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.

BCAA is the abbreviation for Branched–chain amino acids. This is sometimes used to describe those amino acids that have aliphatic side-chains and are nonlinear. They are isoleucine, leucine, and valine. These three essential amino acids total up to approximately thirty three percent of skeletal muscle in the human body and it plays a crucial role in protein synthesis as well. BCAA is clinically used on burn victims and also to boost the strength of athletes. Bodybuilders show great interest in BCAA because it gets metabolized in the muscles and can be utilized to build proteins and produce energy. Studies reveal that, BCAA when regularly used increases hormone growth in the blood, thus resulting in improved muscular activity. Combining BCAA with beta-alanine reduces muscle injury.

Biotin, also called Vitamin H or Vitamin B7. Biotin is a water-soluble B-Complex Vitamin that is needed for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Calcium, is a supple gray alkaline earth metal, which is the fifth most abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust. Calcium is also at the fifth most profuse dissolved ion in seawater by both molarities and mass. Calcium is a significant nutrient that we require in our bodies. It has many imperative functions. It helps getting strong teeth and bones and is involved in muscle contractions and blood clotting, The calcium is mainly stored in our teeth and bones. Low calcium level may lead to the bone fractures and in some cases porous bones or osteoporosis, generally in old age. The intake of calcium can drop down the high blood pressure, maintain your heart functions, avert gum disease, prevent colon and rectum cancer, and help blood to clot.

Chromium.

Copper is a naturally occurring mineral in foods like shell fish, vegetables, avocado fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and beef. As copper originates from the earth's crust, the surface water and ground water contains small traces of copper. Copper is implicated in many biochemical reactions within the human cells.

Folic Acid- We know Folic acid by various names - Folate, Folacin, Pteroylglutamic acid, or just Vitamin B9. No matter what we call it, Folic acid is basically a B vitamin that helps the body to create healthy new cells. Folic acid is thus necessary for each one of us though pregnant women require it all the more. A woman who has a sufficient intake of folic acid both before and during pregnancy can protect the baby from major birth defects of the brain or spine. The best part about this vitamin is that it is readily available in fruits, dried beans, nuts, peas, cereals, grain products, and leafy green vegetables. It is however important to consume this vitamin regularly through proper diet. This is because folic acid being water soluble, it easily dissolves in water and the leftover vitamin is passed out through the urine.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

Iron is vital in human nutrition as the adult human body contains 3-4 grams of iron. Haem-iron and non-haem iron are the two types of iron. Foods rich in haem-iron include meat, liver, fish, and poultry. Foods that are high in non-haem iron are those of vegetable origin, like green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, dry fruits and jiggery. Iron is vital for numerous body functions, including hemoglobin formation, brain development and function, muscle activity, regulation of body temperature and catecholamine. Deficiency of iron affects immune system, reduces the number of T-cells and production of antibodies. Iron is also necessary for binding oxygen to body cells as its main function is oxygen transport and cell respiration. It works as an anti-cancer agent. Iron increases energy level of the body, improving physical performance. It prevents insomnia.

L-Alanine- As one of the twenty alpha amino acids that are proteinogenic, which means that these amino acids are building blocks of proteins, L-Alanine is the second most abundant amino acid, with leucine being the first. This nonpolar amino acid can be produced by the body by means of reductive amination of pyruvate and some branched chain amino acids, like isoleucine, leucine and valine. Liver and tissues depend on alanine, which plays a prominent role in the glucose alanine cycle. Alanine is also involved in the removal of nitrogen from tissues to the liver, but alanine also assists in the blood sugar tapping of the body for energy requirements. Despite being a non-essential amino acid, alanine is found in meat, dairy products, fish, poultry, eggs, some beans, nuts and seeds, brown rice bran, corn and whole grains, among other sources.

L-Arginine is a very important amino acid that is required by the body for a number of functions. One of the main functions of L-Arginine is its ability to rid the body of ammonia, which is a waste product. It is also used in the manufacture of nitric oxide, which helps to relax the blood vessels, thereby increasing the flow of blood and reducing the chances of a heart attack. It is advised that supplements of L-Arginine should not be administered following a heart attack for fear that it could possibly aggravate cardiac shock. L-Arginine is being used in treating people with erectile dysfunction, as it relaxes the blood vessels surrounding the penis. It is also used in treating migraine and blood pressure.

