Amino Acid supplement information, side effects and safety by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Essential amino acids 20 amino acids

Amino acid definition -- An amino acid is any of a group of organic molecules that consists of a basic amino group (-NH2), an acidic carboxyl group (-COOH), and an organic R group (or side chain), which is unique to each amino acid. When two or more amino acids are put together, it is called a peptide.

Organisms differ considerably in their ability to synthesize an amino acid from the intermediates of metabolic pathways. Most vertebrates can form only the chemically most simple amino acids; the others must be supplied in the diet. Humans, for example, synthesize about 10 of the 20 common amino acids; these are termed nonessential amino acids.

Amino acid supplement
Various amino acid supplements are available, either as individual amino acids, or in a number of combinations. The most popular amino acid supplements are arginine, tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, and lysine.

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Amino acid list - 20 Amino acids - these are the most common amino acids found in protein
Alanine, 2-aminopropanoic acid, is a non-essential amino acid. It
exists as two distinct enantiomers - L-alanine and D-alanine. L-alanine is one of the 20 amino acids most commonly used in protein synthesis.
Arginine is an amino acid that converts into nitric oxide.
Arginine is considered a semi-essential amino acid, because although it is normally synthesized in sufficient amounts by the body, supplementation is sometimes required (for example, due to inborn errors of urea synthesis, protein malnutrition, excess ammonia production, excessive lysine intake, burns, peritoneal dialysis). Arginine is sometimes found in herbal sexual enhancement products. See also AAKG supplement.  This supplement has few side effects and its safety profile is quite good.
Asparagine is one of the 20 most common natural amino acids
Aspartic acid is an amino acid and closely related to asparagine
Cysteine or Cystine. A more active form of cysteine is acetylcysteine, which is a powerful antioxidant. You can find
Acetyl-L-Cysteine supplements here.
Glutamic acid - L-Glutamic acid and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) are found in virtually all living organisms. In their pure form, they are powders. L-Glutamic acid is one of the major amino acids in plant and animal proteins, and is also involved in many physiologic functions. Both active ingredients act as neurotransmitters in the brain. Humans readily metabolize ingested L-glutamic acid so that concentrations in the body remain constant. Enzymes in animals and plants convert L-glutamic acid to GABA. Glutamic acid is also referred to as glutamate (the anion).
Glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids encoded by the standard genetic code. Its side chain is an amide; it is formed by replacing a side-chain hydroxyl of glutamic acid with an amine functional group. You can buy
Glutamine amino acid here.
Glycine is chemically the simplest amino acid and combines with many toxins to reduce their toxicity.
Histidine is one of the 20 common amino acids present in proteins. In humans, histidine is considered an essential amino acid, but mostly only in children.
Isoleucine is an essential amino acid and also a branched chain amino acid along with leucine and valine. See
BCAA to purchase branched chain amino acid supplements.
Leucine -
A diet rich in the amino acid leucine might help prevent the muscle loss that typically comes with aging. French researchers found that a leucine -supplemented diet restored a more youthful pattern of muscle-protein breakdown and synthesis to elderly rats. Study is in December, 2005 issue of the Journal of Physiology..
L-Lysine or lysine is an amino acid sometimes used to prevent herpes virus outbreaks although the research on this topic has shown mixed results. You can buy
Lysine amino acid supplement here.
Methionine is an essential amino acid. Methionine and cysteine are the only sulfur-containing proteinogenic amino acids. The methionine derivative S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) serves as a methyl donor. Methionine plays a role in cysteine, carnitine and taurine synthesis, lecithin production, the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and other phospholipids.  Methionine is an amino acid that has antioxidant properties. Methionine acts as a methyl donor. Methionine may be converted to SAM-e.
Phenylalanine comes in D,L Phenylalanine or L Phenylalanine. Tyrosine is produced from phenylalanine, so if the diet is deficient in phenylalanine, tyrosine will be required as well. You can buy
Phenylalanine amino acid supplements here.
Proline is one of the 20 amino acids used in living organisms as the building blocks of proteins. The other nineteen units are all primary amino acids, but due to the cyclic binding of the three-carbon side chain to the nitrogen of the backbone, proline lacks a primary amine group (-NH2).
Serine It is not essential to the human diet, since it can be synthesized in the body from other metabolites, including glycine.
Threonine is one of the 20 natural amino acids. Nutritionally, in humans, threonine is an essential amino acid.
Trypophan is an amino acid that was available over the counter until 1989. A few years ago, tryptophan supplements began to be marketed again.
Tyrosine is an amino acid used to enhance alertness and mood. Tyrosine is found in Mind Power Rx. for information on tyrosine phenylalanine supplements. You can buy
Tyrosine amino acid supplement here. There is also another form of tyrosine called N acetyl tyrosine.
Valine is one of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids. Valine is an essential amino acid. Valine is named after the plant valerian.

