Amino acids are the basic chemical building blocks that combine to form proteins, which are used by your body to break down food, grow muscle and repair body tissue, along with a whole host of other processes. Amino acids are most well-known for their muscle-building properties, and are touted as bodybuilding supplements, but studies have shown that a balanced amino acid intake can also help fight other diseases and can help with weight loss.
Even though scientists have discovered dozens of amino acids, only 20 are used to make proteins in the body. Nine of these—called essential amino acids—aren’t made by our bodies, so they have to come from food. Since amino acids aren’t stored in the body for later use (like protein and fat), we have to regularly replenish these essential amino acids with the foods we eat. The other types of amino acids are nonessential and conditional amino acids. Nonessential amino acids are produced by our bodies, so it’s not necessary to get them from food. Conditional amino acids are ones that aren’t usually essential, except in times of illness and stress.
It’s not necessary to get all of these amino acids in each meal, but it’s important to get a balance of all the necessary amino acids throughout the day. The best way to get all of the amino acids not made by the human body is through animal proteins, such as meats, fish, eggs and dairy. For vegetarians and vegans, this can be a bit more challenging, since beans and seeds don’t contain all of the amino acids our body needs. In this case, it might be necessary to add a supplement to your diet. Look for supplements that also contain Vitamin B6 to help your body absorb the amino acids.
Horizon Health shop sells a multitude of amino acid supplements, from amino acid complete supplements for a broad intake, to individual supplements to help mediate particular conditions. Below are our favorites:
- Custom Amino Acid Base: This amino acid base formula provides therapeutic levels of nine different amino acids blended together to provide immediate, broad-spectrum results. The bio-activating agents alpha ketoglutaric acid and vitamin B-6 are included for optimal utilization.
- GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid): Popularly known as the body’s natural tranquilizer, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important factor in reducing pain levels and hypersensitivities in the peripheral nervous system. New research shows that GABA can cross the blood-brain-barrier, contributing to normal mood.
- Glycine: Glycine is the smallest of amino acid molecules, yet extremely important in liver detoxification pathways, and has also been shown to support healthy neurological function and sleep. It has a sweet taste and comes in packets that can be used to sweeten drinks or powdered supplements without altering blood glucose levels.
- L-Arginine: This workhorse nutrient performs numerous vital functions, including supporting the body’s normal wound healing and the secretion of key hormones, such as insulin. It can also help maintain normal systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and total and LDL cholesterol.
- L-Glutamine: Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream. It is most notable for its healing properties to the gastrointestinal tract, and is helpful with ulcers, IBS, and gluten sensitivities. Elevated cortisol levels from trauma (wounds, burns, surgeries) can deplete glutamine levels. It’s available in capsule form, and a powdered form to add to beverages.
- L-Lysine: L-Lysine is an essential amino acid and must be obtained from food or by supplementation. Vegetarians and athletes who participate in frequent vigorous exercise are at highest risk for a lysine deficiency. Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium, and it plays an important role in the formation of collagen, a substance important for bones and connective tissues including skin, tendons and cartilage.
- L-Methionine: The essential amino acid L-Methionine is particularly important because it supplies sulfur, a mineral that helps to maintain healthy skin tone, well-conditioned hair, and strong nails, and it also serves as an important antioxidant and detoxifying agent.
- L-Ornithine: Ornithine is produced in the last step of the Urea Cycle and acts as an ammonia detoxifier. Not commonly found in food sources, L-Ornithine helps support the body’s normal ability to regulate growth hormone.
- L-Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that converts to tyrosine and is a precursor to thyroid hormone. It should not be used with MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants, or those who have PKU or hypertension.
- L-Tryptophan: Tryptophan is the essential amino acid that acts as a precursor to 5-HTP, serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan assists with normal sleep patterns, mood and appetite. Use with care when combining with SSRI’s or other substances that increase serotonin levels.
- L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine has many and varied functions. It is needed to make epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, all of which work to regulate mood. It aids in the production of melanin; in the regulation of the adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands; and is involved in the synthesis of enkephalins, the body’s natural pain relievers. L-Tyrosine should not be used with MAO inhibitors or with Levodopa (used to treat Parkinson’s disease).
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