L-Cysteine- If two cysteine molecules are bound together by a disulfide structural unit, the amino acid dimer L-Cystine is formed. It is deemed a vital component of proteins, where formations of the disulfide bonds are made between and within protein molecules. It seems that thereby L-Cystine is determining to a significant amount the three dimensional structure of a prominent number of proteins. For instance, it has been determined that human hair contains about five percent of cystine. In case that the non-essential alpha amino acid cysteine is required by the body, the disulfide link is apparently readily reduced. While cysteine can be derived from protein rich sources such as meat, poultry and dairy products, L-Cystine, although present in these, is most abundantly found in undenatured whey proteins.

L-Glutamic Acid- In the proteinogenic group of twenty amino acids, the group that is deemed the building blocks of proteins, L-Glutamic Acid is one of the more commonly known ones. The reason for this fame are the carboxylate anions and salts of the glutamic acid, the glutamates. Glutamic acid is present in many fermented or aged food sources, such as cheese and soy sauce, but also in yeast extracts. The sodium salt of glutamic acid, monosodium glutamate, is a very popular and widely used food additive. Glutamate is an extremely important molecule in cellular metabolism. Glutamate is also one of the most commonly occurring excitatory neurotransmitters. Glutamate has been also identified as a precursor to GABA inhibitor. Glutamic acid is deemed responsible for one of the five basic tastes, the human taste sense commonly called umami.

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-Histidine- Histidine is one of the twenty amino acids that are considered to be the building blocks of proteins. This proteinogenic amino acid is believed to be non-essential to adult humans, because at some point, after reaching a certain age, they begin to synthesize it. On the other hand, histidine is an essential amino acid to infants, and needs to be part of their regular diet. The amino acid L-Histidine is identified as a precursor for carnosine and histamine biosynthesis. In research studies it has been proven that histidine supplementation can cause an elevated excretion of zinc in rats, up to six times the normal amount. Humans sometimes use histidine supplementation to artificially raise histamine levels. L-Histidine is identified as playing a role with several trace elements, such as iron, molybdenum, manganese, zinc and copper.

L-Isoleucine is one of the nine essential amino acids that is not produced in the body. It can be obtained from animal sources like liver, fish, eggs, chicken, meat and vegetable sources like rye, cashew nuts, almonds, lentils, chickpeas and soy proteins. The metabolism of L-Isoleucine takes place in muscle tissue. It is needed for the formation of hemoglobin and stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. It is also known to increase endurance levels and helps in the recovery of muscles after exercise. It strengthens the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and increases the level of growth hormones and insulin to maintain the body’s balance. A deficiency leads to a number of physical and mental disorders with symptoms similar to hypoglycemia.

L-Leucine- Leucine is an essential amino acid that does not synthesize in humans and so must be ingested. It slows the degradation of muscle tissue and is used in the formation of sterols.

L-Lysine is an essential amino acid obtainable from daily food sources we consume. It has many medicinal properties which benefit us in our daily lives. While it is mainly used in the treatment of herpes, it also helps us become stronger by building our muscle tissues. It helps us to recover form injuries and surgeries besides absorbing calcium for building healthy bones. It also regulates the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones which are required for healthy immunity level. L-lysine when consumed in high doses can lead to serious conditions. Although L-lysine is important for good health, we never really realize we are consuming it. Deficiency of L-lysine causes lethargy, amnesia, enzyme disorders, reproductive problems and hair loss. Generally, L-lysine is present in all vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. Fish and cereals have higher amount of L-lysine in them.

L-Phenylalanine is a vital amino acid. It acts as a building block for various proteins produced in the body. It is found in most foods that contain protein, like poultry, beef, pork, milk, fish, yogurt, cheese, eggs, soy products, and certain nuts and seeds. It can assist in decreasing chronic pain linked with different health conditions by inducing nerve pathways in the brain which control pain. It can also help improve rigidity and is beneficial in conditions like walking disabilities, depression associated with Parkinson’s disease, and speech difficulties. Combination of L-Phenylalanine with ultraviolet radiation for people having vitiligo, a condition that is characterized by irregular depigmentation or white patches of skin, can lead to some darkening or repigmentation of whitened areas, especially on the face.