Essential amino acids
Humans can produce 10 of the 20 amino acids. The others must be supplied in the food. Failure to obtain enough of even 1 of the 10 essential amino acids, those that we cannot make, results in degradation of the body's proteins —muscle and so forth— to obtain the one amino acid that is needed. Unlike fat and starch, the human body does not store excess amino acids for later use—the amino acids must be in the food every day. The essential amino acids include: Arginine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Trypophan, and Valine.
   The amino acids arginine, methionine and phenylalanine are considered essential for reasons not directly related to lack of synthesis. Arginine is synthesized by mammalian cells but at a rate that is insufficient to meet the growth needs of the body and the majority that is synthesized is cleaved to form urea. Methionine is required in large amounts to produce cysteine if the latter amino acid is not adequately supplied in the diet. Similarly, phenyalanine is needed in large amounts to form tyrosine if the latter is not adequately supplied in the diet.
   All the amino acids not listed in this section are non essential amino acids.

Less common amino acids
Acetyl L Carinitine Arginate
Alpha-aminoadipic acid
Alpha-amino-N-butyric acid
beta-alanine
beta-amino-isobutyric acid
Carnosine is a potent antioxidant. You can buy
Carnosine supplement here.
Citrulline is an amino acid. Its name is derived from citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, from which it was first isolated.
Citrulline amino acid supplement is available for sale.
GABA - gamma-amino butyric acid - is an inhibitory neurotransmitter helping nerve cells from being overly excited. This leads to relaxation. GABA is best taken on an empty stomach. GABAergic neurotransmission has been implicated in the modulation of many neural networks in forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain, as well as, in several neurological disorders. GABA amino acid supplement is available for sale.
GABA supplement is available to be purchased.
hydroxyproline
1-methylhistidine
3-methylhistidine
N Acetyl L Cysteine is an amino acid supplement is available for sale.
Ornithine amino acid
PABA or Para-aminobenzoic acid is also considered a B vitamin.
Phosphoserine
phosphoethanolamine
Taurine is a semi essential amino acid supplement available for sale.

D and L amino acids
With the exception of taurine, GABA and glycine, most amino acids exist in either the D or L form. These forms are the mirror reverse images of each other. The L form of an amino acid represents the natural type found in living plants and animal tissues. The L form is used in human protein structures and is more compatible to human biochemistry than the D form. Only phenylalanine can be present in human protein structures in both the D and L forms.

Amino acid structure
An amino acid is any of a group of organic molecules that consists of a basic amino group (-NH2), an acidic carboxyl group (-COOH), and an organic R group (or side chain), which is unique to each amino acid.

Amino acid protein
Amino acids join together to form a protein structure. Proteins are large biomolecules that occur in every living organism. All proteins are chemically similar since all are made up of many amino acid units linked together in a long chain. Protein is needed by the body to repair muscles, bones, organs, glands, hair, and connective tissue. The body continually breaks down proteins into individual amino acids and then puts the the amino acids back together again in chains to form countless different proteins and enzymes.

Branched Chain Amino Acid - or Branch Chain amino Acids
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) comprise the three essential amino acids L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine. These amino acids are found in proteins of all life forms. Dietary sources of the branched-chain amino acids are principally derived from animal and vegetable proteins. Vegetables and juices contain small amounts of the free amino acids, which are also found in fermented foods like yogurt and miso. Several years ago the branched-chain amino acids created some interest in the neurological research community when a pilot study indicated that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients showed symptomatic improvement when given large doses of BCAAs. It was theorized that BCAAs may protect against neuronal damage from the neuroexcitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Based on this pilot study, branched-chain amino acids received orphan drug approval for the treatment of ALS. Unfortunately, most of the followup studies were negative, and one even suggested that BCAAs may increase mortality in those with ALS. Branched-chain amino acids are sometimes used in enteral and parenteral feedings in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. They are also occasionally used enterally and parenterally in the management of extensive burns.
     Branched chain amino acids are used by body builders with the idea of producing an anabolic response, however many scientists questions the benefits of this supplementation.
     Genetic disorders of branched-chain amino acid metabolism produce amino acidopathies and various forms of organic aciduria with severe clinical consequences. A metabolic block in the oxidative decarboxylation of branched-chain amino acids caused by mutations in the mitochondrial branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex (BCKDC) results in Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) or branched-chain ketoaciduria.

