Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds recognized as the building blocks of proteins, and grouped into both essential and non-essential forms of the compounds. The essential forms are derived exclusively from diet, while the non-essential forms are produced directly from the body. The eight essential forms are known as histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylanine, threonine and valine—these are absolutely critical to enable the body to make the proteins that it needs. Proteins are needed to make muscle tissue, organs, hair, glands and many important fluids in the body. Proteins are classified as complete or incomplete. Good sources of complete proteins are eggs, milk products and meat potatoes and fish, while vegetables and grains, on the other hand, are classified as incomplete for containing less of these important organic compounds.

Amino acids perform a host of vital functions in helping to repair damaged cells as well as build new tissue. They enable vitamins and minerals to function properly and are needed for transmission of the brain’s impulses. They break apart from proteins after the process of digestion, and then afterwards reconstitute into proteins again in the body and reappear in muscle tissue. Proteins are everywhere in the body, even in the enzymes that function as the important chemical reactors that catalyze the body’s metabolic processes. Some people take certain amino acid supplements for their unique benefits: L-Arginine, for example, boosts the human growth hormone, while N-acetylcysteine (NAC) increases the body’s output of antioxidants.

All eight amino acids are necessary for the body to function properly, and a deficiency in one can have serious consequences. For example, a deficiency in isoleucine can lead to serious mental problems, while a deficiency in methionine can cause everything from diabetes to cancer. A reduction in histidine has been linked to arthritis and deafness in the nerves. A lack in lysine can lead to anemia, weight loss, and reproductive problems. Additionally, inadequate protein intake leads to nutritional disorders such as kwashiorkor and marasmus, maladies usually seen in Asia and in Africa.

Deficient individuals will need to take amino acid supplements to ensure they get the proper supply of these important organic compounds. Supplements are packaged in “D” or “L” form. We recommend the “L” form, as it is closer to being a whole food supplement. As always, only buy supplements that are labeled pharmaceutical standard GMP, to ensure they have been made to the most exacting scientific standards.

L-Arginine Benefits - L-Arginine is an important amino acid present in all life forms and their proteins. It is classified as being semi-essential, because it may be essential or non-essential depending on the circumstances. Essential and non-essential do not mean whether or not it is needed—they refer to whether the intake of this amino acid can be produced by the body alone or whether it will need to come from diet.

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