Amino Acids

Alanine, a nonessential amino acid, plays a crucial role in the body's metabolism. It's involved in the transfer of nitrogen from peripheral tissues to the liver, aiding in glucose production during fasting states. This amino acid is synthesized in the body and found in a variety of dietary sources, making it accessible for bodily functions....

Arginine is an important amino acid that supports blood flow, wound healing, and immune system function. It plays a key role in producing nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes and widens blood vessels to improve circulation. Arginine is naturally found in foods like red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, nuts, and legumes. It is also commonly used in supplements by bodybuilders and athletes to promote 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 is an amino acid that supports brain health and hormone production. It plays a key role in hormone synthesis and release, while also aiding nervous system function. Found naturally in foods like poultry, eggs, cheese, and asparagus, aspartic acid is often used in supplements by athletes to boost performance. Maintaining adequate levels helps support energy production and hormonal balance.

Beta-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid that supports muscle endurance and exercise performance. It helps produce carnosine, a compound that buffers acid in muscles and reduces fatigue during high-intensity activity. Commonly found in meat, fish, and poultry, beta-alanine is also widely used in supplements to enhance workout capacity and delay muscle exhaustion.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) refer to a group of three essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These amino acids play key 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 can be linked to poor dietary intake, metabolic dysfunction, or increased demand due to stress, illness, or intense training. BCAA levels are particularly relevant for athletes, individuals with fatigue, or those recovering from illness or muscle loss.

Citrulline boosts blood flow and muscle endurance. It makes nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels. This nutrient, found in watermelons, cucumbers, and pumpkins, is popular among athletes. It enhances exercise performance, reduces fatigue, and speeds up recovery. Citrulline is key for healthy circulation and effective exercise....

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, crucial for reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. It plays a significant role in regulating mood, anxiety, and sleep. GABA helps promote relaxation and calmness, balancing the action of excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. Proper GABA function is essential for mental and emotional well-being....

Glutamic acid is an amino acid that plays a key role in brain function and muscle energy. It acts as a major neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, while also supporting protein synthesis and cognitive performance. Commonly found in protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy, glutamic acid is essential for maintaining healthy brain activity and overall physical strength.

Glutamine is an amino acid that supports gut health and strengthens the immune system. It plays a key role in maintaining intestinal function, aiding digestion, and supporting muscle recovery. Commonly found in meats, eggs, and dairy products, glutamine is also used in supplements to promote digestive health and immune function.

Glycine is an amino acid that supports sleep quality, skin health, and overall recovery. As a building block of proteins, it plays a vital role in collagen production, wound healing, and maintaining healthy skin. Glycine is found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and dairy, and is commonly used in supplements to promote restful sleep and tissue repair.

Histidine supports immune function and tissue repair. It's vital for making histamine, which is important for immune responses and digestion. Found in meat, fish, and dairy, histidine is essential for healthy tissues and blood cells. It helps in maintaining the myelin sheath around nerve cells. Histidine is key for overall immune health and repairing body tissues. It's crucial for nerve protection and effective immune responses....

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....

Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that supports muscle repair, energy production, and protein synthesis. Commonly found in meat, fish, and dairy products, it plays a key role in muscle recovery and endurance, especially for athletes and physically active individuals. Maintaining adequate isoleucine levels is important for muscle health, strength, and overall performance.

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 health and aids in collagen production. It's an essential amino acid, crucial for making proteins. Found in meat, fish, dairy, and legumes, lysine is important for skin and bone health. It helps in wound healing and calcium absorption. Maintaining the right levels of lysine is key for strong immunity and healthy skin. It's vital for bone strength and overall well-being....

Methionine aids in detoxification and metabolism. It's an essential amino acid, important for making other amino acids. You'll find methionine in meat, fish, and dairy. It's crucial for liver health and removing toxins. Methionine also supports skin and nail health....

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 boosts brain function and mood. This essential amino acid is necessary for making proteins and neurotransmitters. You can find it in meat, fish, dairy, and soy products. It's crucial for mental health, helping to produce mood-influencing dopamine. ...

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 boosts mental health and aids in metabolism. This amino acid helps synthesize others and supports muscle growth. You'll find it in egg yolks, turkey, and legumes. It's key for cognitive functions and muscle development. Sarcosine is important for brain health and has potential in mental health research....

Serine is an amino acid that plays an important role in brain function, mental health, and muscle development. It contributes to the production of neurotransmitters and supports immune system activity. Serine is naturally produced in the body and is also found in foods such as soybeans, nuts, eggs, fish, dairy, and meat. Some individuals use serine supplements to support cognitive and muscular health.

Taurine supports heart health and vision. This amino acid is crucial for heart muscle function and maintaining healthy eyes. You'll find taurine in meat, fish, and dairy. It's key for a healthy cardiovascular system and good eye health. Taurine also aids in nerve growth and function....

Threonine is an essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis, collagen formation, and immune system support. It plays a key role in maintaining gut health, supporting the digestive tract lining, and contributing to healthy skin and connective tissues. Threonine is commonly found in foods such as meat, dairy products, and legumes.

Tryptophan supports sleep and mood. This essential amino acid helps make serotonin, which affects sleep and emotions. Found in turkey, chicken, milk, and nuts, tryptophan is key for relaxation and sleep. It's important for mental health and regulating appetite....

Tyrosine boosts brain function and mood. This amino acid helps make neurotransmitters like dopamine, affecting mood and concentration. Found in cheese, soy products, fish, and poultry, tyrosine is key for mental alertness and emotional health. It's important for stress response and thyroid function....

Valine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in supporting muscle growth and energy production. It is vital for protein synthesis, muscle repair, and tissue recovery. Valine also contributes to endurance and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This amino acid is commonly found in foods such as dairy, meat, grains, and mushrooms.