Fitness 101 September Digital Magazine

E
Protein synthesis
[NUTRITION]
Ever heard of bioactive peptides? Well, these
little helpers assist in improving muscle protein
synthesis. The concept is simple, the more
protein that is synthesized by our muscles, the
more chance they have to grow.
What Is Protein
Synthesis?
Basically, protein
synthesis is the term used
to describe the act of
building new and fortifying
existing protein structures
within the body. This is
carried out in a number
of ways, but the stimulus
for activation is by the
continuous breaking-down
of these protein structures.
Integral to muscle protein
synthesis is the matter of
constant demand-supply
of amino acids, which
are the essential building
blocks of protein, and the
capability of the pathways
that contribute to muscle
protein synthesis to be
opened. In order for this
to be successful, it is
crucial that there is a direct
intervention of bioactive
peptides on this cycle.
What Are Bioactive
Peptides?
To put it simply, bioactive
peptides are protein
fragments and because
of their specific structure,
they have a positive
effect on biological
functions. Together,
micro-concentrated
bioactive peptides form
growth factors, prolinerich
peptides (which are
signalling proteins) and
immunoglobins (immune
fighters) which cause an
instantaneous effect on
muscle protein synthesis,
along with many other
great benefits. If it wasn’t
for bioactive peptides,
protein synthesis wouldn’t
happen. This is why they
occur naturally in the body.
However, what is new,
when consuming bioactive
peptide supplements,
are the processes that
pull important elements
out of the basic proteins.
Supplement manufacturers
are continually trying to
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