squirtdad

Anyone out there have experience with amino acid supplements? Especially as related to soft tissue injury recovery/prevention?

I have a almost 17 year old football player son. He is Punter/quarterback type so 6" 165lb or so. He has had some intermittent issues with hip flexor pain/inflammation. (he is also recovering from ACR replacement (not a football injury) so he is not punting yet) He has done some research that suggests amino acid supplements might help.

any input/experience on this? thanks

NealH

Junk science. Eating balanced meals will provide all the protein necessary for conversation to amino acids. If unsure about his diet then have your son just drink a glass of whey protein before bed each night.

late

Aminos are mostly part of the gym rat world.

First thing I would is get a bunch of pineapple, kiwi, and/or papaya.
Fruit will help healing, but those fruits have enzymes that help digest food.
Very good for recovery.

Second thing is a bunch of walking. We are talking about the tough stuff,
tendons and such. They don't get a lot of blood flow, and the walking will help
that some.

Third thing is to cut back on the things that cause inflammation. Sugar, booze,
too much food, or a lack of alkaline foods. Kids tend to lack enthusiasm for alkaline foods.
Try to sneak some in.

Is he in PT and stretching? If not, find some hip stretches (check with the Doc first)
and after his walks, have him stretch.

I have a suspicion he has a weakness in the hip area. A lot of Americans do...
You need a good PT to find it.
Sadly a lot of them are not that good. If you look into it yourself, find out how to check
the pelvic floor, hip muscles and low back.

wolfchild

I don't know if amino acids prevent injuries, but research has shown some benefits of BCAA supplementation.
BCAA's help with recovery, increase lean muscle tissue, prevent muscle catabolism...Whey protein is the cheapest way to get BCAA's...I've looked at some amino acid pills and powders and it can get expensive.

wolfchild

Here is a link to an article on BCAA's.
Ten Benefits of BCAAs | Poliquin Article