Arachadonic Acid Supplements

Let's take a closer look at Arachadonic Acid....What is it exactly?

Arachidonic acid (AA) is an Omega-6 essential fatty acid. It is stored in cell membranes, and is responsible for signaling adaptive changes in response to muscle damage or other stimuli. Arachidonic acid is the principle building block for the synthesis of dienolic prostaglandins including PGE2 and PGF2. These prostaglandins are intimately involved with protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy after exercise.

Aracidonic acid is specifically correlated with amplified IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor) signaling, enhanced satellite cell activation and proliferation, increased muscle cell regeneration and repair, enhanced androgen receptor synthesis, increased Nitric Oxide formation, and improved insulin sensitivity. Other benefits include possible long-term improvements in vascularity via stimulation of angiogenesis (blood vessel regeneration) in trained muscles, PPAR beta/delta agonist properties, which increase uncoupling proteins for a thermogenic effect, and inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, which is strongly correlated with negative nutrient partitioning in humans; paving the way for AA to improve body composition (lean vs. fat mass). On top of all this, arachidonic acid inhibits resistin.

Regular exercise can reduce arachidonic acid levels and the production of anabolic prostaglandins, supporting the need for AA supplementation during intense weight training or athletic performance. Arachidonic acid is most commonly used by weight-training individuals, bodybuilders, and athletes in sports where enhanced anaerobic (short, rapid burst) performance is required. Reduced arachidonic acid levels are associated with "training stagnation", or a declining ability to stimulate muscle growth, strength gains, and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) following exercise.