Single Amino Acids
Understanding Single Amino Acids: A Comprehensive Guide
Amino Acids are molecules that combine to form proteins. They are the building blocks of life. Roughly 500 amino acids have been identified in nature, but just 20 of them make up the proteins found in the human body. Eleven of these are made inside the body, while the remaining 9 must be supplied by food and, as needed, through supplementation. Read more >-
Supplementation with NOW® L-Carnitine 500mg can help support in recovery from exercise by reducing muscle soreness after physical exertion. L-Carnitine is a non-essential amino acid that helps to maintain overall good health by facilitating the transfer of fatty acid groups into the mitochondrial membrane for cellular energy production. NOW® uses only Carnipure™, a special grade of L-Carnitine...
+ Earn 46 Reward PointsSale: $46.49
Reg.: $66.68 (Save $20.19)
In Stock -
NOW® brings you their L-Carnosine 500mg as a source of antioxidants for the maintenance of good health in a vegan formula. L-Carnosine is classified as a dipeptide, which is a combination of two amino acids, in this case alanine and histidine. It naturally occurs in high concentrations in skeletal muscle tissue. L-Carnosine is also an antioxidant that stabilizes cellular membranes, protecting t...
+ Earn 44 Reward PointsSale: $44.99
Reg.: $64.96 (Save $19.97)
In Stock -
750MG CITRULLINE. Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that is an important intermediate in the urea cycle, functioning along with Arginine and Ornithine to rid the body of ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Because Citrulline is a precursor of Arginine, it provides a readily available source material for Arginine production, which in turn, can be used for the production of Nitric...
+ Earn 27 Reward PointsSale: $27.89
Reg.: $39.79 (Save $11.90)
In Stock -
Maintain healthy Arginine levels with the support of NOW® L-Citrulline Pure Powder. Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that is an important intermediate in the urea cycle, functioning along with Arginine and Ornithine to rid the body of ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Because Citrulline is a precursor of Arginine, it provides a readily available source material for Arginine pr...
+ Earn 24 Reward PointsSale: $24.99
Reg.: $35.77 (Save $10.78)
In Stock -
500MG OF L-CYSTEINE FROM NOW FOODS NOW L-Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that is an important component of hair, nails and the keratin of the skin. LCysteine stabilizes protein structure and aids in the formation of collagen, thereby promoting healthy skin, hair and nail texture and elasticity. [TABS]
+ Earn 21 Reward PointsSale: $21.99
Reg.: $24.99 (Save $3.00)
In Stock -
L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOR POST-WORKOUT RECUPERATION. L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOODS. Sometimes referred to as "brain fuel", L-Glutamine supports proper brain function and mental acuity. Glutamine is a versatile amino acid with many important functions in the body. Glutamine is found in large amounts in the muscles and helps to support muscle growth, prevent muscle-wasting and reduce stiffness and s...
+ Earn 32 Reward PointsSale: $32.99
Reg.: $39.99 (Save $7.00)
In Stock -
L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOR POST-WORKOUT RECUPERATION. L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOODS. Sometimes referred to as "brain fuel", L-Glutamine supports proper brain function and mental acuity. Glutamine is a versatile amino acid with many important functions in the body. Glutamine is found in large amounts in the muscles and helps to support muscle growth, prevent muscle-wasting and reduce stiffness and s...
+ Earn 11 Reward PointsSale: $11.99
Reg.: $15.99 (Save $4.00)
In Stock -
L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOR POST-WORKOUT RECUPERATION. L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOODS. Sometimes referred to as "brain fuel", L-Glutamine supports proper brain function and mental acuity. Glutamine is a versatile amino acid with many important functions in the body. Glutamine is found in large amounts in the muscles and helps to support muscle growth, prevent muscle-wasting and reduce stiffness and s...
+ Earn 17 Reward PointsSale: $17.99
Reg.: $21.99 (Save $4.00)
In Stock -
L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOR POST-WORKOUT RECUPERATION. 1000MG L-GLUTAMINE FROM NOW FOODS. Glutamine is a versatile amino acid with many important functions in the body. Sometimes referred to as "brain fuel", L-Glutamine supports proper brain function and mental acuity. Now's 1000mg L-Glutamine is a double strength formula popularly used in sports nutrition. Glutamine is found in large amounts in ...
