Alanine is a naturally forming chemical found in a variety of foods especially meats. This non essential amino acid is used in the production of protein. It assists the body in metabolizing various components such as glucose and can also play a part in lowering cholesterol. It is suggested that an Alanine supplement be used with people who have a diet low in protein and who may be exposed to adverse effects of a protein deficiency. Alanine is also linked to an increase in the efficacy of the immune system and a reduction of toxins in the system.

Arginine is a non-essential amino acid that is needed by the body for the proper functioning of the liver, skin, joints, and muscles. It helps improve the immune system by increasing the T-lyphocytes output from the thymus gland. Arginine also neutralizes the effects of ammonia and toxic substances by detoxifying the liver. It is beneficial to most athletes particularly body builders because arginine helps in the production of creatine in the body and stimulates the excretion of growth hormones that aids in the development of muscle mass. It also helps improve the metabolism and in fat loss. Arginine also promotes the healing and repair of damaged tissues.

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.

Cystine is an amino acid containing sulfur, which assists in forming healthy skin, bones, hair, and connective tissue. It also is needed to make glutathione, a natural antioxidant that fights free-radical damage. Every molecule of cystine is formed from two molecules of cysteine, which is another sulfur-containing amino acid very similar to cystine. It is needed for proper vitamin B6 use and is also beneficial in healing burns and wounds, breaking down deposits of mucus in diseases like bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Cystine enhances the glutathione level in lungs, kidneys, liver, and bone marrow, which can have an anti-aging impact on the body by decreasing age spots. It is a detoxification agent protecting the body against damage of cigarette smoking and alcohol, and can help prevent hangovers, and liver and brain damage.

Glutamic Acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter, which enhances firing of neurons in central nervous system. Glutamic acid is a main excitatory neurotransmitter in brain and spinal caord. It is transformed either into glutamine or gamma-aminobutyric acid – the two other amino acids which assist in transmitting messages to brain. Glutamic acid plays a vital role in metabolism of fats and sugars, and assists in transporting potassium into spinal fluid and across the blood-brain barrier. Though it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier as readily as is done by glutamine, it is present in blood at high levels and may reach the brain in small amounts. The brain can utilize glutamic acid as a fuel. It assists in correcting personality disorders and is helpful in treating childhood behavioral disorders. It is also used in treating mental retardation, epilepsy, ulcers, muscular dystrophy, and hypoglycemic coma.

Glycine is an amino acid acting as a transmitter of the nerve impulses. It reduces the spinal nerves action by supplying skeletal muscles. Glycine tastes sweet and is hence added to soft drinks so that it masks the aftertaste of saccharin bitterness. This is an organic compound and is found in animal proteins. Glycine takes active participation in the free state in many significant reactions such as the biosynthesis of heme which is indeed one the important constituents of hemoglobin. The glycine defects in metabolism are rare. This acid is however not essential as diet as it can be available from other substances to the body. This was the foremost acid to get isolated from protein. Glycine is employed in pharmaceutical applications. Glycine is sold as United States Pharmacopeia as well as technical grade. However, the USP grade has diverse uses. The technical grade may sometime not reach the standards or USP grade, but is widely used in industrial applications for metal finishing.

Histidine is an amino acid that is essential especially in infants. The adult body produces this amino acid naturally and thus it becomes a non-essential acid. However in the case of infants this is not true. This vitamin is extremely important and children may not have sufficient Histidine. The Histidine is an originator of the Histamine which is a compound that is release by the human immune system when an allergic reaction takes place. This is also essential for the repair and growth of new tissues and helps to maintain myelin sheaths (the protectors of the nerve cells). Histidine is also needed for the production of the red and white blood cells.

Isoleucine- An important essential amino acid is isoleucine which is also part of the three “branched chain amino acids” along with leucine and valine. Since it is an essential amino acid it cannot be synthesized in the body and thus isoleucine has to be ingested in the diet (almonds, chicken, eggs, cashews, fish, lentils, liver, meat etc.). Isoleucine is required for muscle recovery and also for the formation of haemoglobin. Isoleucine also assists in regulating blood sugar levels and energy levels. It is also involved in blood-clot formation. Isoleucine deficiency is present only in those people who are lacking in protein intake. Deficiency may lead to dizziness, fatigue, depression etc. Excessive amounts of isoleucine doesn’t seem to be a problem though it isn’t recommended for those with kidney or liver disease.

