Also Known As:
L-Histidine |
Variations:
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Related
Items:
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Type:
Carnosine Synthesiser
Nitrix Oxide Producer |
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What is L-Histidine?
L-Hisitidine is an amino acid (a small part of a protein). This particular amino
acid combines with another, beta-alanine, to form the naturally occuring di-peptide
(two joined amino acid chain protein molecule) - Carnosine, or beta-alanyl-l-histidinem
as it also known. This compound is found in skeletal muscle tissue, the heart
and the brain.
What Are The Benefits of Histidine?
Carnosine levels within the muscle tissue are of vital importance to
the hard training athlete and bodybuilder. Increasing concentration levels of
this di-peptide within the muscles is vital to improved sports performance.
Increased Carnosine levels are of benefit to anyone participating in explosive
sports, such as sprinting and weight training. This is because Carnosine increases
intramuscular hydrogen ion (H+) buffering capacity, essentially meaning you
can train harder and for longer.
More About L-Hisitidine and Carnosine
The substance Carnosine is found in Type II muscle fibres mostly -
these are known as 'fast tiwtch' fibres, important in explosive sports such
as sprinting and weight training. It is important for athletes to incease the
concentration of Carnosine within these muscle fibres as Carnosine increases
intramuscular hydrogen ion (H+) buffering capacity. What does that mean? Well
essentially - your body causes your muscle pH to become more acidic when used
in high intensity muscular contractions to cause the muscle to fail and prevent
any further usage from the tissue. Thus prematurely ending a muscles ability
to contract to prevent any form of injury - a fail safe if you will. Carnosine
maintains low levels of acidity in the muscle, allowing you to train harder
and longer - increasing your ability to work harder, with a lower acidity in
the muscle due to intense physical activity.
Of interest is Carnosine's use as an enzyme responsible for generating Nitric
Oxide. Carnosine is in fact a substrate of NO. NO (Nitric Oxide) is a free form
gas produced naturally in the body and is used to control the circulation of
blood, and also regulates activities of the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach
and other organs.
High Intensity training actually causes an oxidative stress in the muscle tissue,
which significantly reduces Carnosine levels. As a result of intense training
free radicals are produced and cause lipid peroxidation, and a carbonisation
of proteins and phospholipids. This action causes muscle proteins to be broken
up in a process which is known as proteolysis. Carnosine has been evidenced
in studies to combat these reactions when there is a high enough concentration
of the substance within the muscle cells.
The biosynthesis of Carnosine is wholly dependent on the availability of Beta-Alanine
and L-Histidine. Where there is a deficiency of L-Histidine in the muscle -
thee is an equal reduction in Carnosine levels, and likewise, increased L-Histidine
supplementation, has been shown to elevate Carnosine levels. In general, research
on Carnosine has shownt hat the most effective way to benefit from increased
Carnosine levels within the muscles is to supplement with both Beta Alanine
and L-Histidine.
Usage Indications
In order to stimulate Carnosine production you should supplement with around
1300 - 1500 milligrams of Beta Alanine and 300 - 400 milligrams of L-Histidine
30 - 60 minutes before training.
What results can I expect?
Elevating muscular carnosine concentrations allows you to train with
greater effort and intensity. Most users notice a reduction in muscle fatigue
and the perception of effort.
Boosting Performance
There have been recent studies produced that report athletes and bodybuilders
will see further enhanced results from their supplementation of Beta Alanine
and L-Histidine use when combined with an effective dosage of Citrulline Malate
and or Citrulline Ethyl Ester (or both).
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