Silk+Amino+Acids+(SAA's)

=//__**Silk Amino Acids**__//= * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease**.**

**__Definition:__**
Silk Amino Acids, SAA's, are a fairly new discovery to the ergogenic aid world. They are made up of two primary proteins: fibroin and sericin (Wikipedia, 2012). They are a chain of eighteen or more amino acids, however the specific sequence and ratio of silk amino acids are alanine, glycine, serine, valine, and threonine (BPISports,2009).

**__Resources__:**
Silk Amino Acids are primarily derived from the silk of silkworms and some spiders (Wikipedia, 2012). Figure 1. (Andro, 2012)

__**Recommended** **Uses**__
This product should be used by adults 18 years and older who are looking to increase lean body mass and muscular endurance. In a Korean mice study, a group of mice were given 500mg of SAA's/kg of bodyweight, after 42 days of swimming exercises their physical stamina increased by 121.4% (Shin, Yeon & Park, 2010). Mice that were being supplemented with the SAA's showed great improvements in building muscle, with exercise (Shin, Yeon & Park, 2010). Based off of the mice studies the silk amino acids seem promising, but more research must be done.

**__Usage/Dosage__**
According to BPI Sports, take one scoop (around 5g) of SAA's with water before, during, or after a workout on training days. On non-training days take one scoop in the morning on an empty stomach (2009). The Korean scientists had the mice ingest the SAA's 30 minutes before the swimming exercises, and the mice showed substantial improvements, thus taking them before a workout appears to have very beneficial effects (Shin, Yeon & Park, 2010).

__**Warnings**__
The use of this supplement appears to have no harm, but there has not been many studies done so error on the side of caution. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Unlike some ergogenic aids, SAA's can be taken year round (BPISports, 2009).

__**Ranking**__
Effectiveness: 3/5-There is a lack of human based studies, but the mice study looked like there could be beneficial effects. Safety: 4/5- Again, there is a lack of information but they are amino acids, taking too much will just cause you to have expensive urine. Cost: 2/5- There are only two types of Silk Amino Acid products offered so the price is high due to lack of competition (just over a dollar per serving).

__**Side notes**__
In the Korean mice study the glycogen levels of the muscle were induced, testosterone levels boosted, and cortisol levels were kept at bay due to the intake of SAA's. See figure 2 below. Figure 2. (Andro, 2012) __Sources:__
 * BPI Sports. (2009). //BPI Sports//. Retrieved January 11, 2013
 * Silk amino acid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2012, December 1). //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. Retrieved January 08, 2013
 * Shin, S., Yeon, S., & Park, D. (2010). Silk amino acids improve physical stamina and male reproductive function of mice. //Biological and pharmaceutical bulletin//, //33//(2), 273-278. Retrieved January 10,2013
 * Andro. (2012, January 23). Is There a Silky Way to a Leaner, Healthier You? BPI Sports Introduces the First Silk Protein Supplement to the Market - SuppVersity: Nutrition and Exercise Science for Everyone. //SuppVersity - Nutrition and Exercise Science for Everyone//. Retrieved January 10, 2013