Reference Guide for AMINO ACIDS

This Guide contains an Overview and information on (ESSENTIAL)   HISTIDINE  ISOLEUCINE   LEUCINE  LYSINE   METHIONINE   PHENYLALANINE   THREONINE  TRYPTOPHAN   VALINE   (NON-ESSENTIAL)   ALANINE   ARGININE   ASPARTIC ACID   CYSTEINE & CYSTINE   GLUTAMIC ACID   GLUTAMINE   GLYCINE   ORNITHINE  PROLINE   SERINE   TAURINE   TYROSINE 

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Reference Guide for: Vitamins   Minerals   AMINO ACIDS   Herbs   Special Nutrients   Anti-Oxidants    Dietary Fibers   Nutritional Greens   Digestive Nutrients   Nutritional Glossary 

This information is designed to help adults make informed decisions about their health and is intended to be used for general nutritional information and educational purposes only.  It is not intended to prescribe, treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any particular medical problem or disease, or to promote any particular product. Women who are pregnant or nursing should always consult with their doctors before taking any supplements. You should always consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health concerns. Persons with medical conditions should seek professional medical care.

AMINO ACIDS Overview

Amino Acids are the chemical units or "building blocks" of the body that make up proteins. Protein substances make up the muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. Growth, repair and maintenance of all cells are dependent upon them. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body weight. Amino Acids that must be obtained from the diet are called "Essential Amino Acids" other Amino Acids that the body can manufacture from other sources are called "NonEssential Amino Acids."
See References.

HIST IDINE   (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Is found abundantly in hemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers and anemia; is essential for the growth and repair of tissues; important for the maintenance of the myelin sheaths, which protect nerve cells; is needed for the production of both red and white blood cells; protects the body from radiation damage; lowers blood pressure, aids in the removal of heavy metals from the body; aids in sexual arousal.  More on HISTIDINE.  See References

Formulas that contain HISTIDINE (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

ISOLEUCINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Is needed for hemoglobin formation; stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels; is valuable to athletes because it aids in the healing and repair of muscle tissue, skin and bones; has been found to be deficient in people suffering from certain mental and physical disorders.  More on ISOLEUCINE.  See References

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LEUCINE   (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Works with Isoleucine and Valine to promote the healing of muscle tissue, skin, and bones; is recommended for those recovering from surgery; lowers blood sugar levels; aids in increasing growth hormone production.  More on LEUCINE.  See References

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LYSINE   (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Ensures adequate calcium absorption and maintains a proper nitrogen balance in adults; helps form collagen (which makes up cartilage and connective tissue); aids in the production of antibodies which have the ability to fight cold sores and herpes outbreaks; lowers high serum triglyceride levels.  More on LYSINE. See References

Formulas that contain LYSINE (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

METHIONINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

A powerful anti-oxidant and a good source of sulfur, which prevents disorders of the hair, skin, and nails; assists the breakdown of fats, thus helping to prevent a buildup of fat in the liver and arteries, that might obstruct blood flow to the brain, heart, and kidneys; helps to detoxify harmful agents such as lead and other heavy metals; helps diminish muscle weakness; prevents brittle hair; protects against the affects of radiation; beneficial for women who take oral contraceptives because it promotes the excretion of estrogen; reduces the level of histamine in the body which can cause the brain to relay wrong messages; helpful to individuals suffering from schizophrenia.  More on METHIONINE.  See References

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PHENYLALANINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Used by the brain to produce norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain; promotes alertness and vitality; elevates mood; decreases pain; aids memory and learning; used to treat arthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.   More on PHENYLALANINE.  See References

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THREONINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Helps maintain proper protein balance in the body; is important for the formation of collagen, elastin and tooth enamel; aids liver and Lipotropic function when combined with Aspartic Acid and Methionine; prevents the buildup of fat in the liver; assists metabolism and assimilation.  More on THREONINE.  See References

Formulas that contain THREONINE (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven .

TRYPTOPHAN
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

A natural relaxant, helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep; reduces anxiety and depression and stabilizes mood; helps in the treatment of migraine headaches helps the immune system function properly; aids in weight control by reducing appetite; enhances the release of growth hormones; helps control hyperactivity in children.  More on TRYPTOPHAN.  See References

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VA LINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Is needed for muscle metabolism and coordination, tissue repair, and for the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in the body; used as an energy source by muscle tissue; helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease; promotes mental vigor and calm emotions.  More on VALINE.  See References

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ALANINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Plays a major role in the transfer of nitrogen from peripheral tissue to the liver; aids in the metabolism of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that the body uses for energy; guards against the buildup of toxic substances that are released into muscle cells when muscle protein is broken down quickly to meet energy needs, such as what happens with aerobic exercise; strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies. 

