As most of you know, amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein. Leucine is the key amino associated with muscle growth. Besides Leucine, there are metabolites that have similar properties. HICA is a Leucine metabolite that has gotten a lot of attention in recent years. It’s so intriguing that 5% Nutrition has added it to several of our most potent muscle builders. In this edition of Ingredient Spotlight, we’ll take a closer look at HICA, find out what it does, and what 5% products contain it.
What Is HICA?
HICA stands for Alpha-Hydroxy-Isocaproic Acid. It’s also known as Leucic Acid. As noted, HICA is a metabolite of Leucine, a BCAA, and the most powerful of any amino acid. As a metabolite, HICA is a byproduct of Leucine metabolism.(1)
The Anti-Catabolic Effects Of HICA
You no doubt know that Leucine is commonly called the “anabolic trigger” of protein synthesis. That means it's a direct trigger of muscle growth, a key reason this amino is so potent. It’s believed that HICA has similar properties. Like Leucine, HICA helps prevent muscle protein breakdown, supports recovery, and stimulates protein synthesis.
With that in mind, there have been a few studies conducted on HICA. One, in particular, showed that HICA increased muscle mass in 15 test subjects over 4 weeks. There were no outlandish claims of huge gains, but more realistically, small gains. That means the gains can add up over time with continued use. (2)
The 5% Nutrition Products That Contain HICA
Bigger By The Day
Here’s 5% Nutrition’s strongest all-natural muscle builder. Of course, it’s a hardcore formula featuring Turkesterone, HICA, Epicatechin, and Leucine. Plus, for ultimate absorption, we’ve added Black Pepper Extract.
All Day You May
This is the most advanced amino acid formula on the market. Who else but 5% could create a formula like this? Besides the innovative 10:1:1 leucine-dominant BCAA ratio, this formula features an Amino Acid Support Blend containing HICA and several other key nutrients. This is the only amino powder available that contains 6 powerful complexes and on top of it all, tastes amazing!
All Day You May Caffeinated
This is the same classic formula with 125 mg of Caffeine from Green Tea and Purcaf®.
All Day You May Stick Packs
Our classic amino powder in ultra-convenient Stick Packs. Talk about easy to use! Now you can enjoy All Day You May anytime, anywhere, and of course, they taste delicious.
Recap
Here’s yet another example of 5% Nutrition innovation. Every product that contains HICA is a state-of-the-art formula, light years ahead of the competition. Doesn’t stopping by 5% and adding these powerful products to your supplement arsenal make sense?
References:
Mero, A. A., Ojala, T., Hulmi, J. J., Puurtinen, R., Karila, T. A., & Seppälä, T. (2010). Effects of alfa-hydroxy-isocaproic acid on body composition, DOMS and performance in athletes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 7, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-7-1
