Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

L-Leucine (2,500mg)

Leucine is the best known, and well researched, of all the amino acids. It’s also the BCAA to which most of the benefits of BCAA supplementation is attributed. The reason being, is that Leucine as a powerful stimulator of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR).*[2]

Note: mTOR used to stand for mammalian target of rapamycin until recently

mTOR is a cellular signal “highway” that serves as the primary regulator in the body of cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism.[3] Specifically, mTOR1 is the one responsible for muscle protein synthesis (i.e. building muscle). Additionally, leucine is also helpful for preventing muscle protein breakdown (a.k.a. catabolism) -- keeping you anabolic even during periods of fasting!*

It’s easy to see why Leucine is widely regarded as the “king” of all amino acids when you put these benefits together.*

• Stimulates mTOR pathway*
• Aids muscle protein synthesis*
• Helps combat muscle protein breakdown*

L-Isoleucine (1,250mg)

Think of Isoleucine as the weaker “younger brother” of Leucine. It’s a more mild stimulator of muscle protein synthesis -- weaker than Leucine, but stronger than Valine. However, where Isoleucine does stand out is in its ability to increase glucose uptake as well as glucose use during high intensity exercise.*[4]

• Stimulates muscle protein synthesis*
• Supports glucose uptake and utilization during exercise*

L-Valine (1,250mg)

Last of the BCAAs is Valine. Though not studied to the extent of Leucine and Isoleucine in isolation, Valine has been shown to be essential for energy conversion in the body as well as enhance glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle, preventing catabolism.*[4]

While it may seem inconsequential compared to the previous two BCAAs, Valine is the third critical “leg” of the BCAA trifecta that contributes to increased muscle protein synthesis, repair, and growth.*

• Supports glycogen synthesis in muscle tissue*
• Supports protein synthesis*

Essential Amino Acids

L-Lysine HCl (300mg)

First up for the Essential Amino Acid portion of EAA Max is L-Lysine. Among Lysine’s major functions, most pertinent to its inclusion here is its role in constructing muscle protein, aiding injury recovery, and supporting calcium absorption.[5]*

Additionally, Lysine is also necessary for carnitine production. Carnitine is a substance in the body that supports energy production via fat conversion. It also plays a vital role in synthesis of collagen, skin, cartilage, and tendons.*

• Supports immune function*
• Required for carnitine production*
• Aids fat burning via its role in the synthesis of carnitine*

L-Threonine (225mg)

Threonine was the final amino acid to be discovered by William C. Rose.[6] It’s an alpha amino acid necessary for the synthesis of proteins in the body. Specifically, threonine is needed for the synthesis of serine and glycine to drive muscle protein synthesis. Additionally, threonine also teams with methionine and aspartic acid to assist the liver with the digestion of fats, also known as lipotropic function.*

• Supports fat digestion*
• Required for production of serine and glycine (amino acids involved in protein synthesis)*

L-Phenylalanine (200mg)

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid vital to optimal Central Nervous System functioning. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier where it’s used to create three highly important neurotransmitters that essentially govern the way you interact and view your surroundings.*

Furthermore, increased levels of these three neurotransmitters translate to increased energy, mood, and focus -- all critical attributes to maintaining performance when training.*

• Used in the production of neurotransmitters which enhance motivation and focus*
• Supports synthesis of catecholamines*

L-Tryptophan (50mg)

As the sole precursor of serotonin, L-tryptophan is vital to optimal serotonin production on the brain, which is an important factor in cognition, behavior, and overall mood.[7] The problem is that Tryptophan is the amino acid with the lowest concentrations in the body[8], so supplementing with extra ensure you have the adequate raw materials needed for sufficient serotonin production, and don’t have to worry about any bouts of depression!*

Interestingly enough, researchers have observed that only the “L” form of amino acids (other forms such as DL-Tryptophan, DL-Phenylalanine, etc. exist) can be used by the body for protein synthesis and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This is why Primeval Labs includes ONLY the L-based amino acid forms in EAA Max -- quality matters!*

• Serotonin precursor*
• Supports a healthy mood due to its role in serotonin production*

L-Histidine

Histidine is a precursor to histamine and an essential component for cognitive functioning and wakefulness.[9] The reason for this is that histidine is needed for the development and maintenance of the myelin sheaths that cover nerve cells and support signal transmission from the brain to all the various component of the body.*

Additionally, histidine also forms the crucial second half of the beta alanine + histidine “equation” for carnosine production.[10]*

• Precursor to histamine, an important neurotransmitter*
• Supports neurotransmission due to its role in the development of myelin sheath*
• Works with beta alanine to produce carnosine*

L-Methionine

Last but not least of the EAA portion of EAA Max is Methionine. Among the numerous critical functions that Methionine is involved in, first among those is its role as a lipotropic, substance that assists the liver with fat digestion. Furthermore, methionine also acts as a precursor for L-Cysteine, a powerful antioxidant in the body which helps defend against free radicals and oxidative stress brought on by intense exercise.[11]*

• Assists the liver with fat digestion*
• Precursor to cysteine -- an important antioxidant*

Muscle Energy & Nutrient Delivery

Cluster Dextrin®(2,000mg)

Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) is the ideal carbohydrate you want going into an intense workout. It’s unique molecular structure facilitates rapid digestion with no GI upset or “carb coma” like other functional carbohydrates.*

Cluster Dextrin gets immediately transported into muscles where it can provide a reliable source of energy and enhance nutrient delivery, thereby supporting muscle growth and repair. This is the exact carbohydrate you want packaged with your essential amino acids for maximal nutrient transport and absorption!*

• Fast-digesting, low-glycemic carbohydrate*
• Supports energy production and exercise performance*
• Aids glycogen resynthesis*

D-Ribose (500mg)

D-Ribose is a supplemental variation of ribose, a sugar produced from the digestion of glucose, that combines with adenine to form ATP, the primary energy driver of cellular metabolism.

During intense training, ATP is rapidly depleted, which leads to decreased stamina and performance. D-ribose effectively regenerates ATP reserves in the cell following exercise[12,13], which keeps performance at peak levels throughout even the most grueling training sessions. due to the demands placed on the muscle.*

• Supplemental form of ribose that supports ATP production*
• Supports exercise performance*
• May aid intra-set recovery*