L-Proline is a proteinogenic alpha amino acid, one of only twenty amino acids that are DNA encoded for the forming of protein. It is not deemed essential because humans are able to synthesize it from the amino acid L-Glutamate. This unique member of the twenty protein building block amino acids is the only one of the group that is distinct as belonging to the secondary alpha amino group. L-Proline plays a role in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is undeniably the most common protein in mammals, being found in skin, tendons, joints, ligaments, vasculature and bones. It is deemed good for the health of joints, when taken as a supplement. Low protein diets, vegetarian and vegan diets as well as malnutrition lead to diminished L-Proline levels.

L-Serine- Serine is an organic compound and a proteinogenic amino acid that is considered a building block for the creation of proteins. This member of the hydroxyl group and a polar amino acid is not essential and therefore it is not necessary to ingest it by means of diet. L-Serine can be synthesized from metabolites such as glycine. L-Serine plays a role in the biosynthesis of pyrimidines and purines, furthermore it is a precursor to many metabolites like sphingolipids and to amino acids like cysteine and glycine. It is also involved in catalytic functions of several enzymes. L-Serine can be transformed into D-Serine by the serine racemase, which functions as a neuronal signal and NMDA receptor activator in the brain, a vital glutamate receptor responsible for memory functions and synaptic plasticity.

L-Threonine- 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid, or L-Threonine, an enantiomer of Threonine, which is an essential amino acid, needs to be ingested by way of diet, predominantly through Threonine containing proteins. There are two ways how Threonine can be metabolized, namely conversion into pyruvate by utilizing Threonine dehydrogenase, whereby an intermediate can thiolyze with CoA, producing acetyl-CoA and glycine; and the second possibility, where Threonine is changed into alpha-ketobutyrate, utilizing serine dehydratase, towards becoming succinyl-CoA. Succinyl CoA is a CAC intermediate, which means that it is a part of the citric acid cycle. The citric acid cycle is a vital part of the metabolic pathway which is securing the conversion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats towards usable energy. Foods containing Threonine are meat, poultry and fish and related products, cottage cheese, sesame seeds and lentils.

L-Tryptophan- Tryptophan is an essential amino acid as well as within the group of only twenty standard amino acids that are required by the human diet. It is one of the building blocks required for protein biosynthesis. It is also viewed as a precursor to serotonin and thereby also melatonin, niacin and also auxin. Interestingly enough, lactose intolerance and fructose malabsorption have the side effect that tryptophan is only improperly absorbed in the intestines which leads to diminished levels of it in the system. Dietary sources of tryptophan are plentiful, it can be found in red meat, poultry, fish, milk, milk products, peanuts, mangoes, dates, chocolate and oats, among others. As a dietary supplement tryptophan has found applications as a safe sleeping aid and also as a calming agent.

L-Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid occurring in the body. L-Tyrosine may be created from the synthesis of phenylalanine which is also an amino acid. It is one of the building blocks of proteins in the body. It is also a precursor for several neurotransmitters such as L-dopa, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It helps treat and prevent illness such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression and other such mood disorders. It also helps protect the body from free radical damages. It also helps protect the skin from UV rays damages on the skin by aiding in the production of melanin. It also helps in increasing the metabolic rate that speeds up muscle building and fat loss. It also increases the endurance.

