Beverly International Mass Amino 500. Articles touting the effectiveness of amino acids started appearing in almost every issue of the various bodybuilding magazines. Numerous supplement companies came out with their special amino formula. Nearly all promised a quick and easy solution to rapid muscle growth. Bodybuilders responded with enthusiasm. By the end of 1989, more than twenty-five various brands could be found in Health Food Stores, Gyms, and magazine advertisements. Today, we see very few articles and advertisements praising the effectiveness of various amino formulations. The latest research, however, has confirmed in large part what was being said in the "80"s. Peptide bond amino acids (protein hydrolysates) are in fact the most effective form of protein supplementation!So what's the deal?Peak nitrogen retention Rapid tissue repair Less muscular soreness Production in the liver of somatomedin C, the anabolic growth factor that stimulates muscle growth Sparing of muscle tissue protein Higher workout energy levels and a better pump Greater mental alertnessWhy have amino acid formulations been virtually abandoned in the "90"s for all but contest preparation? Because there are very few products on the market that actually emulate the formulations used in the research. A quality protein hydrolysate must be produced from at least one of the following sources: Egg Albumin (Egg White), Casein (Milk Protein), or Lactalbumin (Whey Protein). In most cases this has not been a problem.The real problemTo provide the benefits listed above a product must be a true hydrolysate, readily available for your body to use. The scientific measure used to determine this is the amount of nitrogen found in the tablet. This profile is referred to as Amino Nitrogen/Total Nitrogen rating. The Amino/Nitrogen/Total Nitrogen ratio is the key to determining how good your amino tablet or capsule really is. It is also the reason that your amino has not lived up to your expectations, regardless of the number of milligrams it provides.Is your supplement a true hydrolysate?Only protein hydrolysates yielding an Amino Nitrogen/Total Nitrogen rating of 30% or higher should be considered, anything less is basically intact protein requiring substantial digestion by the body, negating the effects of a true hydrolysate.Pancreatin, the enzyme used in the hydrolyzation process, mimics the digestive action of the human body. This results in a repugnant odor and strong taste in the true hydrolysate.To check the quality of a protein hydrolysate whether in powder or tablet form, if it tastes sweet or almost pleasant, be suspicious!Are protein hydrolysates really worth it?YES! One of the most hyped products of the "90"s is hydrolyzed whey protein. In every magazine, every health food store, and at every gym you'll see these products. Almost every new product and even reformulations of old products are being heavily marketed to emphasize the advantages of using protein hydrolysates