Amino Acids circulate in the body and they serve as building blocks of protein. It keeps the body healthy and energetic and performs some important functions like maintaining the metabolism of the body, healing ulcers and maintaining the immunity level. It is responsible for the growth of skin, hair and nails, for building blood, muscles and the internal organs of our body. Amino acids cannot be stored, so foodstuffs like cereals, fruits, nuts, vegetables and seeds must be included in our daily diet. Lack of amino acids degrades the proteins from your body. Any excess amino acids are broken down in the liver by the process called deamination in which the nitrogen-containing amino group is removed and converted into urea for excretion and the remaining part forms glucose which can be utilized.

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of the human body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression. It is also beneficial to women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, water retention, breast tenderness, and headaches.

L-Arginine - Several functions in our body are carried out by L-Arginine that is actually an amino acid. Its major advantage is to help the body get free of the waste product named ammonia. It also helps in the development of compounds such as L-proline, L-glutamate and creatine in the body. If required, it can also be converted into glycogen or glucose. The blood vessels in our body our relaxed by the compound named nitric oxide which is produced by the help of L-arginine. Another great advantage of L-arginine is the formation of protein in our body. Many other uses of L-arginine is found in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, healing of wounds, reducing high blood pressure and many more.

L-Glutamine is an amino acid that occurs most abundantly in the body by being released from muscles under stress. Aside from increasing the immune system’s efficiency to fight diseases, it also takes care of the normal functioning of the brain and the digestive system through the removal of excess ammonia in the body. A number of factors, such as stress, infections, injuries and surgery affect the levels of glutamine in the system, showing that the healing process is under way. Glutamine supplements may be used by regular exercisers to help in the recovery of muscular fitness after a workout. Glutamine, however, is known to be linked with infections of the intestine and users are advised to seek advice from professionals before ingesting this amino acid.

L-Isoleucine is one of the amino acids besides the other two, L-Valine and L-Leucine. These are found in all the forms of life as proteins. They are as well obtainable in the diet through vegetable and animal sources. L-Isoleucine is good to regulated blood sugar as well the energy levels. It is also important in the synthesis of hemoglobulin and thereby increases endurance. L-Isolecuine gets metabolized in the tissues of the muscles and the opulent L-Isolecuine sources are almonds, cashews and soy protein. Hence, this is prominent among athletes and is taken in combination with the other two amino acids, L-Leucine and L-Valine. L-Isoleucine is required for the formation of hemoglobin and also regulates as well as stabilizes the energy levels. The other food sources of L-Isoleucine are eggs, meat, fish, rye, chickpeas, chicken, liver and lentils. People suffering from physical and mental disorders are usually deficient in L-Isoleucine. These amino acids are required for the synthesis of enzymes, structural protein and for hormones.

L-Leucine is not prepared in the body but can be obtained through food items like brown rice, whole wheat bread and nuts or dietary supplements. It provides power and endurance. It ensures the well being of the lean muscle tissue, maintains the body’s nitrogen balance and supplies energy especially during exercise. It also assists the healing process and preserves and builds muscles. It is ideal for sportspersons. L-Leucine is also known to increase the secretion of Human Growth Hormone resulting in healthy joints, the reduction of body fat and slowing down of the aging process. It is also useful to people with Diabetes and kidney and liver problems. In the case of a deficiency, the body will not be able to use any proteins efficiently.

L-Valine, an essential amino acid, promotes the smooth functioning of the body. It is derived from animal and vegetable proteins like seafood, poultry, meat, cottage cheese, sesame seeds, dry whole lentils and roasted peanuts. It regulates the immune system, assists protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. It also promotes growth of muscles and repair of tissues that get damaged due to stress, disease, surgery or injury. It maintains the body’s nitrogen level and energizes the muscles. L-Valine helps detoxify the body against ammonia and prevents muscle wasting in diabetics. It assists in correcting drug addiction related amino acid deficiencies, gallbladder and liver diseases and is linked with treating neurological conditions and brain damage due to alcohol intake. One should consult a physician before consuming the supplement.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is the chemical element with the atomic number 15 in the periodic table. It is not found as a free element anywhere in the world. In biology and biochemistry it may be the most important element, being present in all living cells of living species. It is present in the DNA, in the RNA, in ATP, but is also found in cell membranes in form of phospholipids. It is also present in the bones, where it builds calcium phosphate salts, responsible for strong bones. Apatite is a collection of phosphate minerals which are generally found in bones and teeth; namely bromapatite, fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxyapatite. Several phosphates are being added to body building supplements and powders, intended to aid in skeletal and cellular strength improvement.

Potassium is an electrolyte, a substance that maintains the fluid levels in the body. It is helpful in regulating blood pressure and heart function. Intake of potassium can benefit people suffering from hypertension. Research has found that a potassium supplement intake decreased incidence of stroke by 60 percent. It neutralizes acids and restores alkaline salts to bloodstream.  It acts along with sodium cells to maintain or restore membrane potentials. Potassium is also vital for nerve functioning and cardiovascular, and regulates nutrients’ transfer into cells and adds to muscle energy. It also helps recuperative powers, besides regulating water balance. Potassium is beneficial for eliminating wastes. It is helpful in controlling headaches and convulsions, and quickens healing of cuts, bruises and other injuries.

Sodium is the element that has the atomic number 11 in the periodic table and is commonly known as the main component in the table salt, together with chloride. Interestingly enough, it is probably the one dietary component which does require limitation rather than supplementation, since that average daily nutritional requirement is around half a gram per day. This most popular food seasoning, salt, is providing the most common source of sodium and chloride in human diets, but is generally overused and may cause health problems, such as high blood pressure, if consumed overly generously. The suggested dose of table salt, or rather the upper limit portion, would be somewhat less than 6 gram per day, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, referenced by FDA. In the UK this limit is set at four grams per day.

Vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, or the active component of Vitamin C. Ascorbate, which is an ion of the ascorbic acid, is required for many metabolic reactions and is manufactured internally by most organisms, except humans. It is an essential nutrient and needs to be provided through nutrition. While oranges were traditionally deemed a good source of Vitamin C, the amount provided by an orange is dwarfed by the amount provided by the kakadu plum the richest Vitamin C plant resource of the world. Other notable sources are red peppers, parsley, Kiwifruit, Guava, Broccoli, Camu Camu, rose hip, Jujube, papaya, strawberries, lemon, melon and similar. Vitamin C is essential for tyrosine, carnitine and collagen synthesis, is the most widely available antioxidant and furthermore is vital for blood vessels, cartilage and scar tissue.