+ Earn 24 Reward PointsSale: $24.99
Reg.: $29.99 (Save $5.00)
In Stock -
500MG OF THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID LYSINE. The amino acid lysine is classified as an "essential" amino acid because it cannot be manufactured by the body and must be ingested in either food or supplements. Depleted by stress, lysine is often used to help fight viral infections, including aggravating cold sores. Many people prone to cold sores increase their intake of lysine during stressful per...
+ Earn 7 Reward PointsSale: $7.99
Reg.: $10.99 (Save $3.00)
In Stock -
500MG OF THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID LYSINE. The amino acid lysine is classified as an "essential" amino acid because it cannot be manufactured by the body and must be ingested in either food or supplements. Depleted by stress, lysine is often used to help fight viral infections, including aggravating cold sores. Many people prone to cold sores increase their intake of lysine during stressful per...
+ Earn 16 Reward PointsSale: $16.99
Reg.: $24.99 (Save $8.00)
In Stock(Click Add to Select Bonus)
-
500MG OF THE ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID LYSINE. The amino acid lysine is classified as an "essential" amino acid because it cannot be manufactured by the body and must be ingested in either food or supplements. Depleted by stress, lysine is often used to help fight viral infections, including aggravating cold sores. Many people prone to cold sores increase their intake of lysine during stressful per...
+ Earn 16 Reward PointsSale: $16.99
Reg.: $21.99 (Save $5.00)
In Stock -
500MG L-ORNITHINE FROM NOW FOODS. L-Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid; it is synthesized in the body from arginine and serves a number of important functions. Now's L-Ornithine contains 500mg per capsule and is popular among fitness enthusiasts and those wanting to cut fat. L-Ornithine promotes the metabolism of excess body fat and stimulates the release of growth hormone. L-Ornithine ha...
+ Earn 12 Reward PointsSale: $12.99
Reg.: $16.99 (Save $4.00)
In Stock -
Support and maintain protein metabolism with L-Ornithine 500mg from NOW®. Ornithine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a central role in the urea cycle, functioning along with Arginine and Citrulline to rid the body of ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Because Ornithine is converted into Arginine, it can help to maintain healthy Arginine levels in the body. Ornithine can also be...
+ Earn 27 Reward PointsSale: $27.99
Reg.: $40.27 (Save $12.28)
In Stock -
L-PHENYLALANINE FREE-FORM AMINO ACID FROM NOW FOODS. This essential amino acid is vital to overall brain and nervous system function. In the body phenylalanine can be converted to the amino acid tyrosine, which is used in the production of neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine (important for promoting alertness). Now offers a 500mg potency per capsule and is often recommended for prom...
+ Earn 15 Reward PointsSale: $15.99
Reg.: $19.99 (Save $4.00)
In Stock -
500MG OF COLLAGEN OPTIMIZING PROLINE IN VCAP FORM. L-Proline is an amino acid that is essential for the synthesis of collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals. Collagen is the main structural protein that constitutes all human connective tissues, including skin, tendons, ligaments, joints, bone, and vasculature (veins and arteries). L-Proline therefore provides building blocks that help t...
+ Earn 16 Reward PointsSale: $16.99
Reg.: $21.49 (Save $4.50)
In Stock -
L-THEANINE FROM NOW FOODS An amino acid found in green tea, L-Theanine has demonstrated promising benefits for those concerned with the effects of stress and anxiety. L-Theanine works naturally to soothe frazzled nerves and relieve stress without leaving you feeling drowsy or lethargic. Now's L-theanine formula contains 100mg of L-theanine per capsule plus 250mg of decaffeinated green tea. It...
+ Earn 22 Reward PointsSale: $22.99
Reg.: $27.99 (Save $5.00)
In Stock -
Temporarily promote relaxation with the support of L-Theanine 100mg from NOW® is also formulated with Inositol and Taurine. L-Theanine promotes relaxation without the drowsiness or negative side effects associated with other calming agents. Chewable format is ideal for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Added inositol and taurine support neurotransmitters that are involved in mental healt...
