Amino Acids

Amino Acid Supplements--Essential Building Blocks for Better Health

The human body requires 22 amino acids, 14 of which are taken in through a proper daily diet. The remaining 8 can be found through supplementation. They are essential for cell development, tissues repair, immunity, and optimal overall health.

Amino acids can be found in foods meats, fruits, and vegetables, but many people do not receive enough amino acids from food sources. Therefore, supplementation is necessary.

Specific amino acid supplements are available for those wanting to target a certain health problem or self-improvement area, but if you're looking for general health benefits, mixed amino acid supplements are available.

Amino acid supplements are available in the L form and D form. The L form is the most common, more active form for most amino acids. While some amino acids are labeled as essential and others as non-essential, all are important for superior health.

Branched-chain amino acids are meant to be used during weight training and are highly bioavailable. They promote the development of muscle protein and may also help reduce muscle breakdown in athletes during intense exercise, while also improving performance.

What to be careful of when taking amino acid supplements:

• Never use amino acid supplements with MAOIs (certain anti-depressants), as a hypertensive crisis can occur
• Do not take anti-psychotic medications with certain amino acids (L-Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, and 5-HTP), as the neurotransmitter inhibition of the anti-psychotics mixes with the neurotransmitter replenishment action of the amino acids
• Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before using amino acid supplements when pregnant
• Stay away from the amino acid L-Phenylalanine if you suffer from panic attacks
• Always consult a doctor before starting an amino acid supplement regimen, as they protein increase can increase the workload on your kidneys