Alanine is a naturally forming chemical found in a variety of foods especially meats. This non essential amino acid is used in the production of protein. It assists the body in metabolizing various components such as glucose and can also play a part in lowering cholesterol. It is suggested that an Alanine supplement be used with people who have a diet low in protein and who may be exposed to adverse effects of a protein deficiency. Alanine is also linked to an increase in the efficacy of the immune system and a reduction of toxins in the system.

Arginine is a non essential amino acid that is naturally occurring. While considered non-essential, it is used by the human body in a number of ways. Overall, it helps improve the immune system by stimulating the thymus gland, boosting white blood cell production and stimulating the release of growth hormone. Arginine helps with wound healing by helping with cell division and is an important part of the urea cycle, helping remove ammonia from the body. Arginine also helps the body with production of nitric oxide which can help reduce mild high blood pressure and help enhance athletic performance.

Aspartic Acid is a non-essential amino acid which is bountiful in plant proteins. It can also be produced in the human body from oxaloacetic acid. Some biochemicals that are synthesized from aspartic acid include asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and a number of nucleotides. Apartic acid is used for stamina, the brain and overall health as it helps the liver by removing excess harmful ammonia and other toxins from the bloodstream. If ammonia enters your circulatory system it can be harm your central nervous system and cause neural and brain disorders. Aspartic acid helps to keep the mind sharp by increasing concentrations of NADH in the brain.

Biotin is essential to cellular metabolism, as it plays an important coenzyme role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Calcium Citrate, calcium salt of citric acid, is one of the forms of the mineral calcium. Calcium is required for a wide array of bodily functions and its deficiency can result in disorders like osteoporosis. In order for the body to continue its daily processes efficiently, a steady level of calcium has to be maintained in the body. If your daily diet does not provide you with the necessary calcium, you may have to resort to calcium citrate or calcium carbonate supplements. While both of them serve the same purpose, calcium citrate has added benefits than calcium carbonate. Not only is it easy on your digestive system but also more easily absorbed. Ideally, not more than 500 mg. should be consumed in a single dose. Dividing the dosage over the course of the day is preferable.

Chromium.

Cystine is a non-essential sulfur containing amino acid. Our body can supply cystine on its own. Cystine is important for vitamin B6 utilization and is a detoxifying agent. It removes toxins absorbed by body through alcohol and smoking and protects body from damage of brain and liver. Cystine increases the level of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps in detoxifying harmful toxins in the liver. As Alpha-keratin, the protein that makes up the skin, fingernails and hair contains cystine; it is also used in anti-aging products. It is also useful for faster healing of burns and wounds, for low count of white blood cells and in skin diseases.

D-Alpha Vitamin E

Folic Acid, Folacin or Vitamin B9, as well as the natural Folate, is water soluble and an essential nutrient, necessary, among other reasons, for production of healthy red blood cells and during periods of rapid cell division as well as growth. Folate, the natural form of Vitamin B9, is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuces, but also in liver and liver products. The synthetic form of folic acid is being added to many cereal and bread products, but is also a very popular nutritional supplement ingredient. Pregnant women, but also humans who are involved into rapidly growing muscle tissue, for instance in body building circles, require additional levels of folic acid to the regular nutritional intake. Many multivitamin supplements contain folic acid.

Glutamic Acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter, which enhances firing of neurons in central nervous system. Glutamic acid is a main excitatory neurotransmitter in brain and spinal caord. It is transformed either into glutamine or gamma-aminobutyric acid – the two other amino acids which assist in transmitting messages to brain. Glutamic acid plays a vital role in metabolism of fats and sugars, and assists in transporting potassium into spinal fluid and across the blood-brain barrier. Though it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier as readily as is done by glutamine, it is present in blood at high levels and may reach the brain in small amounts. The brain can utilize glutamic acid as a fuel. It assists in correcting personality disorders and is helpful in treating childhood behavioral disorders. It is also used in treating mental retardation, epilepsy, ulcers, muscular dystrophy, and hypoglycemic coma.

Glycine is known to have the ability to stimulate specific brain receptors as well as beneficial for building proteins in the body. It is used as a supplement for many ailments such as strokes or memory loss.

Histidine is an amino acid that is essential especially in infants. The adult body produces this amino acid naturally and thus it becomes a non-essential acid. However in the case of infants this is not true. This vitamin is extremely important and children may not have sufficient Histidine. The Histidine is an originator of the Histamine which is a compound that is release by the human immune system when an allergic reaction takes place. This is also essential for the repair and growth of new tissues and helps to maintain myelin sheaths (the protectors of the nerve cells). Histidine is also needed for the production of the red and white blood cells.

