Dear Reader, Over the past few years, amino acids have gotten a lot of press because some athletes believe they will boost the body's natural production of testosterone, growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor. The notion is that the increase in these hormones will enhance muscle development, strength, and size while decreasing body fat. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To date, there's no conclusive evidence that amino acid supplements in humans affect hormone secretion, training responsiveness, or exercise performance.
Real food is more nutritious than any supplement.
In fact, food provides valuable nutrients, such as iron and zinc, which are absorbed more efficiently from food than from supplements. Our bodies need all the essential amino acids present in complete proteins, which are found in meat and soybeans, for example, to make new muscle tissue. As with other nutrients, amino acids are also absorbed more efficiently from food. Supplements actually may cause imbalances and interfere with the absorption of other amino acids. Food is also easier on our wallets, as supplements can be quite costly.