More on ALANINE.  See References

Formulas that contain ALANINE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

ARGININE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Considered ''The Natural Viagra" by increasing blood flow to the penis; retards the growth of tumors and cancer by enhancing the immune system; increases the size and activity of the thymus gland, which manufactures T cells, crucial components of the immune system; aids in liver detoxification by neutralizing ammonia; reduces the effects of chronic alcohol toxicity; used in treating sterility in men by increasing sperm count; aids in weight loss because it facilitates an increase in muscle mass and a reduction of body fat; assists the release of growth hormones, which is crucial for "optimal" muscle growth and tissue repair; is a major component of collagen which is good for arthritis and connective tissue disorders; aids in stimulating the pancreas to release insulin.   More on ARGININE.  See References.

Formulas that contain ARGININE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

ASPARTIC ACID
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Increases stamina and is good for chronic fatigue and depression; rejuvenates cellular activity, cell formation and metabolism, which gives you a younger looking appearance; protects the liver by aiding the expulsion of ammonia; combines with other amino acids to form molecules that absorb toxins and remove them from the bloodstream; helps facilitate the movement of certain minerals across the intestinal lining and into the blood and cells; aids the function of RNA and DNA, which are carriers of genetic information.  More on ASPARTIC ACID.  See References

Formulas that contain ASPARTIC ACID (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

CYSTEINE & CYSTINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Functions as a powerful anti-oxidant in detoxifying harmful toxins; protects the body from radiation damage; protects the liver and brain from damage due to alcohol, drugs, and toxic compounds found in cigarette smoke; has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and hardening of the arteries; promotes the recovery from severe burns and surgery; promotes the burning of fat and the building of muscle; slows down the aging process. Skin and hair is made up of 10-14% Cystine.  More on CYSTEINE & CYSTINE.  See References.

Formulas that contain CYSTEINE & CYSTINE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

GLUTAMIC ACID
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Is an excitatory neurotransmitter for the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord; important in the metabolism of sugars and fats; aids in the transportation of potassium into the spinal fluid; acts as fuel for the brain; helps correct personality disorders, and is used in the treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, and ulcers.  More on GLUTAMIC ACID.  See References.

Formulas that contain GLUTAMIC ACID (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

GLUT AMINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

The most abundant amino acid found in muscles; helps build and maintain muscle tissue; helps prevent muscle wasting that can accompany prolonged bed rest or diseases such as cancer and AIDS; a "brain fuel" that increases brain function and mental activity; assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body; promotes a healthy digestive tract; shortens the healing time of ulcers and alleviates fatigue, depression and impotence; decreases sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol; recently used in the treatment of schizophrenia and senility.  More on GLUTAMINE.  See References

GLYCINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Retards muscle degeneration; improves glycogen storage, thus freeing up glucose for energy needs; promotes a healthy prostate, central nervous system, and immune system; useful for repairing damaged tissue and promotes healing.   More on GLYCINE.  See References

Formulas that contain GLYCINE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

ORNITHINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Helps to prompt the release of growth hormones, which promotes the metabolism of excess body fat (this effect is enhanced if combined with Arginine and Carnitine); is necessary for a healthy immune system; detoxifies ammonia and aids in liver regeneration; stimulates insulin secretion and helps insulin work as an anabolic (muscle building) hormone.   More on ORNITHINE.  See References

PROLINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Improves skin texture by aiding the production of collagen and reducing the loss of collagen through the aging process; helps in the healing of cartilage and the strengthening of joints, tendons, and heart muscle; works with Vitamin C to promote healthy connective tissues.   More on PROLINE.  See References

Formulas that contain PROLINE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

SERINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Needed for the proper metabolism of fats and fatty acids, the growth of muscle, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system; is a component of the protective myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibers; is important in RNA & DNA function and cell formation; aids in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies.  More on SERINE.  See References

Formulas that contain SERINE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

TAURINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Strengthens the heart muscle, boosts vision, and helps prevent macular degeneration; is the key component of bile, which is needed for the digestion of fats; useful for people with atherosclerosis, edema, heart disorders, hypertension, or hypoglycemia; is vital for the proper utilization of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium; helps prevent the development of potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias; has been used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, poor brain function, and seizures.  More on TAURINE.  See References

TYROSINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)

Is important to overall metabolism; is a precursor of adrenaline, nor epinephrine, and dopamine, which regulate mood and stimulates metabolism and the nervous system; acts as a mood elevator, suppresses the appetite, and helps reduce body fat; aids in the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for hair and skin color) and in the functions of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands; has been used to help chronic fatigue, narcolepsy, anxiety, depression, low sex drive, allergies and headaches.  More on TYROSINE.  See References

Formulas that contain TYROSINE (NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID):  Alert Two Three Four Five Six Seven.

Reference Guides:
Vitamins   Minerals   AMINO ACIDS   Herbs   Special Nutrients   Anti-Oxidants    Dietary Fibers   Nutritional Greens   Digestive Nutrients   Nutritional Glossary 

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