The organic compounds that are the basis of and synthesize proteins are called amino acids. Proteins and amino acids are life’s building blocks. There are at least 50 known amino acids but only twenty are concerned with proteins. And within those twenty are three categories of amino acids:
Essential amino acids are not produced in the body, so therefore must be obtained from foods or supplements. They include L-arginine, L-hystedine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-thyronine, L-tryptophan, and L-valine.
Non-essential amino acids are made in the body, and they include L-alanine, L-aspargine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid.
Conditional amino acids are needed when there is extra stress or illness present and they are L-cysteine, L-glutamine, L-glycine, L-ornithine, L-proline, L-serine, and L-tyrosine. Therefore, conditional amino acids can be considered essential under certain circumstances.
Amino acids can be taken either in one supplement, or individually, depending on what ails you. But if you are going to take supplements it is helpful to know that better absorption can be obtained when adding vitamins C and B6 to the mix. Also, please note that amino acids should be taken without food, on an empty stomach.
Amino acids help keep the body energized and repair cells and tissues.
Some foods that contain amino acids are all meats, especially red meat, eggs, and dairy products. If you are vegetarian or vegan, it is good to know that soy is a complete protein and has amino acids.
Amino acids are a necessary part of life and are essential to the growth and repair of our tissues. As such, it is important you have enough intake. If you feel you are falling short in this area, you should consider taking Arginine Infusion, which is a blend of needed amino acids. For more information, on the benefits, please check out our benefits page.