Problems with Amino Acids?

[DianaR]

One of my old gym buddies has been taking amino acids for years, but was just told to stop taking them, by his doctor. Of course this is a real blow to him.

Are problems, like gout, pretty common in older body builders?

[BeFit4Free]

Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. Growth hormone is made up of (128?) Amino Acids, and hair, skin and fingernails are made of different amino acids combinations.

I don't see why Amino Acids could be anything but helpful.

[john.D]

Amino Acids are good for health especially for body builders but the excess is always casing problems. They must obtain a diet chat from their trainer before using any of them.

[MNM]

I am interested in this as well. Are there any precautions I should take before beginning a supplement regimen?

[BeFit4Free]

Originally Posted by john.D

Amino Acids are good for health especially for body builders but the excess is always casing problems. They must obtain a diet chat from their trainer before using any of them.

That is not true. Amino acids are natural and required by our bodies. The LACK of amino acids have caused many health problems, but taking amino acids does not cause health problems.

Where did you get your information?

[elvenrunelord]

Boy this makes me real comfortable going and talking to doctors if they have starting talking this type of stuff......... (shudder)

[DianaR]

Originally Posted by BeFit4Free

Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. Growth hormone is made up of (128?) Amino Acids, and hair, skin and fingernails are made of different amino acids combinations.

I don't see why Amino Acids could be anything but helpful.

The build up of uric acid is how gout develops and the uric acid is coming from the added protein. In other words, he can't metabolize all that is in his system.

Apparently this fellow started developing symptoms and the doctor wants try modifying supplement intake before looking at other options

[Simplyme]

I think it has a lot to do with the amounts. Amino acids can be dangerous if too much is taken. I will try to find the article I have in one of my files but here is a snippet I was able to find online, while searching for the original article I read years ago, at answers.com

Overconsumption causes health risks. Unbalanced amino acid mixtures or single amino acids may be toxic. If amino-acid supplements are used as the basis of a high-protein, low fat diet they can be downright dangerous because they can cause abnormal heart rhythms.

[elvenrunelord]

I used the amino acids related to weight loss for years with no problems. But I added a does of reality in and knew that overusing could cause problems. Those dosage notices on the labels are there for a reason.

[BeFit4Free]

Just like anything, too much can be bad... Water is good for you, but if you drink 2 gallons in one sitting, you're going to have a problem. A glass of wine is said to be good for the heart, but if you drink till you pass out, that's a problem. If you read the label and aren't an idiot, everything should be fine... lol