L-Aspartic Acid is an amino acid which is extremely essential to the body. It has a variety of beneficiary properties, in that it acts as a detoxifier by combining with other acids to remove toxins from the blood stream, and helps in building immune system antibodies and converts carbohydrates into muscular energy. People with lowered levels of L-Aspartic Acids may find themselves susceptible to fatigue and tiredness. People tend to feel that they have no energy to continue with a particular activity, and replenishing the body’s levels of L-Aspartic acid may be just the thing to get back to normal. Natural sources rich in L-Aspartic Acid are animal protein, avocado, asparagus and oats. Dietary supplements can also make available, the required amounts of L-Aspartic Acid.

Lecithin is needed by every cell in the body and is a key building block of cell membranes; without it, they would harden. Lecithin protects cells from oxidation and largely comprises the protective sheaths surrounding the brain. It is composed mostly of B vitamins, phosphoric acid, choline, linoleic acid and inositol. Although it is a fatty substance, it is also a fat emulsifier.

Leucine is an essential amino acid that works together with isoleucine and valine, forming the three branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Leucine is easily converted by to body to glucose, helping to regulate and maintain the blood sugar level. Leucine promotes muscle recovery, muscle repair and provides the body with energy. It also helps in burning fat that are least responsive to exercise and dieting. Leucine helps in toning the body and the muscles. Leucine prevents muscle loss by breaking down and converting to glucose, this prevents the body from breaking down muscle tissues to create energy, particularly during intense workouts and heavy weight lifting.

Lysine is chemically abbreviated as Lys or K. It is an essential amino acid with chemical formula HO2CCH (NH2) (CH2)4NH2 and Mol. mass 146.19 g mol-1 . It is not naturally synthesized in body and needs to be taken from dietary sources. Lysine plays a vital role in protein synthesis in the body and also helps in Calcium absorption. As it helps in protein synthesis it can improve recovery of muscles after workouts and surgeries. Research also shows that Lysine aids in production of some hormones, enzymes and antibodies. It is also believed to be beneficial for people with herpes simplex infections.

Methionine is an amino acid that is found in meat, fish, beans, eggs, lentils, onions and seeds. It contains sulphur that is essential for the production of glutathione. It helps the body get rid of toxins, build strong and healthy tissues, and promote a healthy cardiovascular system. It helps breakdown fats and promotes weight loss. It also prevents the build up of fats in the arteries that reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. Methionine promotes proper digestion and gets rid of toxins and heavy metals in the body. It helps cleanse the body from toxins. It also helps relieve pains caused by arthritis. It helps in alleviating the mood, and treat depression.

Milk is a white liquid produced by modified sweat glands of mammals called mammary glands. Milk is very nutritious and its exact components vary from species to species but it contains good amounts of saturated fat, proteins, calcium and vitamin C. Milk contains butterfat globules in water based fluid. Though undoubtedly accepted as an excellent source of nutrients, research has indicated some special health benefits of milk use as well. Consumption of low-fat milk has been found to reduce the risk of contracting high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer and obesity. Consumption of full fat dairy milk may lead to an increase in fertility in women. Milk contains conjugated linoleic acid which destroys certain types of cancer cells

Phenylalanine- (S) alpha Amino beta phenylpropionic acid, or L-Phenylalanine, is an essential, electrically neutral amino acid, one of the twenty amino acids that are used by the human body to create proteins. L-Phenylalanine can also be turned into L-Tyrosine, also an amino acid, which converts into L-DOPA, a precursor to catecholamines like epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. While it is naturally found in breast milk and also milk of mammals, it is also a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame, found in many diet soft drinks. Other sources of phenylalanine include beef, poultry, pork, seafood, sesame seeds, soy milk, walnuts, flax seed, cottage cheese and asparagus. Although widely available through food, L-Phenylalanine is also marketed as a supplement, particularly for body builders where muscle growth is the main factor.

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.

