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.

Calcium Caseinate is a slow digesting protein supplement derived from fresh skim milk. It contains higher level of glutamic acid than whey and soy and because it is slow to digest, it helps other proteins become digestible, allowing the body to absorb more amino acids and peptides. Calcium Caseinate is rich in calcium, proteins and amino acids. Calcium Caseinate is a supplement usually taken by body builders and other athletes before bedtime, with breakfast or after workout. Studies show that when Calcium Caseinate was administered to some bodybuilders, the strength gains were twice as much as when they were given whey proteins. This is because the slow digestion of Calcium Caseinate causes a sustained release of amino acids that prevents the breakdown of muscle tissues.

Creatine Monohydrate is an organic acid that is naturally found in humans. First discovered in 1832, the primary function of creatine monohydrate is to help in supplying energy to the muscles. About half of the stored creatine monohydrate in the body comes from food sources, mostly meat. Vegetarians tend to show lower levels of creatine monohydrate since vegetables don’t contain this acid. However since meat tends to contain high levels of saturated fat which is not good for the heart, one way in which creatine monohydrate can be made available is through supplements. In fact many body builders take creatine supplements to help in increasing muscle mass. Creatine monohydrate has also been shown to cause slight increase in strength in those with neuromuscular disorders and is now being considered as a therapy for several diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s etc. especially because it is considered safe and so far has exhibited no side effects.

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.

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 an amino acid acting as a transmitter of the nerve impulses. It reduces the spinal nerves action by supplying skeletal muscles. Glycine tastes sweet and is hence added to soft drinks so that it masks the aftertaste of saccharin bitterness. This is an organic compound and is found in animal proteins. Glycine takes active participation in the free state in many significant reactions such as the biosynthesis of heme which is indeed one the important constituents of hemoglobin. The glycine defects in metabolism are rare. This acid is however not essential as diet as it can be available from other substances to the body. This was the foremost acid to get isolated from protein. Glycine is employed in pharmaceutical applications. Glycine is sold as United States Pharmacopeia as well as technical grade. However, the USP grade has diverse uses. The technical grade may sometime not reach the standards or USP grade, but is widely used in industrial applications for metal finishing.

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-Histidine is an amino acid that is essential to the body, but is not produced by the body. It is made available through various food sources. Histidine helps in the manufacture and repair of tissues in the body, and in the formation of red and white blood cells which help in the treatment of anemia. It is also used for the production of gastric juices by the stomach. A deficiency in Histidine can lead to cataract and rheumatoid arthritis. Besides this, it is also a well known component of the skin that protects it by absorbing the ultra violet rays of the sun. A variety of foods such as meat, legumes, seafood, nuts, poultry and dairy products are providers of the required amounts of L-Histidine.

L-Isoleucine- The second of three branched chain amino acids it is important in blood sugar regulation and producing hemoglobin. After exercise, it is responsible for muscle recovery and important in the metabolism to produce energy.

L-Leucine is useful in conjunction with L-Valine and L-Isoleucine as an amino acid supplement. L-Leucine is an amino acid that a body cannot produce on its own. It is expected to be received externally from food sources such as brown rice and nuts or even through some of the dietary supplementation. L-Leucine is showing numerous advantages in the athletic qualities. Within six week of training with L-Leucine in association, a person is able to maximize the aerobic power. In the six weeks the strength and power in the upper body increases. However, research and studies is limited carried on the athletic performance. L-Leucine incorporated into the muscle protein in continuation with two weeks exercise regime will give adequate resistance and the muscle protein synthesis will certainly show an increase. L-Leucine is a preservative of the muscles, but is as well a supplement that enhances the capabilities of muscle building owing to the enhanced protein synthesis rate.

L-Methionine, an essential amino acid for the human body, acts as a building block for proteins. Since the body cannot produce it naturally, you need to take it through supplements and diet. This antioxidant is found in dairy products and meat and is essential for producing creatine. It is soluble in water and helps in breakdown of fats. You can also find L-Methionine in vegetables and fruits. Since it is a glycogenic amino acid, it helps in forming glycogen and D-glucose. On a daily basis, experts recommend only 13 mg of L-Methionine for adults. These supplements are not only effective in liver disease treatment but also beneficial for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet. You can enhance the quality of your skin, hair and nails by taking L-Methionine supplements.

