ARACHIDONIC ACID 33%
Product No. P01168
Arachidonic acid (AA, sometimes ARA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, C20H32O2, found in animal fats, that is essential in human nutrition and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of some prostaglandins.
Arachidonic acid is one of the essential fatty acids required by most mammals. A commercial source of arachidonic acid has been derived from the fungus Mortierella alpina.
Through its conversion to active components such as the prostaglandin PGF2alpha, arachidonic acid is necessary for the repair and growth of skeletal muscle tissue. This role makes ARA an important dietary component in support of the muscle anabolic process. One of the lead researchers of the Baylor study on arachidonic acid, Mike Roberts MS, CSCS, has authored an article published under the title Arachidonic Acid, The New Mass Builder explaining the role of this nutrient in muscle anabolism, and its potential for the enhancement of muscle size and strength. The paper explains that arachidonic acid is an essential Omega-6 (1-6) polyunsaturated fatty acid abundant in skeletal muscle membrane phospholipids. It is also the body's principal building block for the production of prostaglandins, which are known to have various physiological roles including a close involvement in inflammation. Also, the prostaglandin isomer PGF2a has a potent ability to stimulate muscle growth. As such, arachidonic acid is a regulator of localized muscle inflammation, and may be a central nutrient controlling the intensity of the anabolic/tissue-rebuilding response to weight training.
Arachidonic acid is one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, and is present in similar quantities to DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The two account for approximately 20% of its fatty acid content. Like DHA, neurological health is reliant upon sufficient levels of arachidonic acid. Among other things, arachidonic acid helps to maintain hippocampal cell membrane fluidity. It also helps protect the brain from oxidative stress and activates syntaxin-3 (STX-3), a protein involved in the growth and repair of neurons.
Arachidonic acid is also involved in early neurological development. In one study funded by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, infants (18 months old) given supplemental arachidonic acid for 17 weeks demonstrated significant improvements in intelligence, as measured by the Mental Development Index (MDI). This effect is further enhanced by the simultaneous supplementation of ARA with DHA.
In adults, the disturbed metabolism of ARA may be associated with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Bipolar Disorder. Studies suggest that the supplementation of arachidonic acid during the early stages of Alzheimer's may actually be effective in reducing symptoms and slowing the disease progress, although additional studies are needed.
Bodybuilding supplement
Arachidonic acid is marketed as an anabolic bodybuilding supplement in a variety of products. The first clinical study concerning the use of arachidonic acid as a sport supplement was conducted at Baylor University and published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. The performance data results showed arachidonic acid helped to improve peak muscle power, reduce resting IL-6 levels, and produce statistically strong trends of improvements in muscle endurance, average power, and bench press 1-rep maximum lift. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of arachidonic acid in sports nutrition. Further research is needed.
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