A-alpha-hydroxy-isocaproic acid more commonly known as HICA

So we’re all aware that amino’s are the building blocks of muscle. Some amino’s are more commonly known than others. Examples of these include L-Leucine, L-Valine and L-Isoleucine (the three BCAA’s). Other Essential Amino Acids (EAA) are also common household names; L-Glutmaine, L-Taurine, L-Arginine, and the list goes on.

One you don’t hear a lot about is A-alpha-hydroxy-isocaproic acid more commonly known as HICA.

HICA is the most recent amino acid to be surrounded with new research relating to augmented muscle development.

During metabolism the Amino Acid L-Leucine is broken down into smaller components. These smaller components are known as ‘metabolites’ of the original compound. HICA is a metabolite of the Amino L-Leucine.

HICA is present when Leucine is burned within the muscle cells. HICA then signals the need to increase the muscles anti-catabolic processes. Recent studies from a Finnish university can be seen below.

In short, those athletes supplementing with HICA added more lean mass and less fat than those athletes not supplementing with HICA. The athletes supplementing with HICA also reported that their muscles were less sore following exercise.

Athletes using HICA benefited from increased recovery and increased protein synthesis!!!

---