Amino acid function
Not only do amino acids help make neurotransmitters -- the chemicals that convey messages in the brain-- they also help produce hormones such as insulin; enzymes that activate bodily functions; and certain types of body fluids. In addition, amino acids are essential for the repair and maintenance of organs, glands, muscles, tendons, ligaments, keratin, skin, hair, and nails.

Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition.
Amino Acids. 2009 May; Wu G. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
Amino acids are not only cell signaling molecules but are also regulators of gene expression and the protein phosphorylation cascade. Additionally, AA are key precursors for making of hormones and low-molecular weight nitrogenous substances with each having enormous biological importance. Physiological concentrations of AA and their metabolites (e.g., nitric oxide, polyamines, glutathione, taurine, thyroid hormones, and serotonin) are required for the functions. However, elevated levels of AA and their products (e.g., ammonia and homocysteine) are harmful agents for neurological disorders, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, an optimal balance among AA in the diet and circulation is crucial for whole body homeostasis. There is growing recognition that besides their role as building blocks of proteins and polypeptides, some AA regulate key metabolic pathways that are necessary for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and immunity. They are called functional AA, which include arginine, cysteine, glutamine, leucine, proline, and tryptophan. Dietary supplementation with one or a mixture of these AA may be beneficial for (1) ameliorating health problems at various stages of the life cycle (e.g., fetal growth restriction, neonatal morbidity and mortality, weaning-associated intestinal dysfunction and wasting syndrome, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility); (2) optimizing efficiency of metabolic transformations to enhance muscle growth, milk production, egg and meat quality and athletic performance, while preventing excess fat deposition and reducing adiposity. Thus, AA have important functions in both nutrition and health.


Amino acid metabolism
All tissues have some capability for making non-essential amino acids, amino acid remodeling, and conversion of non-amino acid carbon skeletons into amino acids and other derivatives that contain nitrogen. However, the liver is the major site of nitrogen metabolism in the body. In times of dietary surplus, the potentially toxic nitrogen of amino acids is eliminated via transaminations, deamination, and urea formation; the carbon skeletons are generally conserved as carbohydrate, via gluconeogenesis, or as fatty acid via fatty acid synthesis pathways. In this respect amino acids fall into three categories: glucogenic, ketogenic, or glucogenic and ketogenic. Glucogenic amino acids are those that give rise to a net production of pyruvate or TCA cycle intermediates, such as a-ketoglutarate or oxaloacetate, all of which are precursors to glucose via gluconeogenesis. All amino acids except lysine and leucine are at least partly glucogenic. Lysine and leucine are the only amino acids that are solely ketogenic, giving rise only to acetylCoA or acetoacetylCoA, neither of which can bring about net glucose production.
     A small group of amino acids comprised of isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and tyrosine give rise to both glucose and fatty acid precursors and are thus characterized as being glucogenic and ketogenic. Finally, it should be recognized that amino acids have a third possible fate. During times of starvation the reduced carbon skeleton is used for energy production, with the result that it is oxidized to CO2 and H2O.

Amino Acids and the liver
The liver is the major site of gluconeogenesis, the major organ of amino acid catabolism and the only organ with a complete urea cycle. These metabolic capabilities are related, and these relationships are best exemplified by an examination of the disposal of the daily protein load. Adults, ingesting a typical Western diet, will consume approximately 100 g protein/d; the great bulk of this is metabolized by the liver. Although textbooks suggest that these amino acids are oxidized in the liver, total oxidation cannot occur within the confines of hepatic oxygen uptake and ATP homeostasis. Rather, most amino acids are oxidized only partially in the liver, with the bulk of their carbon skeleton being converted to glucose. The nitrogen is converted to urea and, to a lesser extent, to glutamine. The integration of the urea cycle with gluconeogenesis ensures that the bulk of the reducing power (NADH) required in the cytosol for gluconeogenesis can be provided by ancillary reactions of the urea cycle. Glutamate is at the center of these metabolic events for three reasons. First, through the well-described transdeamination system involving aminotransferases and glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamate plays a key catalytic role in the removal of alpha-amino nitrogen from amino acids. Second, the "glutamate family" of amino acids (arginine, ornithine, proline, histidine and glutamine) require the conversion of these amino acids to glutamate for their metabolic disposal. Third, glutamate serves as substrate for the synthesis of N-acetylglutamate, an essential allosteric activator of carbamyl phosphate synthetase I, a key regulatory enzyme in the urea cycle.

