Beta-Alanine is a beta amino acid that is naturally occurring and that has a name given by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry – IUPAC – sounding as distinctive as 3-aminopropanoic acid. This nonessential amino acid is derived in the body by the degradation of carnosine or dihydrouracil. It is furthermore a part of natural peptides anserine and carnosine and can be found as a component of Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid. Beta-alanine levels limit the amount of carnosine, which means that it is a rate limiting factor for this dipeptide. When beta-alanine is being supplemented, it has been observed that carnosine levels in muscles are raised, which seems to reduce fatigue in athletes and raise the level of exercises that can be done.

Betaine was named this due to the source it was discovered in, Beta vulgaris or sugar beets, is an organic compound that is deemed related to trimethylaminoethanol, or choline. To diversify it from other betaines, trimethylglycine is often called glycine betaine as well. Humans generally ingest betaine through their diet, because it is high in content in wheat, whole wheat, shellfish, sugar beets and spinach. It can also be formed in the human body out of choline. As a potential methyl donor, trimethylglycine, or TMG for short, is in the same provider group with Vitamin B12, the folic acid, choline and S-adenosyl methionine, or SAMe. TMG also plays a vital function in the production of carnitine, furthermore it works in protecting kidneys and the liver.

Caffeine is extracted from coffee and tea during the process of decaffeination. Caffeine Anhydrous can be produced from dimethyl urea and malonic acid. It stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing the focus, concentration, and alertness, and warding off drowsiness. It is a mild diuretic and can also increase the metabolism. It increases the energy level and reduces fatigue. Aside from increasing mental alertness, it also helps in maximizing weight loss training. It stimulates the metabolism that helps the body to burn fat faster and uses the fat as energy. It also provides physical energy and delays the onset of fatigue.

Calcium, a mineral vital to the human body, Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction, and proper heart function.

Choline is a water soluble essential nutrient of every human cell which belongs to the Vitamin B family. It helps in the transfer of fat-based nutrients and waste from the cells. It plays a vital role in maintaining mental health and is used in treating brain disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. It assists the transfer of messages to and from the nerves and reduces inflammation. A choline deficiency results in insomnia, problems with memory, fatigue, nerve-muscle problems, inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine properly, accumulation of fats in the body, cardio vascular and liver problems. Wheat germ, soy products, cauliflower, peanuts, oats, potatoes, lentils, flax and sesame seeds are rich in choline. It is also found in egg yolks, veal, chicken, beef and turkey livers.

Citrulline is an a-amino acid. Its chemical formula is H2NC(O)NH(CH2)3CH(NH2)CO2H. It is a key intermediate in the urea cycle, the pathway by which mammals excrete ammonia. Commercially it is synthesized by many different processes and naturally it is found in significant quantity in rind of watermelon. Some recent studies show that use of citrulline relaxes blood vessels. It is also sold as a supplement in the form of citrulline malate for athletes to reduce muscle fatigue; these supplements are shown to be effective in preliminary clinical trials. In some studies it is found that patients with arthritis have detectable antibodies against proteins containing citrulline.

Creatine Ethyl Ester is a supplement commonly used by bodybuilders to improve their overall athletic performance. The creatine helps to cut fat and turn it into lean muscle. Creatine Ethyl Ester has a variety of benefits including gain in muscular mass and strength, increased endurance, reduced time for recovery and an overall reduction of water retention in the body. This means that the weight of the body will consist mainly of the muscular build up than retained water. Creatine Ethyl Ester is known to help in lowering water retention in the cells causing the body to lose a lot of water, ultimately leading to dehydration. It has been well recommended that any person using this supplement should drink a lot of fluids throughout the day.