+ Earn 28 Reward PointsSale: $28.99
Reg.: $41.26 (Save $12.27)
In Stock -
Helping to to temporarily promote relaxation, NOW® has formulated their L-Theanine Double Strength 200mg with the addition of Inositol. L-Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in green tea. L-Theanine promotes relaxation without the drowsiness or negative side effects associated with other calming agents. L-Theanine also supports healthy cardiovascular function through this relaxing effect...
+ Earn 27 Reward PointsSale: $27.99
Reg.: $40.55 (Save $12.56)
In Stock -
L-Tryptophan 220mg from NOW® offers you a source of an essential amino acid for the maintenance of good health. L-Tryptophan is a large neutral amino acid essential to human metabolism because it is the metabolic precursor of serotonin (a neurotransmitter), melatonin (a neurohormone), and niacin (vitamin B3) which assist in the regulation of sleep, positive mood and immune function. L-Tryptopha...
+ Earn 13 Reward PointsSale: $13.99
Reg.: $19.76 (Save $5.77)
In Stock
Essential Single Amino Acids: A Detailed Chart
Amino acids are molecules that combine to form proteins. They are the building blocks of life. Roughly 500 Amino acids have been identified in nature, but just 20 of them make up the proteins found in the human body. Eleven of these are made inside the body, while the remaining 9 must be supplied by food and, as needed, through supplementation. Let's explore the chart of necessary amino acids for good health.
A chart of essential amino acids include: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine, all of which are naturally abundant in foods such as beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, soy, quinoa, and buckwheat. Other foods such as nuts, seeds, beans, and certain grains contain some but not all the essential amino acids. Thus, they are “incomplete proteins" and should be combined to supply all 9 essential amino acids.
When your diet is lacking, or if you're looking to stimulate physical performance, boost energy, stimulate muscle protein synthesis, support immunity, enhance digestion, and promote overall excellent health, nothing beats a good amino acid supplement. Besides forming proteins, amino acids are needed to produce enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. They are also involved in numerous metabolic pathways within cells throughout the body.
Key Benefits of Single Amino Acids for Wellness
- Boost Muscle Building & Prevent Muscle Breakdown
- Enhance Physical Performance
- Help Balance Glycemia
- Promote Neurotransmitter and Hormone Synthesis
- Stimulate Energy Production
Determining the Need: Who Benefits from Single Amino Acids?
Amino acids may be recommended as a complex, which has the advantage of not throwing off your amino acid balance. Still, individual amino acids may also be recommended depending on a person's health status and goals and may be ideal for specific health challenges. Here's a chart of amino acids and which health concerns they support:
- Glutamine may be recommended for: GI issues such as IBS, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and gastritis, as well as to prevent muscle breakdown and improve immune system function
- Tryptophan may be recommended to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, appetite, sleep, mood, and pain.
- Carnitine may be used to aid weight loss, improve exercise performance, and enhance a sense of well-being
There is a wide range of single amino acid supplements available on the market, each offering its own unique health benefits. For guidance on which amino acid(s) may be advantageous for you, speak to the knowledgeable staff at your favourite health food store or online retailer.
Varieties of Single Amino Acids: Potency & Formats Explored
Single amino acid supplements are widely available in capsules and powders and in fun gummy form for those suffering from pill fatigue. Amino acids are also frequently added to protein powders to enhance performance, boost muscle building, and speed post-exercise recovery. Each amino acid is offered in its own optimal dosing range. Always refer to the label instructions on your product to determine which dose is best for you.
Insights & Considerations: Making the Most of Single Amino Acids
Most amino acid supplements, whether in combination or isolated form, are well tolerated and cause few side effects. However, if your dose is too high, you may experience certain side effects such as:
- Gastrointestinal distress, including bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in eating patterns
- Diarrhea
- Drop in blood pressure
Amino acid supplements should ideally be taken on an empty stomach between meals to get the most bang for your buck. However, when it comes to sports nutrition, athletes and strength trainers can take their amino acid supplement either before, during, after training, or any other time throughout the day when a meal or a shake isn’t possible or preferred.
Back to Top ↑