Amino acid information
Amino acids play central roles both as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism. The 20 amino acids that are found within proteins convey a vast array of chemical versatility. The precise amino acid content, and the sequence of those amino acids, of a specific protein, is determined by the sequence of the bases in the gene that encodes that protein. The chemical properties of the amino acids of proteins determine the biological activity of the protein. Proteins not only catalyze all (or most) of the reactions in living cells, they control virtually all cellular process.

Availability of amino acid supplements
Amino acids are available either as individual amino acid supplements, in an amino acid complex, or liquid amino acid.

Amino acid chelates
There are many minerals sold as amino acid chelates. Research with these forms is limited and it is difficult to say which form is better for human consumption over the long term. Here are some examples of minerals available as chelated form.
20% Zinc Amino Acid Chelate
2.5% Boron Amino Acid Chelate
15% Calcium Amino Acid Chelate
10% Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate
15% Manganese Amino Acid Chelate 5% Chromium Amino Acid Chelate
2% Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate
10% Copper Amino Acid Chelate
15% Iron Amino


Amino acid side effects
Side effects of amino acids depends on which amino acid is being used. Some are practically harmless, whereas others, such as tyrosine, can cause anxiety, restlessness, rapid heart beat, and even heart palpitations on high doses.

Amino acid in food
Most foods that contain protein, for instance fish, meat, poultry, dairy, etc, have large amounts of amino acids. Amino acid in diet.

Amino acid body building
Amino acids are often used in body building. A soy protein powder and whey protein powder are good options to provide more protein in the diet for better muscle building. Adding creatine significantly helps in body building. .

Amino acid pill
I don't see any reason to take a full complex amino acid pill since it is so much easier to take a powder and there's not much that can fit in a capsule compared to a protein powder used by the spoon or scoop. A single amino acid supplement can be taken as a pill, however a full range of amino acids are better taken in a teaspoon or tablespoon as opposed to a pill that can't hold more than a gram.

Amino acid benefit
The benefit from an amino acid supplement depends which one is being used.

Amino acid for hair
I am not aware of any amino acid supplement that improve hair in someone who has a normal diet and has no amino acid deficiency.

Amino acid therapy
Various amino acids supplement can be used either by themselves or together for therapy, for instance glutamine can be used in those who have gastrointestinal damage.

Branched Chain Amino Acids
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) influence brain function by modifying large, neutral amino acid (LNAA) transport at the blood-brain barrier. Transport is shared by several LNAAs, notably the BCAAs and the aromatic amino acids (ArAAs), and is competitive. Consequently, when plasma BCAA concentrations rise, which can occur in response to food ingestion or BCAA administration, or with the onset of certain metabolic diseases (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes), brain BCAA concentrations rise, and ArAA concentrations decline. Such effects occur acutely and chronically. Such reductions in brain aromatic amino acid concentrations have functional consequences: biochemically, they reduce the synthesis and the release of neurotransmitters derived from ArAAs, notably serotonin (from tryptophan) and catecholamines (from tyrosine and phenylalanine). The functional effects of such neurochemical changes include altered hormonal function, blood pressure, and mood.

 

Amino Acid Research Update
A Fuller list of Amino Acids
Alanine, ß-Alanine
Beta -Substituted Alanines
Amino-Alkyl Carboxylic Acid (Cyclic)
Amino-Alkyl Carboxylic Acid (Linear)
Aminobenzoic Acids
Aminobutyric Acid Derivatives
Arginine
Asparagine
Aspartic Acid
Benzothiazolyl Derivatives
Benzoyl-Phenylalanine
Biphenylalanine
Citrulline
Cyclohexylalanine
Cyclopropylalanine
Cysteine, Cystine and Derivatives
Diaminobutyric Acid Derivatives
Diaminopropionic Acid
Glutamic Acid Derivatives
Glutamine
Glycine
Substituted Glycines
Histidine
Indolinecarboxylic Acid
Isoleucine
Leucine and Derivatives
Lysine
Methionine
Naphthylalanine
Norleucine
Norvaline
Octahydroindolecarboxylic Acid
Ornithine, see also
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate OKG amino acid
Phenylalanine
Ring-Substituted Phenylalanines
Phenylglycine
Pipecolic Acids, Nipecotic Acid and Isonipecotic Acid
Proline, Hydroxyproline, Thiazolidine and Derivatives
Pyridylalanine
Serine and Homoserine
Statine and Analogues
Threonine
Tetrahydronorharman-3-carboxylic Acid
1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline
Tryptophane
Tyrosine
Valine

Amino acid supplement questions
Q. Is alpha gpc an amino acid?
   A. No. Alpha GPC (L-alphaglycerylphosphosphorylcholine) is a phospholipid metabolite found concentrated in neuronal membranes.

