Best Amino Acid Supplements For Older Adults To Get Strong
With so many health terms, supplements & strategies out there it can be overwhelming trying to understand it all. So today we’re going to unpack just exactly what “amino acids” are, what they do—and what the best amino acid supplements for older adults are.
What Are Amino Acids?
You may have never heard the term “Amino Acids” before, but you’ll become quite familiar with them as you build and maintain your strength. Simply put, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and necessary for many bodily functions. Including:
- Muscle repair
- Immune system support
- Energy production
- Maintaining bone health
As our bodies use protein to build muscles, keeping it fueled with amino acids assists and encourages more muscle growth in a healthier way.
Benefits Of Taking Amino Acid Supplements At 55+
The fuel our bodies need to build and maintain muscles isn’t endless. That usually becomes apparent in our older years. Which is why supplements, specifically amino acid supplements, are such a great tool when you’re trying to build muscle in your older years. These supplements help your body create more protein which is absolutely crucial when your goals involve supporting your muscles or getting stronger overall.
The Most Important Amino Acids For Older Adults
There are almost as many amino acids as Baskin Robbins has ice cream flavors. But our bodies can’t utilize all 20 different kinds. Instead there are 9 that are essential, and of those 9 there are 4 seniors should be focusing on:
1. Leucine
A crucial amino acid for muscle protein synthesis which helps maintain muscle mass and strength in older adults.
2. Glutamine
Supports immune function and gut health, which are vital for overall well-being, especially in seniors.
3. Arginine
Enhances cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall vitality.
4. Lysine
Aids in calcium absorption, supporting bone health and preventing osteoporosis, a common concern among seniors.
The Best Amino Acid Supplements For Older Adults
With so many supplements out there, all with their own benefits, it’s hard to sort through and find the ones best for you. To help you narrow it down, we’ve created a shortlist of 5 amino acid supplements helpful for older adults:
Nutricost Pure: L-Leucine Powder
Pros
- Affordable
- Leucine Amino Acid Based
- Mixes well
Cons
- Can affect taste
- Smell
Healthy Origins: L-Glutamine Powder
Pros
- Performance
- Quality
- Glutamine Based
Cons
- Availability
- Can be hard to open
Biotics Research: Amino Acid Quick Sorb
Pros
- Easy to take
- Taste
- Arginine based
Cons
- Small bottle can be misplaced
- May need to order regularly to stay supplied
Now Foods: L-Lysine
Pros
- Capsules
- Lysine based
- Value
Cons
- Large capsules
- Can get stuck in the throat
Driven Nutrition: Branch-Chained Amino Acids with Glutamine
Pros
- Large container
- Flavour
- Mixes well
Cons
- Cost
- May be too sweet for some
Keeping your body fueled with amino acid supplements is a great way to make sure you have what your body needs to build muscle. From powder to capsules, there are plenty of ways to get your amino acids. The best amino acid supplement for older adults is the one that helps you reach your goals. Figure out what you want to support most, and find the right supplement to do that.