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-Tocopherol is an active element of the vitamin E complex and is crucial for human health. Besides this, it also plays the role of a potent antioxidant in the lipid phase. Vitamin E cannot be produced by the human body, so it must either be supplied through food or supplementation. Since, our daily diets are not able to meet the required amount of vitamin E; it becomes necessary to complement our food intake with vitamin E supplements. However, individuals with high blood pressure, vitamin K deficiency, overactive thyroid, rheumatic heat ailments and diabetes should first seek medical advice. For maximum absorption, it is best taken with meals.

Arginine is a non essential amino acid that is naturally occurring. While considered non-essential, it is used by the human body in a number of ways. Overall, it helps improve the immune system by stimulating the thymus gland, boosting white blood cell production and stimulating the release of growth hormone. Arginine helps with wound healing by helping with cell division and is an important part of the urea cycle, helping remove ammonia from the body. Arginine also helps the body with production of nitric oxide which can help reduce mild high blood pressure and help enhance athletic performance.

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.

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.

Delta-Tocopherol belongs to a class of organic compounds which have vitamin E activity. It is used as a food additive and as a nutritional supplement. Various forms of tocopherol is labeled with these E numbers: E309 (d-tocopherol, E308 (?-tocopherol), and E307 (a-tocopherol). The use of Tocopherols delta supplements has been shown to be beneficial in coronary heart disease. Studies are also being conducted on its anti-cancer activity. Tocopherol is often claimed by manufacturers of skin creams and lotions to play a role in increasing the healing of skin and reducing scarring after injuries such as burns. It is also used in treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Flax seed is the seed of the Flax plant. The plant, also known as linseed, is of genus Linum and family Linaceae. Flax seeds are popular for their numerous health benefits, they contain lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans are shown to be beneficial for heart disease and to posses’ anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds are particularly believed to benefit people with breast and prostate cancer. Some research also shows that flaxseeds can lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood-sugar levels. They are also used as a laxative due to their high dietary fiber content; however, excessive consumption may lead to intestinal blockage.

Folic Acid produces healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia in both children and adults. It is especially important in pregnancy and infancy and is also believed to help in the prevention of cancer, stroke and heart disease.

Gamma-Tocopherol is a popular type of vitamin E because of its link with prostate and colon health, and its capability to promote cardio function. Research has found gamma tocopherol to be more efficacious than the alpha form in decreasing different events linked with oxidative stress. Higher tissue concentration of gamma tocopherol is linked with better cardiovascular function. It is a powerful antioxidant agent, providing protection from free radicals in different body parts, especially prostate, colon and lungs. Gamma tocopherol can also play a vital role in cellular health of colon and prostate. It can provide protection to colon, prostate and lung cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also good for the health of breast tissues.

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 known to have the ability to stimulate specific brain receptors as well as beneficial for building proteins in the body. It is used as a supplement for many ailments such as strokes or memory loss.

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.

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.

Lignans belong to a group of chemical compounds found in plants, vegetables, bran, whole grains, beans, fruits and seeds such as flax, poppy, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame. It has antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is considered to be phytoestrogens, meaning it mimics and acts like the hormone estrogen. It has the ability to attach itself to where estrogens abound, displacing the estrogen in the body. For instance, this is important especially because when breast cancer cells starts to develop, it attaches itself to estrogens. Lignans reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce the symptoms of menopause, prevent osteoporosis and improve kidney functions.

Lysine

Methionine is an a-amino acid classified in the non polar group of amino acids. All amino acids have a basic structure in which there is a central carbon atom, attached with the amine, carboxyl, and functional groups as side chains and also a hydrogen atom. Only the functional group varies in different amino acids and the properties, and thus the importance of the amino acids varies according to the functional groups. Methionine has a non polar thioether group as its functional group. Most of the advantages of methionine are based on the fact that the body can convert it into very useful substances. On its own, it is a potent antioxidant and helps in the breakdown of fat. When converted to creatine monohydrate, it helps muscle building.