Q. I am confused as to the interaction among free-form amino acids.  I recently bought a “tri-amino” formula that combines L-arginine,. L-lysine, and L-ornithine, supposedly to stimulate growth hormone production and muscle recovery.  However, I recently read that arginine and lysine taken at the same time neutralize each other.  Since I am interested in taking advantage of the physiological effect of a number of free-form amino acids, such as taurine, L-carnitine, l-tyrosine and l-glutamine, and would like to simplify my supplementation schedule, do you recommend combining these, or should I take them separately, for maximum results?  Which of these amino acids is de-activated by the presence of other protein/amino acids?
   A. The whole field of amino acid supplementation is very complicated and confusing and there is not enough human research to say much in confidence. Sometimes people focus too much on individual amino acids and miss the whole picture. For muscle building creatine and protein supplements in the form of soy or whey are the best options, and perhaps glutamine. We have not seen any convincing research that taking individual amino acids for the purpose of muscle building or health promotion is better than taking creatine or complete amino acid supplement from a protein source.

Q. Thank You for the wealth of information on your website. With so many natural supplements available its so easy to
consume them without any idea. Your website is a boon to all users. My doctor has advised me a multiple amino acid supplement with a number of different amino acids. Should I take an amino acid supplement?
   A. We really cannot give individual advice, only general information. Most people get enough amino acids through protein foods they consume and would not need an amino acid supplement unless they have a medical condition that requires it.

Q. I heard that aspartate amino acid chelate supplements for example magnesium aspartate are neurotoxic and should not be used. I believe this is because the aspartate part is "aspartic acid" which is potentially neurotoxic. I wonder if that is true?
   A. I have not seen any human research with aspartate amino acid chelate supplements that have shown neurotoxicity. If aspartic acid or aspartates are neurotoxic, it may be dose dependent, and the tiny amounts found bound to amino acids in supplement form may be too little to have any effect. Aspartates are found in the foods we eat, and thus far there is no evidence that they are harmful in the amounts people ingest in foods.
      Q. I am sure that you have heard of Russel Blaylock the neuroscientist. He says that aspartic acid is an excitotoxin and causes neuronal damage. According to him it is not the aspartic acid in food that is the problem it is the free isolated form that is harmful. He was not mentioning amino acid chelate supplements but talking about aspartame, MSG and other food additives.

Amino acid supplier
We are a main manufacturer and supplier for amino acid in China. All of the amino acid products based on international standard. We have our own amino acid refine factory and unusual amino acid factory. We also have closely cooperation with Nanjing East & Shouth university for amino acid research. We wish to establish business relation with the customer in the world. Here attach with our products list for your referece: Larry Wang, Donboo Amino Acid Co., Ltd., RM C-701, Wang Jiang Building, #42 East Ren Ming Road, Nantong, 226000 Jiangsu, China

L-Form Amino Acids
L-Alanine
L-Arginine
L-Arginine HCL
L-Asparagine monohydrate
L-Aspartic Acid
L-Carbocysteine (S-CMC)
L-Carnitine Base
L-Carnitine 50 (FEED GRADE)
L-Carnitine Fumaric Acid
L-Carnitine Tartrate
L-Citrulline
L-Citrulline DL-Malate(2:1)
L-Citrulline DL-Malate(2:1)
L-Cysteine Base
L-Cysteine HCL anhydrous
L-Cysteine HCL monohydrate
L-Cystine
L-Glutamic Acid
L-Glutamic Acid HCL
L-Glutamine
L-Glycine
L-Histidine
L-Histidine HCL
L-Hydroxyproline
L-Isoleucine FCCIV/UPS23
L-Leucine (Plant origin)
L-Lysine Acetate
L-Lysine Base
L-Lysine HCL
L-Malic Acid
L-Methionine
L-Norvaline
L-Ornithine HCL
L-Phenylalanine
L-Phenylglycine
L-Proline
L-Pyroglutamic Acid
L-Serine
L(+)-Tartaric Acid
L-Theanine
L-Threonine
L-Tryptophan
L-Tyrosine (Plant origin)
L-Valine
L-Homearginine
L-Homephenylalanine

