Steel Fuel® Branched-Chain Amino Acids*

Why Steel Fuel?

So many times, in the world of fitness, we’re solely focused on finding the “best pre-workout”, that magical concoction of stimulants, ergogenic, and pump enhancers that will push our performance to the next level. At the same time, we also make consuming protein immediately after training a priority as well, so as to enhance muscle repair and promote muscle growth.

But, how many times do you stop to think about what you should be consuming during your actual workout?

Probably never.

Sure, you’ll sip on some water in between sets, and while that’s better than drinking nothing, it doesn’t really make the most of your intra-workout nutrition.

When training, you’re not only losing water but valuable electrolytes as well. You’re also depleting glycogen stores, and if they get too low, you’re at risk for decreased performance and eating away at your hard-earned muscle mass.

Suffice it to say that what you consume during your workout may be more important than what you’re consuming before or after your workout. Yes, maybe even more crucial than your precious protein shake.

To ensure your not at risk of excess muscle breakdown or dehydration, we have created Steel Fuel!

What is Steel Fuel?

Steel Fuel is the ultimate training fuel for intense workouts. Combining the powers of BCAA, essential electrolytes, and valuable hydration agents, Steel Fuel prolongs endurance, blunts fatigue, sustains focus, and accelerates recovery and repair following your workout. Steel Fuel also helps spare muscle tissue from being broken down when glycogen stores are depleted.

Why is Steel Fuel Better?

Steel Fuel includes the research-backed 5g dose of BCAA to stave off fatigue and improve exercise endurance. Also included are a formidable collection of hydration supplements and electrolytes that combat the dehydrating effects of extreme exercise, enabling you to sustain focus and performance no matter how long you train. Plus, unlike other BCAA supplements on the market that use animal-derived BCAA from sources like pig fur and bird feathers, Steel Fuel uses plant-derived BCAA, making Steel Fuel safe for vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores!

What’s in Steel Fuel?

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) 2:1:1

Consisting of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, the BCAAs, or branched chain amino acids, are the primary drivers of muscle protein synthesis, [1,2] thereby supporting muscle growth, but that only begins to scratch the surface of the wealth of benefits that BCAA have to offer.

BCAA supplementation also helps prevent catabolism as well as reduce muscle soreness (DOMS) and accelerate recovery. [3,4] And, BCAA can also delay mental fatigue, improve energy production, and enhance glucose metabolism, all of which contribute to superior performance while training.

Citrulline Malate 1:1

Typically found in pre-workouts for its nitric oxide boosting qualities, citrulline malate also serves a valuable purpose in intra-workouts as well. Citrulline plays a critical role in the urea cycle, which removes toxic waste products. [5] Excess buildup of these metabolic byproducts induces fatigue and hinders performance.

On top of that, citrulline is also a pivotal player in the Krebs (TCA) cycle that produces energy, helping you sustain a high level of performance all workout long. [6] Added to the fact that citrulline malate improves blood flow, and with-it oxygen and nutrient delivery, including it any intra-workout is a no-brainer!

L-Glutamine

Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that, under normal circumstances, is in ample supply; however, in times of extreme stress (i.e. intense exercise), glutamine stores are rapidly depleted which can reduce performance and hinder muscle growth. [7] Steel Fuel includes 500mg of L-Glutamine to enhance muscle protein synthesis and recovery following training.

L-Glycine

Found predominantly in muscles, joints, and organs, L-Glycine is a non-essential amino acid heavily involved in protein metabolism. It helps break down glycogen to support energy production, thereby offsetting any potential muscle catabolism that could occur as a result of intense exercise. [8,9] Furthermore, L-Glycine also helps the body use fat for fuel and it even bolsters immune and digestive function.

Taurine

Taurine is another conditionally essential amino acid that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, acting on the GABA receptors of the brain and promoting feelings of calm, controlled focus during exercise. [10] This makes taurine invaluable especially during later portions of your workout when focus and concentration start to dwindle.

Taurine also is found plentifully in skeletal muscle, where it serves to enhance cellular hydration and prolong endurance. [11] This amino acid is also especially critical to cardiac muscle tissue and function, especially when you consider the fact that the heart is responsible for pumping oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.

Electrolytes

Intense exercise brings about intense sweating, and in addition to all of the water you’re losing through sweat, you’re also losing valuable electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are essential for muscle function and proper hydration. Losing too many electrolytes put you at risk for reduced performance, decreased focus, cramping, and possibly dehydration. [12]

Steel Fuel includes a full arsenal of electrolytes including Coconut water, an incredibly rich source of naturally occurring potassium. Together, these electrolytes maintain optimal hydration levels bolstering your performance, endurance, stamina, and focus.

References

1. Norton LE, Layman DK. Leucine regulates translation initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Feb;136(2):533S-537S.
2. Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Köhnke R; Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. J Nutr. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):269S-73S
3. Howatson G, Hoad M, Goodall S, Tallent J, Bell PG, French DN. Exercise-induced muscle damage is reduced in resistance-trained males by branched chain amino acids: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2012 Jul 12;9:20.
4. Sharp CP, Pearson DR. Amino acid supplements and recovery from high-intensity resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Apr;24(4):1125-30.
5. Häberle J, Boddaert N, Burlina A, et al. Suggested guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urea cycle disorders. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2012;7:32. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-7-32.
6. Bendahan D, Mattei JP, Ghattas B, Confort-Gouny S, Le Guern ME, Cozzone PJ. Citrulline/malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscle. Br J Sports Med. 2002;36(4):282-289. doi:10.1136/bjsm.36.4.282
7. Bowtell JL, et al. Effect of oral glutamine on whole body carbohydrate storage during recovery from exhaustive exercise. J Appl Physiol. (1999)
8. Bannai M, Kawai N, Ono K, Nakahara K, Murakami N. The Effects of Glycine on Subjective Daytime Performance in Partially Sleep-Restricted Healthy Volunteers. Frontiers in Neurology. 2012;3:61. doi:10.3389/fneur.2012.00061.
9. Ham DJ, Murphy KT, Chee A, Lynch GS, Koopman R. Glycine administration attenuates skeletal muscle wasting in a mouse model of cancer cachexia. Clin Nutr. 2014;33(3):448-458. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2013.06.013
10. Jia F, Yue M, Chandra D, et al. Taurine is a potent activator of extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors in the thalamus. J Neurosci. 2008;28(1):106-115. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3996-07.2008.
11. Rutherford JA, Spriet LL, Stellingwerff T. The effect of acute taurine ingestion on endurance performance and metabolism in  well-trained cyclists. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2010;20(4):322-329.
12. Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, Hydration and Health. Nutrition reviews. 2010;68(8):439-458. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x.