Amino Acids

Alanine (Ala) is a nonessential amino acid that plays an important 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 many dietary sources, making it readily available for vital 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 is an amino acid that supports brain function and helps maintain the balance of the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and amino acid production. Present in foods such as dairy, beef, poultry, eggs, fish, and asparagus, asparagine significantly contributes to 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 is a compound that supports blood flow and muscle endurance. It helps the body produce nitric oxide, which relaxes and widens blood vessels. Found naturally in foods like watermelons, cucumbers, and pumpkins, citrulline is popular among athletes for its ability to enhance exercise performance, reduce fatigue, and accelerate 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 inhibiting neuronal activity in the brain. It helps regulate mood, anxiety, and sleep, promoting relaxation and calmness. By balancing the effects 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 crucial role in brain function and muscle energy. It functions as a primary neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, while also aiding protein synthesis and cognitive performance. Commonly found in protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy, glutamic acid is vital 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 an important 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 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 is a compound that supports cardiovascular health by boosting nitric oxide production, which helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Present in small amounts in legumes and fish, homoarginine plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining heart function. Adequate levels of homoarginine are essential for healthy circulation and overall heart and blood vessel health.

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 an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in muscle development and repair. It aids the body in protein synthesis and supports muscle recovery and energy production. Leucine is present in foods like meat, fish, and dairy, and is especially important for athletes and bodybuilders.

Lysine supports immune health and aids in collagen production. It is an essential amino acid, crucial for protein synthesis. Found in meat, fish, dairy, and legumes, lysine plays an important role in skin and bone health. It assists in wound healing and calcium absorption. Maintaining adequate lysine levels is essential for strong immunity and healthy skin. It is vital for bone strength and overall well-being.

Methionine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in detoxification and metabolism. It is important for producing other amino acids and can be obtained from foods like meat, fish, and dairy. Methionine supports liver function, aids in toxin removal, and contributes to healthy skin and nails.

The Omega-6 / Omega-3 Ratio indicates 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 a greater risk of chronic diseases.

Ornithine is an amino acid that supports liver health and plays a vital role in the body’s detoxification process. It is a key component of the urea cycle, helping to eliminate ammonia from the body. Found in foods like meat, fish, and dairy, ornithine also contributes to wound healing and tissue repair.

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

Proline is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in supporting skin and joint health. It is vital for collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity, connective tissue strength, and cartilage integrity. Found abundantly in foods like meat, dairy, and eggs, proline also aids in wound healing and joint flexibility.

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

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 is an amino acid vital for the proper functioning of heart muscles, vision, and nerve health. It supports cardiovascular health, aids in maintaining healthy eyes, and plays a role in nerve growth and activity. Taurine naturally occurs in foods like meat, fish, and dairy.

Threonine is an essential amino acid that plays a significant role in protein synthesis, collagen production, and supporting the immune system. It is crucial for maintaining gut health, aiding the lining of the digestive tract, and contributing to healthy skin and connective tissues. Threonine is commonly present in foods like meat, dairy products, and legumes.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that aids 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 influence 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 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.