D-Form Amino Acids
D-Alanine
D-allo-Threonine
D-allo-Isoleucine
D-Arginine
D-Arginine HCl
D-Aspartic Acid
D-Asparagine monohydrate
D-Cycloserine
D-Cysteine HCl
D-Glucosamine HCL
D-Glucosamine Sulfate (Kalium)
D-Glucosamine Sulfate (Natrium)
D-Glutamic Acid
D-Glutamine
D-Histidine
D-Histidine HCl
D-Isoleucine
D-Leucine
D-Lysine HCl
D-Methionine
D-Norvaline
D-Ornitine HCL
D-Phenylglycine
D-Phenylalanine
D-Proline
D-Prolinamide
D-Pyroglutamic Acid
D-Serine
D-Threonine
D-Tyrosine
D-Tryptophan
D(+)-Tartaric Acid
D-Valine
D-(-)-a-P-Hydroxy Phenylglycine

DL-Form Amino Acids
DL-Alanine
DL-allo-Threonine
DL-allo-Isoleucine
DL-Arginine
DL-Arginine HCL
DL-Aspartic Acid
DL-Asparagine monohydrate
DL-Carnitine HCL
DL-Cysteine
DL-Cysteine hydrochloride
DL-Cystine
DL-Glutamic Acid
DL-Glutamine
DL-Histidine
DL-Histidine HCl
DL-Isoleucine
DL-Leucine
DL-Lysine base
DL-Lysine.H2O
DL-Lysine.HCL
DL-Malic Acid
DL-Methionine
DL-Norvaline
DL-Ornithine hydrochloride
DL-Phenylalanine
DL-Phenylglycine
DL-Proline
DL-Pyroglutamic Acid
DL-Serine
DL-Threonine
D(+)-Tartaric Acid
DL-Tryptophan
DL-Tyrosine
DL-Valine
DL-Homecysteine Thiolactone Hydrochloride

Amino Acids Amides
L-Alaninamide hydrochloride
L-Argininamide 2-hydrochloride
L-Asparagine monohydrate
Glycinamide HCL
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine hydrochloride
L-Isoleucinamide hydrochloride
L-Leucinamide
L-Methioninamide
L-Methioninamide hydrochloride
L-Phenylalaninamide
L-Phenylalaninamide hydrochloride
L-Prolinamide
L-Serinamide hydrochloride
L-Threoninamide hydrochloride
L-Tryptophanamide hydrochloride
DL-Phenylalaninamide hydrochloride
DL-Prolinamide
DL-Tryptophanamide hydrochloride
D-Phenylalaninamide hydrochloride
D-Prolinamide
Bate-Alaninamide hydrochloride

Acetyl Amino Acids
N-Acetyl-L-Aspartic Acid
N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCL
N-Acety-L-Cysteine (NAC)
N-Acetyl-L-Alanine
N-Acetyl-DL-Alanine
N-Acetyl-DL-Phenylalanine
N-Acetyl-L-Phenylalanine
N-Acetyl-L-Methionine
N-Acetyl-D-Methionine
N-Acetyl-L-Tryptophan
N-Acetyl-DL-Tryptophan
N-Acetyl-Glucosamine
N-Acetyl-L-Glutamine
N-Acetyl-Glycine
N-Acetyl-Glycine Ethyl Ester
N-Acetyl-L-Glutamic Acid
N-Acetyl-L-Hydroxyproline
N-Acetyl-L-Proline
N-Acetyl-D-Proline
N-Acetyl-L-Valine
N-Acetyl-DL-Valine
N-Acetyl-L-Leucine
N-Acetyl-L-Lysine
N-Acetyl-DL-Leucine
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
N-Acetyl-D-Leucine
N-Acetyl-D-Glu(Obzl)-OH
N-Acetyl-Tryptophan Ethyl Ester

