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.

Alpha Galactosidase is a natural enzyme that helps to break down complex sugars like polysaccharides and oligosaccharides into simple sugars in the digestive tract. Polysaccharides and oligosaccharides are found in foods such as legumes and cruciferous vegetables. Alpha Galactosidase, thereby not only makes it easier to digest these foods but also helps to reduce flatulence. Otherwise, these complex sugars on being fermented by the natural flora of the large intestine may cause bloating, gas and discomfort. Alpha Galactosidase, obtained from the fungus Aspergillus niger, is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of tablet as well as liquid.

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.

Aspartic Acid is a non-essential amino acid which is bountiful in plant proteins. It can also be produced in the human body from oxaloacetic acid. Some biochemicals that are synthesized from aspartic acid include asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and a number of nucleotides. Apartic acid is used for stamina, the brain and overall health as it helps the liver by removing excess harmful ammonia and other toxins from the bloodstream. If ammonia enters your circulatory system it can be harm your central nervous system and cause neural and brain disorders. Aspartic acid helps to keep the mind sharp by increasing concentrations of NADH in the brain.

Bromelain is a combination of enzymes derived from the pineapple plant. It has anti-inflammatory property that reduces swelling and pain caused by arthritis, rheumatism and injuries caused by athletic activities. Bromelain is also effective in alleviating the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by inhibiting the prostaglandin hormones. It works by blocking the production of kinnis that causes the inflammation. Bromelain also has blood thinning effect that could prevent blood clotting that may cause heart problems. It also relieves symptoms of indigestion such as flatulence, gas, heartburn, and upset stomach. It also aids in the digestion of carbohydrates and fats. It also helps in distributing the nutrients throughout the body.

Cystine is a non-essential sulfur containing amino acid. Our body can supply cystine on its own. Cystine is important for vitamin B6 utilization and is a detoxifying agent. It removes toxins absorbed by body through alcohol and smoking and protects body from damage of brain and liver. Cystine increases the level of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps in detoxifying harmful toxins in the liver. As Alpha-keratin, the protein that makes up the skin, fingernails and hair contains cystine; it is also used in anti-aging products. It is also useful for faster healing of burns and wounds, for low count of white blood cells and in skin diseases.

Glutamine- The standard genetic code has 20 encoded amino acids. Glutamine is one those encoded amino acids. Research shows that prolonged consumption of glutamine is effect in anabolic muscle growth. The most non essential amino acid produced by the human body in abundance is the glutamine. The blood brain barrier is something which is crossed directly by very few amino acids. Glutamine is one of those few acids. Skeleton muscles are where the glutamine is stored in the body. It can also be found circulating in the blood stream. In case of illness or injury, it becomes extremely important to consume food high in this amino acid. There are a lot of external dietary sources that provide the amino acid glutamine. Poultry products, dairy products, fish, vegetables like spinach, cabbage, beets; even vegetable juices and fermented food items are a good source of glutamine.

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-Glycine- Glycine is an organic compound and one of the 20 amino acids deemed as building blocks for proteins. This proteinogenic amino acid is not only the smallest but also the only amino acid of the group that is not chiral, which means there is no enantiomer of glycine. With the prominent exception of collagen, which thirty five percent are glycine, most proteins contain only small amounts of it. As a solid, glycine is sweet tasting, crystalline and has no color. Despite being non-essential, because it can be biosynthesized from the amino acid serine, glycine has several important physiological functions, besides being a precursor to proteins. It is a biosynthetic intermediate of purines and the D-Aminolevulinic acid and it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system.

L-Isoleucine- The second of three branched chain amino acids it is important in blood sugar regulation and producing hemoglobin. After exercise, it is responsible for muscle recovery and important in the metabolism to produce energy.

L-Leucine with the food additive E number code E641 is classified as a flavor enhancer. Leucine is actually an essential alpha-amino acid and a vital part of so called “buffer” proteins, such as ferritin and astacin. You can find leucine in foods such as whole wheat bread products, nuts and brown rice. As a supplement, researchers have found that leucine slows the degradation of muscles and muscle tissues through an inflated synthesis of muscle proteins. In the human body, leucine can be found in the liver, but most prominently in the muscle and adipose tissues, where it is utilized in production of sterols. In body building circles L-Leucine as a dietary supplement is very popular for all these properties, but also for the preservation of muscle glycogen, nitrogen balance maintenance and more.

L-Valine- L-Valine is one the three Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). The other two BCAAs are L-isoleuine and L-leucine. L-Valine is required by the body for the proper function of the nervous system and the brain. L-Valine is not processed by the liver; instead, it goes directly to the muscles. It helps enhance muscle growth and help it to recover faster after an intense workout. It also helps in muscle tissue repair and maintains the proper amount of nitrogen in the body. It can also be used as an energy source that gives energy and strength to the muscles. L-Valine has other benefits; it is also helpful in liver regeneration, improvement of insomnia and nervousness, and is an effective appetite suppressant.

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 an essential amino acid that is sometimes also referred to as amino acid K. It is effective in preventing atherosclerosis which causes the walls of the arteries to harden caused by deposits of lipoproteins or fats. It is able to loosen and preventing the deposits of fats and reduces the risks of stroke and hypertension or high blood pressure. It also promotes the production of carnitine that converts fatty acids into energy. It also controls the blood pressure level. Lysine also helps in the absorption of calcium that keeps the bones healthy. It also promotes collagen production that is important in maintaining the joints and connective tissues healthy.

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.

Phenylalanine, which may aid in weight loss through the feeling of satiety or fullness by taking phenylalanine with a glass of water 20 minutes before a meal.

Proline is an amino acid. The body has the capability to produce Proline with glutamic acid. Proline works well with vitamin C, which make it more potent. It helps particularly in maintaining and repairing damaged tissues, skin and muscle. It heals damaged cartilage, and helps maintaining flexible joints. It benefits parts of the body where collagen is found, such as blood vessels, tendons, skin, bones, and including the eye. It prevents and reduces the sagging, wrinkling and aging of skin. It ensures that the body has the proper supply of collagen, guarding it against future joint and spine problems. It also enhances the immune system.

Serine is a non-essential proteinogenic amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It is derived from the metabolite glycine. It is important to overall health, both physical and mental, as well as the proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system. It is an important factor to the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which directly affects the body’s metabolic rate. Serine forms the phospholipids that are needed to make cells in the body. Promotion of a healthy immune system is also one of serine’s benefits, as it produces immunoglobulins and antibodies. Serine produces trypophan which is an amino acid that is used to make serotonin.

Threonine-The essential amino acid threonine is found throughout the body's circulatory, skeletal and central nervous systems and is essential for maintaining balance throughout the body while assisting in the production of elastin and collagen that are needed for healthy skin. Threonine is also beneficial for optimal liver functioning and promotes a healthy immune system by assisting with the production of antibodies. Threonine has also been used in various formulations to strengthen mental clarity and sharpen focus. Threonine can be found in abundance in various dairy foods, beans, nuts, wheat germ, some vegetables, eggs, and most meats, or in supplement form.

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.