Amino acids are chemical units and are considered the building blocks that make up proteins. Everything in life is made up of protein, including the tinniest microbe. Our bodies are no exception, as protein makes up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, vital body fluids and also aid in the growth of bones and helps to regulate the internal pH of the body.

The proteins needed by the body are taken directly from the diet. The body actually breaks down the dietary protein and turns it into amino acids, then it utilizes the amino acids to build the specific protein it needs.

For example, if your body needed more cells, it would then produce the protein that is needed for more cells and if your body needed more enzyme proteins, it would utilize the amino acids to build more enzyme protein.

If the body is depleted of even just one amino acid, the risk is run that the body will not be able to properly synthesis the protein that is needed.

Many factors can inhibit the absorption of amino acids. Imbalances in nutrients, age, drug use, trauma and even stress.

Although the intake of protein is a vital part of our diet, it is not recommended that you eat an excess amount of protein, since this could lead to some harmful side affects. The liver and kidneys would have to increase their function to process the excess protein, which would create higher levels of ammonia in the body. Ammonia is a toxin (see Melt issue 2), which in turn, the body would have to work harder to eliminate.

There are several supplements that can be taken that contain amino acids. Many of them are combination formulas and are derived from various sources, including animal protein, yeast protein, vegetable protein and grain products.

The following is a list of amino acids and a brief description of their benefit:

Alanine - helps produce glucose that the body uses for energy.
Arginine - enhances immune function.
Asparagine - aids in maintaining balance in the central nervous system.
Aspartic Acid - is good for fatigue.
Carnitine - helps prevent fatty build up in heart and liver.
Citrulline - promotes energy and detoxifies ammonia.
Cysteine - destroys free radicals (see Melt issue 2).
Cystine - increases levels of glutathione, which can have an anti aging effect.
Dimethylglycine - helps improve oxygen utilization.
Gamma-Amimobutyric Acid (GABA) - aids in proper brain function and can help calm the body.
Glutamic Acid - helps the metabolism of sugars and fats.
Glutamine - is know as the brain fuel, increases the amount of GABA.
Glycine - aids in slowing muscle degeneration.
Glutathione - helps maintain the integrity of the blood.
Histidine - present in the repair of tissues.
Isoleucine - helps to stabilize levels of blood sugar and energy levels.
Leucine - aids in increasing growth hormone production and is one of the chain amino acids (the others are isoluecine and valine) that help protect the muscles.
Lysine - is a building block for all protein and helps calcium absorption.
Methionine - assist in the breaking down of fats.
Ornithine - aids in the metabolism of excess fat.
Phenylalamine - can elevate mood, aid in memory and learning.
Proline - helps the production of collagen and can improve skin texture.
Serine - is needed for the growth of muscles.
Taurine - largely found in the heart muscle and in white blood cells.
Threonine - helps maintain proper protein balance in the body.
Tryptophan - helps stabilize moods, helps insomnia.
Tyrosine - acts as a mood elevator, deficiency can lead to depression.
Valine - is found in high concentrations in the muscle tissue.

Through the various combinations made with these 28 amino acids literally, hundreds of different types of proteins can be produced. Histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, trytophan and valine are refereed to as essential amino acids because the body can not produce them. They must be taken in through diet. The others are referred to as non-essential amino acids because the body can produce them from the other amino acids obtained through dietary sources.

If you are considering adding amino acid supplements to your diet, there are some things you should be aware of, 1. Free-form means the amino acid is in its purest form and is directly absorbed into the bloodstream, 2. It is not recommended that you take large doses of amino acids for extended periods of time. Moderation should be remember when taking amino acids, since some amino acids can a have toxic effect when taken in very high doses.

It is always recommended when considering dietary supplements that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before beginning a program. This is extremely urged for anyone who has a medical condition or is currently on medication, because the supplement could inhibit the medication or cause unnecessary side effects.

This article is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical advice if you have any concern about your health or physical condition, and you should always consult your physician before following the recommendations presented here.

	© Melt Magazine 2001