L-Phenylalanine- The human body needs L-Phenylalanine for survival as it is an essential amino acid. It is found in food items that are rich in protein such as eggs, meat, dairy products, beans and fish. Since the body cannot produce L-Phenylalanine from other chemicals, you need to increase the intake of protein for fulfilling the nutritional needs. L-Phenylalanine is one of the chemical forms of Phenylalanine, an amino acid. It helps in building up of several proteins produced by human body. L-Phenylalanine supplements act as an appetite suppressant as it initiates the release of cholecystokinin, an intestinal hormone. Once this hormone enters the stomach, it signals your brain that you are not hungry anymore. According to experts, you should not take more than 500-1000 mg of L-Phenylalanine per day.

Lysine

Maltodextrin is produced from starch. It is usually found in the form of a white creamy hygroscopic spraydried powder. Consisting of D-glucose (dextrin) units, the human body can absorb Maltodextrin as quickly as glucose. It is being used as the main component in various weight gain products because it affects the enzymatic process, allowing the body to perform better during exercise regimes. Since it doesn’t have any side effects, body builders and athletes use this supplement very often. Maltodextrin supplements can enable the body to last longer during heavy strenuous activities. It is a complex carbohydrate which is also added in beverages for quick carbohydrate replenishment. Human body can get 4 kilocalories per gram from Maltodextrin. Since it is resultant of cornstarch, body tends to digest it very easily.

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.

Micellar Casein is an indentured form of casein isolated from ordinary casein protein. It is produced from milk by means of ultra filtration, without the use of chemicals. Research shows that Micellar casein is an extremely slow digesting protein that offers prolonged 7 hour absorption; studies relate prolonged absorption to increased protein synthesis and reduced muscle breakdown. It is preferred over whey because it provides muscles with protein over a long period of time; therefore, more protein is absorbed and used by the muscle. Since it is produced without the use of chemicals it contains more bioactive milk peptides that support immune function as well as enhance muscle growth.

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 amino acid derived from amino acid glycine and is beneficial to both mental and physical health.It is vital for proper functioning of brain and central nervous system. Serine helps form phospholipids that are needed to make every cell in the body. It also is helpful in muscle formation and maintaining a strong immune system. Proteins used to form the brain, and the protective myelin sheaths covering nerves, contain serine. It is also required for producing amino acid tryptophan, which is used to make serotonin, a chemical that determines mood. Shortage of serotonin and tryptophan has been associated with depression, confusion, insomnia, and anxiety. Decreased serine levels can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Sodium Caseinate- Also called casein, sodium caseinate is the most common phosphoprotein accounting for approximately 80 percent of proteins in cow milk and cheese. It contains a high number of proline peptides that do not interact. Sodium caseinate can help make teeth strong, reducing decay. It strengthens the immune system. It has the ability of forming a gel or clot in the stomach, making it very efficient in nutrient supply. The clot ensures a sustained, slow release of amino acids into blood stream, providing better nitrogen retention and use by the body. Sodium caseinate has been documented to break down to yield casomorphin, an opioid which acts mainly as a histamine releaser. Casomorphin aggravates symptoms of austism.

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.

Valine- One of the several essential amino acids present in the human body is Valine. This is also a nonpolar, branched chain amino acid which is found in high concentrations in the muscles. Since it is an essential amino acid, valine is not synthesised in the body and thus must be ingested as part of the diet. Valine is available through foods like fish, poultry, peanuts, sesame seeds, lentils and cottage cheese. Valine is essential for muscle, growth and repair of tissue and for maintaining the body’s nitrogen balance. Since it has a branched chain, valine can be used as an energy source in the muscles and thus conserves glucose. Hence valine is often used by bodybuilders to support muscle growth and provide energy. A deficiency of valine in the body, caused by the inability of the body to metabolise valine leads to the Maple Syrup Urine Disease in which the person’s urine smells like maple syrup.

Whey Protein- The liquid material which is created as a by product of cheese production is known as whey protein. It is basically a mixture of globular protein which is isolated from whey. A lot of research has been done on the results of whey protein on humans. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement by humans. When the milk coagulates, whey is what is left over. Whey contains everything that is soluble from milk. It is basically a combination of some minerals, lactalbumin and 5% solution of lactose in water. After the cheese is produced, the whey is removed. It is processed for human foods after removing the fat from it. Concentrate, hydrolysate and isolate are the three major forms in which the whey protein comes in.