Creatine Monohydrate supplements received wide popularization the early nineties of the twentieth century although already in the early years of the century proof existed that the muscle content could be boosted by the ingestion of creatine. The scientists discovered shortly thereafter the importance of creatine phosphate and the research did not stop there. While some weak supplements were available before 1992, with the introduction of Phosphagen into the supplement market, one of the most important products for the body building community has been created. Ever since then, creatine supplements have been changed and amended, improving the bioavailability and absorption properties. Currently there is a new version of the most popular supplement version, creatine monohydrate. Micronized creatine is this new product and it promises much quicker digestion and utilization.

Di-Creatine Malate is a compound made up of creatine salt that is bonded together with malic acid. It increases the availability of creatine in the body; this ensures the efficient absorption and use of creatine. The compound results in a greater production and quick replenishment of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. It helps in increasing strength in the cellular level that allows the production of explosive bursts of power. It also aids in increasing endurance by acting as lactic acid buffer. Di-Creatine Malate helps in the formation of muscle mass, decrease fat tissue, and improves cell volume. It also does not cause upset the stomach because it is easily absorbed by the intestine.

Glucuronolactone is actually short for glucuronic acid lactone, which is naturally occurring in the human body, namely in the liver. According to reports, the United States Government used Glucuronolactone to provide their soldiers in Vietnam with additional energy and a feeling of wellbeing. While there is no confirmation to these claims by the US Government, the characteristics of Glucuronolactone are true and therefore it is a very popular ingredient in energy drinks. Additionally, Glucuronolactone is a very important part of all connective tissues, and is also a known detoxing agent. Being a natural component of the human organism, it is a much better stimulant than caffeine, reducing sleepiness and fatigue, additionally improving concentration and overall mental performance. In Canada and some parts of Europe, Glucuronolactone is a controlled substance.

Glycocyamine was sought after because as much as a quarter of the world’s population is unable to supplement creatine, more accurately, the supplementation of regular creatine monohydrate had no effect whatsoever. Glycocyamine is a creatine metabolite, missing just a methyl group. Glycocyamine is guanidinoacetic acid and creatine is methylguanidinoacetic acid. Interestingly enough, glycocyamine is processed by the liver and metabolized into creatine, which allowed the rest of the world to supplement creatine as well. Unfortunately the supplementation of glycocyamine also meant that many methyl groups otherwise needed by the body would be now used up by the synthesis of creatine. For that reason it is generally recommended to supplement glycocyamine together with betaine, in order to provide enough methyl groups for all purposes. The commonly suggested ration is four parts betaine, one part glycocyamine, hence a four to one ratio.

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that may be found in foods such as meats, dairy products, wheat, fish, and oats. It plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters such as L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine that aids in the proper functioning of the brain. It prevents feelings of anxiety, irritability, frustration, sadness and depression. It also helps in losing weight because it aids in suppressing appetite and cravings. It also has the ability to enhance the libido. L-Tyrosine also protects the skin from UV light rays by being converted into melanin. It also benefits people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Magnesium, which is a mineral used by the body to help maintain muscles, bones, and nerves. Magnesium is also needed for energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

Potassium- Potassium is one of the essential minerals required for proper physiological functioning of the body. It plays an important role in the regulation of heart muscles. It helps to convert glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is essential for muscle formation. Potassium also helps to propagate nerve impulses by exchanging ion within cells and also helps in muscle contractions. It helps in balancing blood pressure. It controls the proper functioning of kidney. An average adult needs 3-5 gm of potassium daily. Due to deficiency of potassium, body observes tiredness. Other deficiency symptoms are weakness of muscles, low blood pressure, vomiting, poor kidney functions and Heart arrhythmias. Severe potassium shortages quickly direct to electrolyte disproportion which involves malfunctioning of nerves, kidney and heart.

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 found in high levels in the human heart and skeletal muscles. It is an amino sulfonic acid which is also present in the central nervous system and white blood cells. The human body produces this essential acid naturally so that it helps in absorbing vitamins and digesting fats. This acid reduces the problem of high blood pressure in adults and it is also being used for treating bipolar depression. Popularly known as a health supplement, Taurine has always been used in various health products. Bodybuilders are recommended to take Taurine along with creatine as it can prevent muscle soreness and fatigue. This amino acid is listed as one of the main supplemental ingredients in various energy drinks. For instance, drinks such as Rockstar and Monster, contain approximately 2000 mg of Taurine.

