Overview
Amino Acids form the chief structure of proteins; many of these are essential for human growth, development, and nutrition. Simply put, they are the building blocks of the body. They contain nitrogen, which is not contained in fatty acids or sugars. Protein is vital to every living organism, from the smallest to the largest; all of these organisms are comprised of protein. In addition, protein is necessary to many chemical processes that sustain life. There are 1600 basic proteins, which make up the human body and they are all made from only 22 amino acids. As a result of digestion, protein is broken down to these 22 amino acids; nine of these are generally considered essential, which means that they cannot be manufactured by the body. The remainder are non-essential, which means that they can be manufactured by the body. When just one amino acid is deficient, serious health problems can occur. An amino acid deficiency may be caused by many factors, particularly a low-protein diet. Other factors include stress, trauma, infection, age, medications, and chemical imbalances within the body. It is important for the aminos to be kept in balance, and it is advised to take individual aminos along with an Amino Acid Complex to ensure that the aminos stay at adequate, balanced levels in the body.
L-Glutamine (non-essential)
May support healthy digestion
Considered essential for proper brain function
May support healthy immune function
May support cellular growth and repair
May help build and maintain muscle
May speed recovery times from injury, trauma, and burns
L-Aspartic Acid (non-essential)
May help the body rid itself of ammonia and other toxins
Essential to the synthesis of several other amino acids
May support healthy energy levels
Supports healthy immune function by producing immunuglobins and antibodiess
L-Tyrosine (non-essential)
Plays an important role in the function of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands
May support a healthy mood
May support healthy brain function
May help support a healthy appetite because it is important to the production of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that controls appetite
L-Leucine (essential, branched chain amino acid along with Isoleucine and Valline)
May support healthy energy levels
Helps support healthy blood sugar levels
Possibly aids in recovery and repair of muscle tissue
L-Valine (essential, branched chain amino acid along with isoleucine and valine)
May support healthy energy levels
Helps support healthy blood sugar levels
Possibly aids in recovery and repair of muscle tissue
Taurine (non-essential)
Involved in glucose uptake and may be beneficial to supporting healthy blood sugar balance
Helps regulate the contraction and pumping of the heart
Helps maintain cell membranes
L-Phenylalanine (essential)
May support a healthy mood due to its role in the production of dopamine and norepinephrine
May support a healthy appetite
May support healthy energy levels
May support healthy brain function
L-Proline (non-essential)
Important for optimal skin health; may prevent collagen loss
Major component of collagen, therefore it is important to tendons, bones, cartilage, and connective tissues
May be important to cardiovascular health
May help repair damaged tissues
L-Lysine HCl (essential)
Assists in the production of enzymes and hormones and antibodies
May prevent and relieve cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Needed for growth and tissue repair
May support healthy immune function
L-Isoleucine (essential, branched chain amino acid along with isoleucine and valine)
May support healthy energy levels
Helps support healthy blood sugar levels
Possibly aids in recovery and repair of muscle tissue
L-Serine (non-essential)
May support healthy blood sugar levels
Required for the metabolism of fat and tissue growth
Assists in the production of immunoglobins and antibodies
Energy storage source of glucose by the liver and muscles
L-Alanine (non-essential)
Important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain, and central nervous system
Helps produce antibodies, thereby supporting healthy immune function
Assists in the metabolism of glucose
Important in converting energy to stored energy
L-Threonine (essential)
May help to prevent fat build-up in the liver
An important component of collagen, elastin, and enamel protein
May help digestion and intestinal tracts function more smoothly
Possibly assists metabolism and assimilation
L-Methionine (essential)
Possesses powerful antioxidant properties due to high sulfur content
Assists in the breakdown of fats; may help to lower cholesterol levels
May be important to normal growth and metabolism
May support hair, skin, and nail health
L-Arginine (non-essential)
May support cardiovascular health
Promotes the production of hormones that stimulate growth and development
May support healthy immune function by stimulating the thymus gland
Aids in liver detoxification by neutralizing ammonia
Glycine (non-essential)
Required by the body to make DNA & RNA
May enhance the activity of neurotransmitters
Helps trigger the release of oxygen to the cellmaking process
May support healthy prostate function
L-Histidine HCl (essential)
Necessary for the growth and repair of tissues, as well as the myelin sheaths that protect the nerve cells
Required for the manufacture of both red cells and white cells
May support healthy inflammatory response
May support healthy joint function
L-Cystine (non-essential)
Required for proper utilization of Vitamin B6
May support healing of burns and wounds
Functions as an antioxidant
May support healthy blood sugar balance