Serine is a non-essential amino acid derived from amino acid glycine and is beneficial to both mental and physical health.It is vital for proper functioning of brain and central nervous system. Serine helps form phospholipids that are needed to make every cell in the body. It also is helpful in muscle formation and maintaining a strong immune system. Proteins used to form the brain, and the protective myelin sheaths covering nerves, contain serine. It is also required for producing amino acid tryptophan, which is used to make serotonin, a chemical that determines mood. Shortage of serotonin and tryptophan has been associated with depression, confusion, insomnia, and anxiety. Decreased serine levels can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

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.

Taurine is an amino acid found within muscle tissue. It is the second most abundant amino acid found in the body.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is formed from proteins during digestion by working of proteolytic enzymes. It can help enhance relaxation and improve sleep, soothe nerves and anxiety, relieve minor premenstrual symptoms, and decrease carbohydrate cravings. It is vital for production of serotonin, which is among the important chemicals involved in blood regulation. During depression, the amount of serotonin released from the brain’s nerve cells may decline. Tryptophan, by enhancing serotonin levels in the blood, can increase the antidepressant effects of serotonin. It is essential for production of niachin (B3) and needs, biotin, B6, zinc, and vitamin C to form the enzyme required for conversion. It can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. It assists in controlling hyperactivity in children, relieving stress, and increasing release of growth hormones essential for production of vitamin B6. It can also help regulate appetite and assist in weight loss.

Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid derived from several sources, including soy, poultry, milk and cheese products, but can also be synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. There are twenty amino acids that are used in human cells to synthesize proteins, one of which is tyrosine. It is of vital importance to the carbon dioxide conversion into organic compounds conducted by plants, the photosynthesis. Tyrosine is also recognized as a precursor to hormones, but also alkaloids and pigments. It is furthermore viewed as a precursor to neurotransmitters; it increases the levels of plasma neurotransmitters, most prominently norepinephrine and dopamine. While under normal circumstances the effects of tyrosine are inconclusive, it has been observed as useful in stress situations and to reduce the effects of a cold, fatigue, sleep deprivation and any kind of prolonged labor.

Valine- One of the several essential amino acids present in the human body is Valine. This is also a nonpolar, branched chain amino acid which is found in high concentrations in the muscles. Since it is an essential amino acid, valine is not synthesised in the body and thus must be ingested as part of the diet. Valine is available through foods like fish, poultry, peanuts, sesame seeds, lentils and cottage cheese. Valine is essential for muscle, growth and repair of tissue and for maintaining the body’s nitrogen balance. Since it has a branched chain, valine can be used as an energy source in the muscles and thus conserves glucose. Hence valine is often used by bodybuilders to support muscle growth and provide energy. A deficiency of valine in the body, caused by the inability of the body to metabolise valine leads to the Maple Syrup Urine Disease in which the person’s urine smells like maple syrup.

Whey Protein Concentrate- Whey protein is derived from a by-product (whey) during the process of conversion of milk into cheese. It’s available in three forms namely concentrate, isolate and hydrolysate. - Whey protein concentrate has higher level of bioactive compounds and lactose. They are low in cholesterol and fat content and have 29 percent to 89 percent of protein by weight. It’s mainly used by body builders for building muscles; it has numerous other health benefits. Whey protein is a good source of protein for all age groups and has an essential amino acid leucine which helps in muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. Whey protein is also used in cancer and other chronic diseases where people are suffering from protein calorie malnutrition. Amino acid present in whey protein is essential for nail, skin and muscle growth. It is used in all infant formulas as it contains components that are found in human breast milk and it is also used in health drinks for children as a good source of protein. It helps prevent bone loss and helps in healing of wounds, surgical incisions as body requires more protein for the healing process. Whey protein is used in weight loss supplements as an appetite suppressant. Whey protein helps in improving immune function in athletes as it increases the level of glutathione.

Whey Protein Isolate is a pure high quality protein made from cow's milk. It is a naturally complete protein containing all of the essential amino acids required by the body daily. It is a rich source of branched chain amino acids which metabolize directly into muscle tissue and are the first ones used during periods of exercise and resistance training. It is an excellent source of Lucien which plays a key role in promoting muscle growth. Whey protein also helps stabilize blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.

Xanthan Gum is used in cosmetics to stabilize and bind products. Cosmetic companies add a very small amount to their products to keep the individual ingredients from separating. Xanthan gum is composed of glucose,mannose and glucuronic acid. It is often used in recipes in place of gelatin by people with food allergies or for people who are omitting dairy, eggs and soy from their diets.