Vinpocetine, a derivative alkaloid of vincamine, is actually semi synthetic in nature. It is an extract from the It is an extract from the periwinkle vinca minor. Vinpocentine is used because it has neuroprotective effects and also helps in enhancing the cerebral blood flow. In Eastern Europe, it is also used as a drug to treat cerebrovascular disorders along with age related memory impairment. It is also extensively marketed as a supplement for vasodilation. It is also used to improve the memory since it plays the role of a nootropic. Vinpocentine is therefore used in supporting brain function. It helps in enhancing concentration and memory by activating cerebral metabolism. In the body building world, vinpocetine is often used a vasodilator. However, no research has been done so far on the effect of vinpocentine in the body building.

Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin with no known toxic effects if taken with other members of the vitamin B complex. Thiamine is essential to a strong appetite and to enable the body to use sugars and other carbohydrates.

Vitamin B12 is required for the normal functioning and development of the nervous system, blood cells and brain. It’s a water soluble vitamin which is used to elevate mood, improve energy levels and concentration, to boost immune system and in sleeping disorders. Severe deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to pernicious anemia. It is also used for lowering high homocysteine levels which may contribute to heart disease, asthma, AIDS, to prevent cervical and other cancers, memory loss, osteoporosis, allergies and skin infections. It also helps to prevent atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and kidney and gum disease. Vitamin B12 is added in almost all multi-vitamin B complex supplements. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 in infants can lead to megaloblastic anemia, delayed developments and movement disorders. Studies have proved that when used in combination with folic acid, it can prevent heart diseases.

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin with no known toxic effects. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is necessary in the oxidative process of metabolism. It is also sometimes used to correct certain enzyme deficiencies and improve mental processes.

Vitamin B3, also called Niacin, is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the conversion of food into energy so that it may be used by the body. Vitamin B3 also helps metabolize protein, sugar and fat.

Vitamin B5, is water soluble and is needed by every cell in the body to maintain good health. It helps in breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins to provide the body with energy. It assists in the production of red blood cells and hormones and ensures a healthy pregnancy. It is also known to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. It helps in reducing stress and treating people with rheumatoid arthritis. Pantothenic acid is found in small quantities in almost all foods but abundantly in meats, fish, poultry, avocados, peas, broccoli and whole grains. A deficiency which is rare, leads to leg cramps, gastrointestinal problems, anemia, insomnia, depression, a burning sensation in the limbs and a weakened immune system.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble member of the vitamin B complex. It exists in thre forms and often occurs in nature as a mixture of these three forms. Vitamin B6 is involved in protein, fat, and sugar metabolism.

Vitamin B9 or Folic acid is an essential water soluble vitamin. Though folic acid is needed for all age groups, folic acid supplements is necessary for aging people, pregnant women, smokers, women on oral contraceptives and heavy alcohol drinkers as their body have difficulty in absorbing folic acid through food. Folic acid has many vital functions to perform in our body. It helps in preventing heart disease, stroke, and may help prevent cervical, lung and colon cancer and helps in maturation of red blood cells. It’s recommended that pregnant women take folic acid supplementation through out pregnancy as it helps prevent premature delivery, low birth weight and fetal growth retardation. It may also help reduce the risk of renal disease in children and is necessary for fertility in both women and men. Some studies suggest that there is a relationship between folic acid and allergic diseases and depression. It also reduces risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis and helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis. It increases lipolysis and may help in preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes. In a study conducted it increased the short-term memory, mental agility and verbal fluency of people who consumed folic acid supplements (800mgs) daily. Folic acid supplements are also used to relieve hot flushes in postmenopausal women and helps correct anemia caused by vitamin B 12 deficiencies.

Zinc, a mineral needed for cell division and repair as well as proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is also an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.