysine, methione, phenylalaine, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine and histadine. Leucine "serves as a substrate for muscle metabolism during times of cellular energy depletion" and promotes the healing of broken skin and bones, as well as improving alertness. Tryptophan, whose benefits include calming, stimulating growth hormone release, and reducing cholesterol, is the only essential amino acid whose free form is not currently available in the United States. Soleucine helps in the formation of hemoglobin and is used by muscles for energy. Valine, which promotes muscle coordination, is not processed by the liver allowing it to go directly to the muscles. Histadine dilates blood vessels, helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis and ulcers, and aids in the production of red and white blood cells. Lysine builds new body tissue and bones, improves fertility, improves concentration, and can be an effective treatment for some forms of herpes. Methione reduces fat and protects the kidneys and can also reduce cholesterol levels. Phenylalaine serves to reduce hunger pains, aids in the production of norepinephrine and collagen, and improves memory and alertness. Threonine contributes to metabolism and assimilation, prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver and is a component of collagen.(http://www.nutrimart.com/amnoinfo.htm)(http://www.betterbodz.com /suppl /leucine.htmi)(http://www.getbig.com/articles/protein.htm)(http://www.thelinx.com/healthylaminoacd.htm#valine)Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAS)Studies indicate that the presence of branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) after training is "critical for recovery". If ingested before exercise they can "alter hormonal responses to high-intensity exercise." BCAA supplementation during exercise may have several health benefits, including "improved physiological and psychological responses to resistance exercise." BCAAs can compromise up to 35% of muscle tissue, and a lack of any of the three can "result in decreased muscle strength and tone" (Nature's Pantry Free Pamphlet).