Amino Acids

Alanine (Ala) is a nonessential amino acid that plays a key role in the body's metabolism. It is involved in transferring nitrogen from peripheral tissues to the liver and supports glucose production during fasting. Alanine is naturally synthesized in the body and is also present in a variety of dietary sources, making it readily available for essential 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 nervous system balance. It plays a key role in protein building and amino acid synthesis. Found in foods like dairy, beef, poultry, eggs, fish, and asparagus, asparagine contributes importantly 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 key 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 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 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 enhancing nitric oxide production, which helps widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. Found in small amounts in legumes and fish, homoarginine plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and maintaining heart function. Proper levels of homoarginine are important 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 key role in muscle building and repair. It helps the body produce proteins and supports muscle recovery and energy production. Leucine is found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy, and is especially important for athletes and bodybuilders.

Lysine is an essential amino acid that supports immune health and plays a key role in protein and collagen production. Found in foods such as meat, fish, dairy, and legumes, lysine is important for skin and bone health. It aids in wound healing, calcium absorption, and overall growth. Maintaining adequate lysine levels is vital for strong immunity, healthy skin, 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 is a measure that reflects the balance between two essential fatty acids in the diet — Omega-6 and Omega-3. Both are important for overall health, and an imbalance, especially a high Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, may contribute to inflammation and increase the 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 key role in supporting skin and joint health. It is essential for collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity, connective tissue strength, and cartilage integrity. Abundant in foods like meat, dairy, and eggs, proline also supports wound healing and joint flexibility.

Sarcosine is an amino acid that supports mental health and metabolism. It plays a role in synthesizing other amino acids, aiding muscle growth, and supporting cognitive function. Naturally present in egg yolks, turkey, and legumes, sarcosine is linked to brain health and is being explored for its 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 is an amino acid essential for heart muscle function, vision, and nerve health. It supports cardiovascular function, helps maintain healthy eyes, and contributes to nerve growth and activity. Taurine is naturally found in foods such as meat, fish, and dairy.

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 is an essential amino acid that supports sleep and mood. It helps the body produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences sleep, emotions, and appetite. Found in foods like turkey, chicken, milk, and nuts, tryptophan plays a key 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.