Iron is vital in human nutrition as the adult human body contains 3-4 grams of iron. Haem-iron and non-haem iron are the two types of iron. Foods rich in haem-iron include meat, liver, fish, and poultry. Foods that are high in non-haem iron are those of vegetable origin, like green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, dry fruits and jiggery. Iron is vital for numerous body functions, including hemoglobin formation, brain development and function, muscle activity, regulation of body temperature and catecholamine. Deficiency of iron affects immune system, reduces the number of T-cells and production of antibodies. Iron is also necessary for binding oxygen to body cells as its main function is oxygen transport and cell respiration. It works as an anti-cancer agent. Iron increases energy level of the body, improving physical performance. It prevents insomnia.

Isoleucine- An important essential amino acid is isoleucine which is also part of the three “branched chain amino acids” along with leucine and valine. Since it is an essential amino acid it cannot be synthesized in the body and thus isoleucine has to be ingested in the diet (almonds, chicken, eggs, cashews, fish, lentils, liver, meat etc.). Isoleucine is required for muscle recovery and also for the formation of haemoglobin. Isoleucine also assists in regulating blood sugar levels and energy levels. It is also involved in blood-clot formation. Isoleucine deficiency is present only in those people who are lacking in protein intake. Deficiency may lead to dizziness, fatigue, depression etc. Excessive amounts of isoleucine doesn’t seem to be a problem though it isn’t recommended for those with kidney or liver disease.

L-Valine is an essential alpha amino acid and one of the three essential branched chain amino acids found in the human body. The other two essential BCAAs are leucine and isoleucine. The name is derived from the plant valerian. Valine is also classified as nonpolar and is known by sickle cell disease sufferers as the substitute amino acid for the glutamic acid, whereby the hydrophobic qualities of valine cause the hemoglobin to not fold correctly. Just like the other three BCAAs, the primary source of valine is through ingestion of proteins, where valine is a component; some such sources would be fish, peanuts, poultry, cottage cheese, lentils and sesame seeds. L-Valine is found in large quantities in muscles, whereby in the muscle metabolism it is essential for the restoration and tissue growth.

Leucine is an essential amino acid that works together with isoleucine and valine, forming the three branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Leucine is easily converted by to body to glucose, helping to regulate and maintain the blood sugar level. Leucine promotes muscle recovery, muscle repair and provides the body with energy. It also helps in burning fat that are least responsive to exercise and dieting. Leucine helps in toning the body and the muscles. Leucine prevents muscle loss by breaking down and converting to glucose, this prevents the body from breaking down muscle tissues to create energy, particularly during intense workouts and heavy weight lifting.

Lysine

Magnesium is the chemical element found in the periodic table with the atomic number 12. This alkaline earth metal is one of ten most common elements in the known universe and also very prominently present in the human body. It manipulates polyphosphate compounds, most prominently the DNA, RNA and the ATP. Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium ions to function properly. Most common application of magnesium in medicine may be the addition to antacids and laxatives. This metal is not found as a free element naturally on Earth, generally the metal is obtained through electrolysis of magnesium salts. The most common deficiency in the United States with staggering two thirds of the population is the magnesium deficiency. Magnesium can be obtained through vegetables, tea, cocoa, cereals, coffee, nuts and spices.

Methionine is an a-amino acid classified in the non polar group of amino acids. All amino acids have a basic structure in which there is a central carbon atom, attached with the amine, carboxyl, and functional groups as side chains and also a hydrogen atom. Only the functional group varies in different amino acids and the properties, and thus the importance of the amino acids varies according to the functional groups. Methionine has a non polar thioether group as its functional group. Most of the advantages of methionine are based on the fact that the body can convert it into very useful substances. On its own, it is a potent antioxidant and helps in the breakdown of fat. When converted to creatine monohydrate, it helps muscle building.

Niacinamide, also known as Nicotinamide is water-soluble and usually found in Vitamin B3. It is normally seen in different dietary supplements as well as energy medications. One good thing about the Niacinamide is that compared to other water soluble vitamins, it does not contain any harmful effects such as flushing or even skin irritations. Niacinamide also has an anti-inflammatory property, because of this, Niacinamide is also being used to cure acne and other kinds of skin diseases. It can either be taken orally, or some kinds of medications include this in their formula as a topical cream or even as a topical gel.