L-Valine is an amino acid with stimulant activities. It not only helps in tissue repair but also promotes muscle growth. It is one of the three branched amino acids that are formulated for providing support to the human body for normal functioning. Derived from animal and vegetable protein, L-Valine is not only involved in the synthesis of protein and metabolism of glucose but it also regulates the immune system. L-Valine is also effective in maintaining the exercise recovery time and the balance of nitrogen in the body. Since the human body doesn’t produce this amino acid naturally, you need to acquire it through dietary supplements and food items. When taking L-Valine supplements, you must follow strict directions from the physician. Even though it doesn’t have any side effects, it helps to consult the physician before its usage.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

Pantothenic Acid, also called vitamin B5, which is a water-soluble vitamin required by the human body. Pantothenic acid is needed to form coenzyme-A (CoA), and is vital in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is perhaps one of the most important mineral, which in form of phosphate as an intercellular anion serves a multitude of functions. Not only are phosphates essential for the utilization of most vitamins belonging to the B complex, but they are vital for energy storage and the overall metabolism. But that is not all, phosphate is essential for healthy bones and teeth, calcium with phosphorus are required for them and soft tissues as well. But also body fluids require phosphates for excretion of hydrogen ions through the kidneys. Somewhere around one per cent of the body weight should be phosphorus in some form, therefore it is vital to supply your body with sufficient phosphates through milk, cheese, nuts, peanut butter, peas and other sources, including supplements.

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

Thiamine 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 A is the second Vitamin that was discovered, after Vitamin B. It can be found in several forms, whereby the primary source is the natural retinol derived from animal food sources. Chemically related compounds are called retinoids and are used primarily in medicine and as dietary supplements beta-carotenes. While carotene forms stemming from dietary sources are not toxic, intake of synthetic and natural retinoid forms should be strictly limited. Vitamin A is found naturally in beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish livers; in the sweet potato, carrot, broccoli leaf, butter, spinach, pumpkin, eggs, papaya, mango, peas, winter squash, apricot, cantaloupe melon and leafy vegetables. Vitamin A is necessary for normal reproductive capabilities, membranes, tissues, skin, eyes, normal tooth and bone development and much more.

Vitamin B12 is a potent vitamin that needs only a little amount of dosage to work efficiently. It is sometime referred to as “cobalamin” because of its cobalt contents. It plays an important role in the production of protein from amino acids, maintenance of nervous system, growth and development, and in the production of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It helps prevent anemia because it promotes the production and formation of healthy red blood cells. It also protects the myelin in the nervous system that enables them to function properly that promotes mental clarity, and prevent memory loss. It is also important in cell replication, and proper metabolism of energy.

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.

Vitamin D is actually a group of prohormones, all fat soluble, whereby ergocalciferol, or Vitamin D2 and cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3 are the most common forms. The Vitamin D3 form is made when human skin is exposed to UV B radiation. The active form of Vitamin D is calcitrol and it is required in the body to manage phosphorus and calcium levels, but, among other functions, to affect anti tumor activity, immunomodulatory functions and much more. Vitamin D, or more accurately calcitrol, is being bound to a carrier protein, which allows it to be transported throughout the body to the various destinations. The Vitamin D receptors, steroid and thyroid hormone receptors, can be found in most organs, including the brain, skin, heart, breast, prostate and gonads.

Vitamin E is the name for a group of tocopherols and tocotrienols that are soluble in fat and display antioxidant properties. The most important vitamin out of this group is alpha tocopherol, which professes the highest bioavailability, and therefore, was the most studied Vitamin E. Found in such foods as nuts, seeds, milk, wheat germ and most vegetable oils, this Vitamin is said to be perhaps the most important antioxidant in human nourishment, although this trait is not deemed the imperative reason why Vitamin E is required to be in every diet. Most clinical studies which were supposed to crown Vitamin E as the prevention from prostate cancer or cardiovascular wonder supplement have been either inconclusive or were discontinued due to poor results. Vitamin E deficiency results in neurological and neuromuscular problems, but also in failure to absorb fat.

Zinc is acknowledged as essential to the human organism. It is a trace element found in over a hundred and up to three hundred enzymes. It is the second most important mineral in the body, after iron. Zinc is also defined as an important catalytic agent, which is active in enzymatic reactions such as hydroxilation, which is essential for the protein forming amino acid proline, but also for hypoxia response. Zinc is naturally found in red meat, milk, spinach, nuts, oysters, beans and oats. Low zinc counts can attribute to a weakened immune system, interfere with muscle building, cause diarrhea and all kind of other deficiencies. In body building circles, Zinc is an important supplement, valued for the indirect increment of testosterone and the muscle building role.