Amino Acids Compound Materials
Amino Acid Chelate
Compound Amino Acid Solution (feed/food grade)
Compound Amino Acid Powder(40 80 feed/food grade)
Compound Amino Acid fertilizer
L-Aspartate Calcium
L-Aspartate Sodium
L-Aspartate Zinc
L-Aspartate Manganese
L-Aspartate Ferroporphyin
L-Aspartate Kalium
DL-Aspartate Magnesium
DL-Aspartate Kalium
Glutamate Calcium
Glutamate Tripotassium
L-Arginine L-Glutamate
L-Arginine L-Aspartate
L-Arginine L-Pyroglutate
L-Lysine-L-Glutamate
L-Lysine-L-Aspartate
L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate
L-Arginine alpha-Ketoglutarate (2:1)
L-Arginine alpha-Ketoglutarate (1:1)
L-Ornithine alpha-Ketoglutarate (2:1) Dihydrate
L-Ornithine alpha-Ketoglutarate (1:1) Dihydrate
Alpha-Ketoisocaproic Acid
Creatine alpha ketoisocaproic acid (1:2)
alpha-ketoisocaproic acid calcium salt
alpha-ketoisocaproic acid Sodium salt
L-Arginine a-ketoisocaproic acid
L-Leucine a-ketoisocaproic acid
L-Valine a-ketoisocaproic acid
L-Isoleucine a-ketoisocaproic acid
Creatine monohydrate
Creatinine
CREATINE ANHYDROUS 99
CREATINE CITRATE 99
TRICREATINE CITRATE
DISODIUM CREATINE PHOSPHATE 99
Direatine Citrate
Creatine Malate
Dicreatine Malate
Sodium Sarcosinate
Sodium Glycine
Calcium Glycine
Aluminum Glycinate(USP23 )
Carbonate Glycine
Chloromethyl Methionine
N-Phenyl-Glycine
5-HTP
3,5-Diodine-L-Tyrosine

Wholesale prices of amino acid chelates in 2008
Boron Amino Acid Chelate 2.5% - $10/kg
Calcium Amino Acid Chelate 15% - $10/kg
Chromium Amino Acid Chelate 5% - $20/kg
Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate 2% - $11/kg
Copper Amino Acid Chelate 10% $18/kg
Iron Amino Acid Chelate 15% - $12/kg
Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate 10% - $9/kg
Manganese Amino Acid Chelate 15% - $10/kg
Zinc Amino Acid Chelate 20% - $10/kg

Q. Your website is wonderful. You may want to add another phenomenal product to your offerings. a PDR listed nutritional called SON Formula. It does not require a prescription, but has 44 published medical studies, 27 International Patents and 2 USA Patents to its credit. Your conservative website is a wonderful resource for people who are looking for hope, not hype, and information, not a sales pitch. What make SON Formula superior to other amino acids is its vegetable crystalline base, its 8 essential amino acid formulation, and the fact that SON Formula has a 99% Net Nitrogen Useage with only 1% catabolic waste and a 23 minute full absorption time! Compared to other amino acid supplements whose average 3 to 6 hours absorption time, 83 to 84% catabolic waste and only 16 to 17% Net Nitrogen Useage, SON Formula is the far superior supplement. Used by sports professionals to rapidly build muscle mass and the anti-aging market the most in the USA, in Europe this amino acid product is used extensively for pre and post surgery (30 days prior to surgery and 30 days post surgery at 30 pills a day), for renal failure, hepatic failure, gastrointestinal distress, Chron's disease, bed sores (I personally have seen it heal an open wound overnight), anorexia, heart problems, hypertension, the list just goes on and on.
   A. A Medline search in April 2008 did not reveal any human studies with SON formula. At this point the burden of proof is on SON fomula marketers to prove that their amino acid product is superior to and has more health benefits than soy protein powder, whey protein powder, or even eating an egg.

Q. i had my amino acids tested and phosphoserine came up low, is this fixed by taking phosphatidyl serine or how is it fixed?
   A. Phosphoserine is an ester of serine and phosphoric acid. I personally do not see any clinical reasons to test blood amino acid levels since these fluctuate day to day depending on one's diet and activity level. Amino acid blood testing is not a reliable way to diagnose a medical illness unless there is a specific genetic amino acid related condition. One should address the whole person rather than focus on the results of one blood study.

Q. I just read Amino Acid Supplement information by Ray Sahelian, M.D. I am on a blood thinner for a heart problem, is there any problem taking amino acid supplementation with a blood thinner such as Coumadin or warfarin?
   A. There is no simple answer. There are dozens of different amino acid supplements and each person is different in how they would respond, and the dosage of the amino acids would make a significant difference as to the interactions.

