What are amino acids good for anyway?…..

Compiled by: Rebecca Baird, July 22, 2010This is a list of some of the amino acids and what their functionsare in the body. I thought many of you would like a more comprehensive explanation of what role amino acids actually play in the way our bodies function on a daily basis.

Acetyl-L-carnitine(to induce a pleasant visual and mental clarity, improves long-term memory and learning ability. Improves insulin response.)

Complete essential amino acidsAll 20 amino acids (essential and non-essential)

DLPA (DL-phenylalanine)(comfort, pleasure, reduce pain) (Phenylalanine stimulates the thyroid gland and is used by the gland to make thyroxine (a hormone involved in the regulation of metabolism and heat production) and by the brain to stimulate production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, used by the body to react to stress.)

L-Glutamine(stops cravings, enhances relaxation) (Glutamine is used as brain fuel, is a primary source of energy for the brain, and sustains mental ability. Glutamine promotes regeneration of the intestinal mucosa (mucus lining) and reduces the loss of potassium and sodium electrolytes used by minerals to circulate in the body.)

GABA or GABA w/taurine and glycine,(to distress and relax muscles)

Glycine Important for DNA & RNAGlycine is a non-essential amino acid and has the simplest structure of all amino acids, allowing it to fit easily within protein chains and make space for structurally larger amino acids. This feature makes it very important for specific body functions. Glycine builds up the immune system and produces immunoglobulins and antibodies. Glycine is also a precursor of creatine, which is used to construct DNA and RNA. And it supports glycogen storage thereby making more glucose available for energy

5-HTP5HTP is a byproduct of tryptophan. 5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. 5-HTP is used for sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, binge eating associated with obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (improve mood, sleep, and evening cravings)

L-Arginine Arginine decreases body fat while increasing muscle, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, increases collagen, and other connective tissues, stimulates the immune system, combats physical and mental fatigue, and promotes the formation and activation of sperm, promotes detoxification of ammonia.

L-Cysteine Promotes healthy skin, hair and nailsL-Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that is an important component of hair, nails and the keratin of the skin. L-Cysteine stabilizes protein structure and aids in the formation of collagen, thereby promoting healthy skin, hair and nail texture and elasticity.

L-Histidine Histidine is important in the production of red and white blood cells. It strengthens the nerve receptors in the inner ear, nourishes the nerve cells of the hearing mechanism, and improves the function of the auditory nerve. Histidine promotes stomach digestive secretions, is an excellent carrier for iron and zinc, and promotes normal sexual response.

L-Lysine Lysine promotes bone growth by helping to form collagen, cartilage, and other connective tissues. It aids in calcium absorption, promotes insulin production, improves the uptake of branched-chain amino acids — valine, isoleucine, and leucine — in muscle, increases protein synthesis, and has an anti fatigue effect. Improves stress tolerance and fat metabolism, inhibits the growth of viruses and builds antibodies. L-Lysine is an essential amino acid which acts as a precursor for several other amino acids, including L-Citrulline (needed in the body for normal protein metabolism) and L-carnitine (needed for fat metabolism). L-Lysine is crucial for the formation of collagen, a major part of the body’s connective tissues. L-Lysine also contributes to energy production when converted to acetyl coenzyme A, one of the principal fuels for the Krebs cycle.

L-Methionine(It is required for liver health and detoxification, prevents fat buildup in the liver, helps regenerate liver and kidney cells, and promotes antibody production.)

L-Ornithine Ornithine stimulates hormones, such as insulin. It decreases body fat, strengthens the immune system, promotes healing, promotes liver function and regeneration, and is important for detoxifying ammonia.

L-ProlineJoint Health-Important for Collagen Production-Provides Structural SupportL-Proline is an amino acid that is essential for the synthesis of collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals. Collagen is the main structural protein that constitutes all human connective tissues, including skin, tendons, ligaments, joints, bone, and vasculature (veins and arteries). L-Proline therefore provides building blocks that help to stabilized and strengthen the structural components of the body.

L-Tryptophan Mood, Relaxation, SleepThe essential amino acid L-Tryptophan helps support relaxation, restful sleep and feeling better. It plays a part in the synthesis of both melatonin and serotonin, hormones involved with mood and stress response. L-Tryptophan also supports immune functions because it is the body’s precursor to the kynurenines that regulate immunity. If needed, L-Tryptophan converts to niacin in the body, which supports circulation, a healthy nervous system, the metabolism of food, and the production of hydrochloric acid for the digestive system. Source Naturals L-Tryptophan is extremely pure and is regularly tested to ensure the highest standards of quality.

L-tyrosine(energizing, mental focus) (L-Tyrosine is a precursor of thyroid and adrenal hormones and plays an important role in the functioning of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands. Tyrosine is a brain stimulant and elevates mood, produces melanin which is responsible for pigmentation of the skin and hair, stimulates growth hormone which reduces body fat, and generates red and white blood cells.)

TheanineNeurotransmitter-Promotes Relaxation and Learning AbilityTheanine is a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in green tea that exerts beneficial effects on brain metabolism. Theanine induces relaxation without causing drowsiness, as measured by increased generation of alpha-waves. Theanine may improve learning ability and sensations of pleasure by affecting dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain. Also, Theanine exerts protective effects on the brain by antagonizing glutamate toxicity. Jarrow Formulas Theanine 100 is 100% L-theanine, made enzymatically from amino acids and is identical to the theanine found in green tea.

Taurine Calming NeurotransmitterTaurine is a crystalline, free-form amino acid. It is a soothing, inhibitory neurotransmitter and plays a major role in stabilizing the heartbeat and electrical activity of the nerves. Taurine moderates cholesterol production and fat metabolism, improves digestion, improves disorders of the ileum (the end of the small intestine), and prevents cardiac loss of potassium and binds calcium.