Phenylalanine, which may aid in weight loss through the feeling of satiety or fullness by taking phenylalanine with a glass of water 20 minutes before a meal.

Potassium- Potassium is one of the essential minerals required for proper physiological functioning of the body. It plays an important role in the regulation of heart muscles. It helps to convert glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is essential for muscle formation. Potassium also helps to propagate nerve impulses by exchanging ion within cells and also helps in muscle contractions. It helps in balancing blood pressure. It controls the proper functioning of kidney. An average adult needs 3-5 gm of potassium daily. Due to deficiency of potassium, body observes tiredness. Other deficiency symptoms are weakness of muscles, low blood pressure, vomiting, poor kidney functions and Heart arrhythmias. Severe potassium shortages quickly direct to electrolyte disproportion which involves malfunctioning of nerves, kidney and heart.

Proline is an amino acid. The body has the capability to produce Proline with glutamic acid. Proline works well with vitamin C, which make it more potent. It helps particularly in maintaining and repairing damaged tissues, skin and muscle. It heals damaged cartilage, and helps maintaining flexible joints. It benefits parts of the body where collagen is found, such as blood vessels, tendons, skin, bones, and including the eye. It prevents and reduces the sagging, wrinkling and aging of skin. It ensures that the body has the proper supply of collagen, guarding it against future joint and spine problems. It also enhances the immune system.

Serine is a non-essential proteinogenic amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It is derived from the metabolite glycine. It is important to overall health, both physical and mental, as well as the proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system. It is an important factor to the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which directly affects the body’s metabolic rate. Serine forms the phospholipids that are needed to make cells in the body. Promotion of a healthy immune system is also one of serine’s benefits, as it produces immunoglobulins and antibodies. Serine produces trypophan which is an amino acid that is used to make serotonin.

Threonine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the function of the body. It helps break down uric acid to be used for the production of purines. It helps prevent illness such as gout, and arthritis. It is also important in the synthesis of the amino acid glycine. Threonine also helps balance the blood sugar level in the body by converting glucose in the liver through gluconeogenesis. Threonine also prevents the accumulation of fatty tissues in the liver. It also improves the immune system. Threonine promotes the production and formation of proteins elastin and collagen that have strong antioxidant properties.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is formed from proteins during digestion by working of proteolytic enzymes. It can help enhance relaxation and improve sleep, soothe nerves and anxiety, relieve minor premenstrual symptoms, and decrease carbohydrate cravings. It is vital for production of serotonin, which is among the important chemicals involved in blood regulation. During depression, the amount of serotonin released from the brain’s nerve cells may decline. Tryptophan, by enhancing serotonin levels in the blood, can increase the antidepressant effects of serotonin. It is essential for production of niachin (B3) and needs, biotin, B6, zinc, and vitamin C to form the enzyme required for conversion. It can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. It assists in controlling hyperactivity in children, relieving stress, and increasing release of growth hormones essential for production of vitamin B6. It can also help regulate appetite and assist in weight loss.

Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid derived from several sources, including soy, poultry, milk and cheese products, but can also be synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. There are twenty amino acids that are used in human cells to synthesize proteins, one of which is tyrosine. It is of vital importance to the carbon dioxide conversion into organic compounds conducted by plants, the photosynthesis. Tyrosine is also recognized as a precursor to hormones, but also alkaloids and pigments. It is furthermore viewed as a precursor to neurotransmitters; it increases the levels of plasma neurotransmitters, most prominently norepinephrine and dopamine. While under normal circumstances the effects of tyrosine are inconclusive, it has been observed as useful in stress situations and to reduce the effects of a cold, fatigue, sleep deprivation and any kind of prolonged labor.

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite(the light-absorbing molecule retinal). This molecule is absolutely necessary for both scotopic and color vision. It also palys an important role in the health or our skin, bone metabolism, immune function. It is also commercially produced and administered as esters such as retinyl acetate commonly called Vitamin A acetate. Its defeciency can cause blindness. Other problems include impaired immunity, hypokeratosis (white lumps at hair follicles), keratosis pilaris and squamous metaplasia of the epithelium lining the upper respiratory passages and urinary bladder to a keratinized epithelium.

Vitamin B1, or rather the Vitamin B complex, is a group of vitamins that are all soluble in water and very often coexist in food sources. While every single Vitamin from the B complex group has a name, they are very often referred to by the number added to the Vitamin B group name, like Vitamin B1, which is thiamine, or Vitamin B2, which is riboflavin. Some other compounds have been added to the Vitamin B group at some time, but were later dropped, like adenine, orotic acid or adenosine monophosphate, where later research found that they are either synthesized by the human body or simply no Vitamins. Vitamin B complex supports the metabolism rate, maintains muscle tone and skin, raises functions of the nervous system and the immune system, promotes red blood cells and cell growth and division and much more.

