Amino Acids

Alanine (Ala) is a nonessential amino acid that plays a crucial role in the body’s metabolism. It helps transfer nitrogen from peripheral tissues to the liver and supports glucose production during fasting. Alanine is naturally produced in the body and is also found in various dietary sources, making it readily available for vital bodily functions.

Arginine is important for blood flow, wound healing, and immune function. It helps in making nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels for better circulation. Arginine is found in red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. It's also in nuts and legumes. Bodybuilders and athletes sometimes use supplements for muscle growth....

Asparagine supports brain function and keeps the nervous system balanced. It builds proteins and aids in amino acid synthesis. Foods rich in asparagine include dairy, beef, poultry, eggs, fish, and asparagus. It plays a key role in brain health and mood regulation....

Aspartic acid boosts brain health and hormone production. It helps produce and release hormones and supports the nervous system. You'll find aspartic acid in foods like poultry, eggs, cheese, and asparagus. Athletes often use it in supplements to enhance performance. Maintaining a good balance of aspartic acid aids in energy production and keeps hormones balanced....

Beta-alanine boosts muscle endurance and performance. It's a building block for proteins and helps make carnosine, which reduces muscle fatigue. You can find beta-alanine in meat, fish, and poultry. Athletes and bodybuilders often use it in supplements for better workout results. Maintaining a good level of beta-alanine helps with prolonged muscle performance and overall exercise capacity....

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids play crucial roles in muscle protein synthesis, energy production, and recovery, especially during physical activity. Measuring total BCAA levels in the blood provides insight into protein metabolism, nutritional status, and muscle health. Imbalances may be linked to poor dietary intake, metabolic dysfunction, or increased demand due to stress, illness, or intense training. BCAA levels are especially important for athletes, individuals experiencing fatigue, or those recovering from illness or muscle loss.

Citrulline is a compound that supports blood flow and muscle endurance. It helps the body produce nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels. Naturally found in foods like watermelons, cucumbers, and pumpkins, citrulline is popular among athletes for its ability to boost exercise performance, reduce fatigue, and speed up recovery. It plays a key role in healthy circulation and effective physical performance.

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in suppressing neuronal activity in the brain. It helps regulate mood, anxiety, and sleep, fostering relaxation and calm. By counterbalancing the effects of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate, proper GABA function is vital for mental and emotional health.

Glutamic acid is key for brain function and muscle energy. It's a major neurotransmitter in the brain and helps in protein synthesis. You'll find glutamic acid in protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. It's important for learning and memory. Maintaining good glutamic acid levels supports cognitive health and muscle strength. It's essential for healthy brain activity and overall physical performance....

Glutamine boosts gut health and strengthens the immune system. This protein-building amino acid improves intestinal function. Found in meats, eggs, and dairy, glutamine is key for digestion and immunity. People often use it in supplements for muscle recovery and better gut health....

Glycine enhances sleep quality and supports skin health. It's a building block for proteins, crucial for collagen production. You can find glycine in protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and dairy. It's also popular in supplements for better sleep and skin. Glycine helps with wound healing and promotes restful sleep. It's key for maintaining healthy skin and effective recovery....

Histidine is an essential amino acid that supports immune function, tissue repair, and nerve protection. It is a precursor to histamine, a compound important for immune responses and digestion. Found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy, histidine is vital for maintaining healthy tissues, blood cells, and the myelin sheath around nerve cells.

Homoarginine boosts heart health and improves blood flow by aiding in nitric oxide production, which widens blood vessels. Present in small amounts in legumes and fish, it's vital for cardiovascular health. Homoarginine helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart function. Keeping its levels right is essential for strong circulation and heart health. It plays a crucial role in keeping blood vessels and the heart in good condition....

Iso-leucine aids in muscle repair and energy production. It's an essential amino acid, important for building proteins. Found in foods like meat, fish, and dairy, iso-leucine is crucial for athletes and active individuals. It helps in muscle recovery and boosts energy levels. Maintaining the right levels of iso-leucine is key for strong muscles and overall endurance. It plays a vital role in keeping muscles healthy and energized....

Leucine is key for muscle building and repair. It's an essential amino acid that helps make proteins. You can find leucine in meat, fish, and dairy. It's especially important for bodybuilders and athletes. Leucine helps in muscle recovery and boosts energy....

Lysine supports immune system health and aids in collagen production. It is an essential amino acid needed for protein synthesis. Lysine is present in meat, fish, dairy products, and legumes, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and bones. It helps with wound healing and calcium absorption. Keeping proper lysine levels is essential for strong immunity and healthy skin. It is important for bone strength and overall wellness.

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in detoxification and metabolism. It is vital for the production of other amino acids and can be found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy. Methionine supports liver health, helps eliminate toxins, and promotes healthy skin and nails.

The Omega-6 / Omega-3 Ratio represents the balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. This ratio is crucial for health, as an imbalance, particularly a high Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, is associated with increased inflammation and risk of chronic diseases....

Ornithine supports liver health and helps remove toxins. It's key in the urea cycle, aiding in the elimination of ammonia. Found in meat, fish, and dairy, ornithine is crucial for detoxification. It also aids in wound healing and tissue repair....

Phenylalanine (Phe) is an essential amino acid that supports brain function and mood. It is needed for the production of proteins and neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which affects mental well-being. Phenylalanine can be found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and soy products.

Proline supports skin and joint health. This amino acid is crucial for collagen production, which is key for healthy skin and connective tissues. Found in meat, dairy, and eggs, proline helps maintain skin elasticity and joint flexibility. It's important for wound healing and maintaining strong cartilage....

Sarcosine is an amino acid that supports mental health and metabolism. It plays a role in the synthesis of other amino acids, aids muscle growth, and supports cognitive function. Naturally found in egg yolks, turkey, and legumes, sarcosine is associated with brain health and is being researched for its potential benefits in mental health.

Serine is vital for brain function, mental health, and muscle formation. It contributes to the production of neurotransmitters and supports the immune system. Serine is synthesized in the body and found in foods like soybeans, nuts, eggs, and fish. It's also present in dairy and meat products. Serine supplements are considered by individuals seeking to enhance cognitive and muscular health....

Taurine is an amino acid essential for the function of heart muscles, vision, and nerve health. It supports cardiovascular health, helps maintain healthy eyes, and aids in nerve growth and activity. Taurine naturally occurs in foods like meat, fish, and dairy.

Threonine aids in immune system function and gut health. This essential amino acid is important for protein synthesis and collagen production. You'll find threonine in meat, dairy, and lentils. It's key for maintaining a strong immune system and healthy digestive tract. Threonine supports skin and connective tissue health....

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that supports sleep and mood. It helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects sleep, emotions, and appetite. Found in foods like turkey, chicken, milk, and nuts, tryptophan plays a vital role in relaxation, sleep, and overall mental well-being.

Tyrosine is an amino acid that supports brain function and mood. It helps produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which affect mood, focus, and mental alertness. Found in foods like cheese, soy products, fish, and poultry, tyrosine is important for emotional well-being, stress response, and thyroid function.

Valine supports muscle growth and energy production. This essential amino acid is crucial for protein synthesis and muscle repair. You'll find valine in dairy, meat, grains, and mushrooms. It's key for endurance and muscle metabolism. Valine helps in tissue repair and regulating blood sugar....