Q.  I have been taking supplements for years. Currently at 45 I feel the same as I did in my 20's. One supplement is rarely mentioned: Amino acids. I have been taking non essential and essential amino acid base for about 10 years now. Is there any study to determine that as we age, by supplementing amino acids, help out muscles as our digestion organ ages?
   A. The human body is able to digest, absorb and assimilate amino acids quite well into old age. Creatine monohydrate is one amino acid combination that could be quite helpful in maintaining muscle mass as we age. I have not seen long term studies regarding amino acid supplementation and overall health status so I don't know what the benefits would be in long term amino acid supplementation over several years and decades.

Q. I recently applied for employment with required a urine drug test. The results were positive for amphetamines. I was taking amino acid supplements and was wondering if they would cause a false positive result.
   A. Sorry but I have not studied this topic in enough detail to know.

Q. A naturapothic Doctor mailed me a bag of pure white Amino Acids in powder form and asked me to mix 3 tsp. in water or juice and to take it 3 times daily. I tried it for the first time today and it was sooo bitter I just couldn't handle the taste. I just want to know if pure white amino acids help shrink fibriod tumors. He also sent me some liquid herbs for the fibriod tumor but I dont know what the herbs are.
   A. There are many types of amino acids and the information you provided is not enough for us to know whether they would be effective as a treatment for fibroid tumors.

I made a search on google with full text of all 20 amino acids names and I was interested in your site. I want to get such food supplement with all 20 main amino acids. Do you know such thing? Can you tell me the name of your produced or third party food supplement that matches this criteria?
    Eating an egg, a piece of beef, chicken or fish supplies all the amino acid. Or, you can take a soy or whey protein formula.

I would like to know if these five amino acids can be taken together on an empty stomach, or will they compete for absorption. They are: Choline, Glutamine, Taurine, Carnitine and Phenylalanine.
    It is best to learn how each one works by itself before combining. The dosage makes a big difference in how they interact along with other supplements and medications a person is taking.

I am Medical Director of a busy outpatient substance abuse treatment center. We treat a variety of conditions, but we do see a lot of opiate addiction and use buprenorphine quite frequently to help patients engage in treatment. Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opiate with partial agonist and antagonist actions. All patients are given the strong recommendation to be on fish oils, b complex, and a good amino acid complex during and after the treatment process and into their after care years. I am looking for a partner who sells a high quality amino acid complex, that may be willing to either sell bulk product at wholesale, or even be open to shared or different labeling that reflects our centers.
    I don't see the need to provide an amino acid complex as a supplement since consuming an egg provides lots of great amino acids.

Thank you for the information on amino acids. I have been looking far and wide to find out the maximum safe doses of each one without causing an imbalance. Do you know where I can find that? I.e. I heard you can go higher on some than on others. How can I find that out? Is there a specific doctor type I could go to that specializes in Amino Acids? It seems like a lot don’t know much about them. I am trying to heal from skull fractures and heard that Arginine and Lysine are very helpful in fracture healing. I am taking 14g or arginine and 3 g of Lysine. I also started taking 14 g of L Glutamine. Do you see any danger with taking the amounts below as well as a Jay Robb Whey shake?
L-Lysine 3,000 mg daily - I heard this helps heal fractures
L-Arginine 14,000 mg daily - I heard this helps heal fractures
Proline 3,000 mg daily - I heard this helps heal fractures
Glycine 3,000 mg daily - I heard this helps heal fractures
L-Histidine, 1,000 mg I was low on a test
Aspartic Acid 1,600 mg I was low on a test
Alanine 2,000 mg I was low on a test
L- Glutamine 14,000 mg daily
Blessings,
   Amino acids are found abundantly in protein foods such as fish, meat, fowl, dairy, etc. Very high intakes of certain amino acids may cause side effects but there has not been enough studies to determine the safety of each amino acid by itself as a supplement in varying dosages. Most people who eat meat get more than adequate amounts of amino acids and supplementation is often not necessary.

Thank you very much for informative web page. Its great to find such amount of information. My question about splitting amino acids capsules and mixing with
water. I found about it in your web page(5-HTP): "Those who do well with small doses can open a capsule and take a portion mixed with water" Its is still effective after mix with water? What about others amino acids: gaba, theanine or tyrosine. No problem to mix e.g. half of capsule with water? The problem is - that i live in Lithuania and we don't have amino acids except 5-HTP. I bought 3 bottles of tyrosine and gaba, and would like to start from minimum, but don't want to put half of capsule into trash.
    Once the capsule is opened by pulling on each side, it can be closed and used another day.