Vitamin B12 is required for the normal functioning and development of the nervous system, blood cells and brain. It’s a water soluble vitamin which is used to elevate mood, improve energy levels and concentration, to boost immune system and in sleeping disorders. Severe deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia. It is also used for lowering high homocysteine levels which may contribute to heart disease, asthma, AIDS, to prevent cervical and other cancers, memory loss, osteoporosis, allergies and skin infections. It also helps to prevent atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and kidney and gum disease. Vitamin B12 is added in almost all multi-vitamin B complex supplements. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 in infants can lead to megaloblastic anemia, delayed developments and movement disorders. Studies have proved that when used in combination with folic acid, it can prevent heart diseases.

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin with no known toxic effects. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is necessary in the oxidative process of metabolism. It is also sometimes used to correct certain enzyme deficiencies and improve mental processes.

Vitamin B5, is water soluble and is needed by every cell in the body to maintain good health. It helps in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins to provide the body with energy. It assists in the production of red blood cells and hormones and ensures a healthy pregnancy. It is also known to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. It helps in reducing stress and treating people with rheumatoid arthritis. Pantothenic acid is found in small quantities in almost all foods but abundantly in meats, fish, poultry, avocados, peas, broccoli and whole grains. A deficiency which is rare, leads to leg cramps, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, insomnia, depression, a burning sensation in the limbs and a weakened immune system.

Vitamin B6, which active form pyridoxal phosphate or otherwise known as PLP and pyridoxal-5’-phosphate, is a prosthetic group of tightly bound cofactors responsible for many reactions within the amino acid metabolism and the manipulation of the enzymatic reaction behind the release of glucose from glycogen. Vitamin B6 generally comprises three organic compounds, pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine, all of them heterocyclic organic compounds that are converted in the human body to the active pyridoxal phosphate form. There are three reactions attributed to PLP, namely transamination, alpha elimination and beta elimination. Over one hundred and forty enzyme activities depend on pyridoxal phosphate, neurotransmitter and histamine synthesis, synthesis and function of hemoglobin, and gene expression. As a cofactor, PLP is active in amino acid metabolism, glucogenesis and lipid metabolism.

Vitamin C- The essential nutrient L-ascorbic acid, or rather Vitamin C, is necessary for a wide plethora of metabolic reactions in almost all living beings. In humans, Vitamin C is vital in the collagen synthesis. While most beings are able to make it internally, apes and humans cannot. Interestingly enough, while widely promoted as the best dietary source of Vitamin C, Oranges are dwarfed by the Kakadu plum, which has sixty times the amount. Prominent are rose hips, blackcurrant, red peppers, parsley, the kiwifruit, broccoli, redcurrant, several berries including strawberries and raspberries, as well as more exotic fruits and vegetables like Camu Camu, acerola, seabuckthorn, Indian gooseberry, jujube, guava and baobab. Tomatoes, while very popular Vitamin C source in the US, are very low on the Vitamin C scale.

Vitamin D- The fast soluble vitamin D is perhaps the most underrated nutrient that is produced when sunlight touches the skin. But it is extremely vital for bone health, as without it the body cannot absorb the calcium that you may provide it in the form of supplements. With the advent of beauty products with high sun protection factor, this nutrient is becoming less available to our bodies. Even weaker sunscreens with just SPF-8 prevent the body considerably from producing vitamin D. Diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, and even schizophrenia may stem from deficiency of this vitamin. You can provide vitamin D to your body through supplements and foods like mushrooms, tuna, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, mackerel, fortified dairy products and cereals, yoghurt, and milk.

Vitamin K- The lipophillic, hydrophobic vitamins needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins is denoted by the Vitamin K. It is required mostly for blood coagulation. K3, K4 and K5 are the three types of synthetic Vitamin K that are used in many areas. Pet food industry makes use of Vitamin K3 whereas Vitmanin K5 is used to inhibit fungal growth. The main sources of vitamin K are spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and a few fruits like kiwifruit and avocado. Recent research shows that vitamin K helps in increasing bone mass. Research also shows that the consumption of vitamin K helps in promoting osteotrophic processes while at the same time slowing the osteoclastic processes. This process is done by achieving the calcium bonding in the bones.