Niacin is also known as Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose that serves as fuel for energy. It also helps the body in metabolizing fats and proteins. Niacin also helps in the production of hormones necessary for the body to function properly. It is also effective in improving the circulation in the body. It lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar level. It also helps in the treatment of coronary artery disease. It also helps in regulating the blood sugar level. Niacin also helps prevent the Pellagra disease, which causes digestive problems, diarrhea, dermatitis, hyper-pigmentation, amnesia, dementia, delirium, and even death. Niacin also helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and is also effective in treating acne.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are considered to be an essential fatty acid. Omega 3 can be found in seafood and fishes such as tuna, and salmon. It is commonly known as fatty acid that is good for the heart. It also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by controlling the cholesterol level and blood pressure level. It plays an important role in the efficient function of the brain. It helps in improving the cognitive functions of the brain such as memory and performance; and also aids in the behavioural function of the brain. It also fights fatigue, prevents diabetes, improves dry skin and blood circulation. It also prevents osteoporosis.

Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that may be obtained from evening primrose oil, seeds, nuts, and cooking oil. It is also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). It helps promote the generation of skin cells, growth of hair, maintenance of bone health, regulation of metabolism and promotion of reproductive health. A balanced diet of Omega 3 and Omega 6 is important. Excessive omega 6 may promote inflammation. Omega 6 is beneficial in reducing the symptoms of nerve pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. It also helps in stopping the progression and reducing the pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis such as swelling and stiffness. It also fights allergies, cancer, and eczema and reduces the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Omega-9 is also known as oleic acid. It is monounsaturated fat that the body is able to produce by itself. It is abundant in olive oil. It can be found in various foods such as vegetable oils and animal fats. When the body has insufficient Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, the body tends to produce Omega 9 to compensate for it. It helps prevent arteriosclerosis or the hardening of arteries. It also aids in preventing heart diseases and stroke. It also reduces the insulin resistance. It also helps improve and maintain the blood sugar level. It also improves the immune function and aids in weight loss.

Pantothenic Acid, commonly called Vitamin B5, it is a water-soluble member of the vitamin B complex. Pantothenic acid is involved in adrenal gland function and is required to fight stress.

Phenolic Acids are secondary plant metabolites widely found in plants. They are commonly found in tea, coffee, berries and fruits. Chemically, these are diverse in structure, but having aromatic rings with attached hydroxyl groups are a characteristic of these compounds. Like many aromatic compounds, phenolic acids are also a diverse group. Some of them are, however, more important in studies, like the hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids. Primary interest of the researchers in these substances lies in their role as an antioxidant. They found to have a protective role against diseases due to oxidative stress, such as, corneal damage, coronary heart disease and cancers. They can also be added to processed food as a natural antioxidant.

Phenylalanine has also been used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, fatigue and premenstrual syndrome. Phenylalanine also acts as an analgesic and appetite suppressant by releasing an intestinal hormone that signals the brain to feel full after eating.

Phytic Acid can be found in tissues of plants, commonly in bran, seeds, grains and beans. It maintains a healthy cholesterol level and reduces triglycerides and blood clots that help prevent heart disease. Phytic Acid is a considered to be a phytonutrient that provides antioxidant effect. It enhances lyphocytes that kill tumor cell and prevent the formation of kidney stones. When Phytic Acid binds to iron, it prevents the production of ammonia that prevents body odour, bad breath and uraroma. It also has anti-carcinogenic property; it is found to fight against colon cancer by minimizing the oxidative stress in the intestinal tract. It also protects against Parkinson’s disease. It also prevents acute alcohol poisoning.

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.

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 B2 , also called Riboflavin, is naturally manufactured by the body. Vitamin B2 is needed for the proper use of oxygen and amino acids, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Vitamin B2 is also utilized by Vitamin B6 in the body and is used to manufacture niacin. Vitamin B2 is especially needed when eating large amounts of protein.

Vitamin B6 is soluble in water and is essential for good health. Our nervous system is dependent on this vitamin to function properly. It keeps the thymus, lymph nodes and the spleen that make white blood cells healthy, through cellular growth and protein metabolism. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a weakened ability to fight infections and will weaken the immune system. Vitamin B6 helps in the formation of Hemoglobin which increases the oxygen that is carried to the tissues. A deficiency can cause a type of anemia. Vitamin B6 helps to convert carbohydrates and other nutrients into glucose which maintains the sugar levels in our blood stream. Vitamin B6 is available in meat, fish, fortified cereals, poultry, some fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C is an obvious essential nutrient and a deficiency of this will cause scurvy. It is also an antioxidant and acts as an electron donor for eight different enzymes.