Amino Acid Combinations

Discover Amino Acid Combination Supplements

Did you know that proteins are made of hundreds of thousands and sometimes even millions of amino acids (AA's)? And although there is a multitude of AA's in nature, the most prevalent are alpha-amino acids, which comprise proteins. There are 22 genetically encoded AA's throughout known life and 20 in the standard human genetic code. 

These include:

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Asparagine
• Aspartic Acid
• Cysteine
• Glutamine 
• Glutamic Acid
• Glycine
• Histidine
• Isoleucine*
• Leucine*
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Proline
• Serine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Tyrosine
• Valine* 

*Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's)

Of these 20 amino acids, 11 can be synthesized in the human body, these are termed “non-essential." The other 9 we cannot make must come from diet or supplementation. The latter are known as "essential” and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

AA's are critical to health and wellness in general. A deficiency in one or multiple aminos can hinder many bodily functions across the different systems. Indeed, a deficiency or imbalance can compromise immunity, digestion, mood balance, fertility, muscle protein synthesis, energy levels, and exercise performance, among many others.

Amino acids are widely available as supplements either in isolated form – one amino acid – or in combination blends offering many in one capsule. Combination formulas are especially advantageous because they work synergistically to multiply each other's benefits to health. Another considerable advantage of opting for combination formula is that, unlike single formulas, they do not have the possibility of throwing off the body's AA balance. 

Benefits of An Amino Acid Complex

• Boosts Energy Production and Muscle Building & Prevents Muscle Breakdown
• Help Balance Blood Sugar
• Promotes the Synthesis of Various Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators
• Protects Liver Health
• Provides A Balanced Blend Of All Essential & Non-Essential AA's

Who Should Shop for Amino Supplements?

A quality amino acid combination may be recommended to bolster your body’s natural energy production, improve physical performance and endurance, and maximize your workout. 

If you’re an athlete or anyone that’s athletically minded, a BCAA blend may be especially beneficial. These specific amino acids help to stimulate muscle protein synthesis in muscle tissue (muscle building), prevent muscle breakdown (catabolism), and help decrease delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which typically develops 12 to 24 hours after exercise and can last up to 72 hours. This means you reduce your downtime and can get back to your training faster.

Choosing the Right Amino Acid Combination: Potency, Forms & Why It Matters

Combination amino acid blends may feature all 20 amino acids or various iterations thereof. Sport nutrition formulas often mix AA's with energy boosters in the form of pre-workout supplements intended to boost exercise performance and speed recovery. Certain combinations may also come blended with a range of antioxidants to support digestion and gut health, immune function, and other processes, especially in times of stress. These combinations can also be purchased in combination with nootropics to support optimal brain health, cognitive function, and memory.

Amino acid combinations are available in capsules, tablets, and powders, as well as, more recently, in yummy and convenient gummy bear format. Always follow the dosing instructions on the product you select.

Why Amino Acid Selection is a Must-Have for Shoppers

Combination supplements are generally recommended to be taken between meals. Still, they can also be beneficially added to your pre-workout energizing smoothie and blended into a post-exercise protein shake to effectively speed exercise recovery, enhance muscle building, and alleviate muscle soreness. 

Do not use amino acid supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and consult a health care practitioner before use if you have been advised to follow a low-protein diet.