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 >-
BOOST IMMUNE FUNCTIONS WITH L-LYSINE Stop inflammation in its tracks with For those prone to viral infections and cold sores, fight back with L-Lysine powder from Purica. Known for its antiviral properties, this amino acid is used as a builder of protein and immune support. Lysine is capable of controlling outbreaks associated with cold sores and Herpes simplex virus (HSV), and raising seroto...
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5-HTP from Pure Encapsulations provides 100mg of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) that has been derived from the African plant, Griffonia Simplicifolia. 5-HTP a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan and a direct precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. 5-HTP has been shown to boost serotonin levels - a hormone that regulates mood, behaviour, appetite, sleep, and dilation of blood vessels. I...
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Pure Encapsulations brings you a Acetyl-L-Carnitine for supporting cognitive health and brain function. Acetyl-l-Carnitine is a building block for proteins that helps support cognitive health and brain function by producing energy, as well as stabilizing cell membranes. It is the acetylated form of l-carnitine, and the two compounds share similar energy and metabolism promoting properties. Foun...
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L-Glutamine supports gastrointestinal tract health, function and enhances its protective mucosal lining. It’s also well known in with the gym crowd as it also promotes and preserves lean muscle growth. Pure Encapsulations L-Glutamine is highly bioavailable and is made with quality ingredients. They also thoroughly test both their raw materials and final products for quality, excellence and alle...
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The essential amino acid L-Lysine cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. It is primarily noted for its importance in helping to reduce the recurrence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, which mainly affects skin and mucous membranes. As HSV requires arginine to replicate, lysine plays an important role in maintaining healthy gum and lip tissue as an arginine ...
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This unique amino acid blend supports relaxation without causing drowsiness and may help manage moderate or occasional stress. L-Theanine also supports nervousness and irritability. Pure Encapsulations ensures this formula is highly bioavailable and is free from contaminants, metals, solvents, GMOs and well-known allergens like gluten and dairy. [VCAPS]
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Glutathione, the body's master antioxidant, supports liver health and detoxification, cellular health throughout the body, antioxidant defences and liver tissue and protection. This liposomal formula is highly absorbable and Pure Encapsulations is committed to quality, purity and excellence so you know you're getting a quality supplement. Each raw ingredient is tested for heavy metals, contamin...
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NAC by Pure Encapsulations is a gluten, dairy, soy and GMO free formula that’s suitable for vegans. NAC supports lung and respiratory health and enhances the cellular antioxidant defense system. Known for their dedication to quality, Pure Encapsulations ensures all products are thoroughly tested and are free from contaminants, pesticides, fillers, artificial ingredients and heavy metals. [VCAP]
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NAC 600mg by Pure Encapsulations provides nutritional support as an antioxidant to protect against free radical damage for the maintenance of good health. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid required by the body to make glutathione, a key antioxidant. Pure Encapsulations NAC 600mg provides 600mg of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, and helps to scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative s...
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Offering powerful free radical protection, Pure Encapsulations NAC 900mg comes in a convenient once-daily capsule format. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the dietary amino acid l-cysteine. NAC scavenges free radicals and decreases oxidative stress produced by heavy metals to support antioxidant defence. It is also a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione, and supplemental NAC inc...
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Perfect Sports’ BCAA Hyper Clear offers a clean, refreshing way to support your training with 5 g of vegan BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Its clear-mixing, zero-sugar formula delivers smooth flavour without residue or foam, making it easy to enjoy before, during, or after workouts. Featuring Kana-Sol™ Buffered Technology, it provides easily mixable, stomach-friendly amino acids. BCAA Hyper Clear is al...
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Perfect Sports’ BCAA Hyper Clear offers a clean, refreshing way to support your training with 5 g of vegan BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Its clear-mixing, zero-sugar formula delivers smooth flavour without residue or foam, making it easy to enjoy before, during, or after workouts. Featuring Kana-Sol™ Buffered Technology, it provides easily mixable, stomach-friendly amino acids. BCAA Hyper Clear is al...
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Perfect Sports’ BCAA Hyper Clear offers a clean, refreshing way to support your training with 5 g of vegan BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Its clear-mixing, zero-sugar formula delivers smooth flavour without residue or foam, making it easy to enjoy before, during, or after workouts. Featuring Kana-Sol™ Buffered Technology, it provides easily mixable, stomach-friendly amino acids. BCAA Hyper Clear is al...
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Perfect Sports’ BCAA Hyper Clear offers a clean, refreshing way to support your training with 5 g of vegan BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio. Its clear-mixing, zero-sugar formula delivers smooth flavour without residue or foam, making it easy to enjoy before, during, or after workouts. Featuring Kana-Sol™ Buffered Technology, it provides easily mixable, stomach-friendly amino acids. BCAA Hyper Clear is al...
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Perfect Sports’ Creatine is a pure, unflavoured, vegan-friendly creatine monohydrate made without fillers or additives. Naturally found in small amounts in foods like red meat, creatine can be difficult to obtain through diet alone, making supplementation a convenient option for those looking to support their training. Creatine monohydrate is the most widely studied form and is valued for its r...
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Perfect Sports’ Creatine is a pure, unflavoured, vegan-friendly creatine monohydrate made without fillers or additives. Naturally found in small amounts in foods like red meat, creatine can be difficult to obtain through diet alone, making supplementation a convenient option for those looking to support their training. Creatine monohydrate is the most widely studied form and is valued for its r...
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Perfect Sports Glutamine is a pure, vegan-friendly L-glutamine powder designed to support recovery for those who train hard. Glutamine is an amino acid that the body may require in higher amounts during intense physical activity, making supplementation useful for active individuals. This formula is micronized into ultra-fine particles for easy mixing and smooth digestion. As a high-quality, non...
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Platinum Naturals Activ-X Everyday Creatine Unflavoured provides 5g of pure micronized creatine monohydrate per serving in a clean, easy-to-mix formula. Designed for active lifestyles, this unflavoured powder blends seamlessly into water, protein shakes, or other beverages without affecting taste. Third-party tested for quality and purity, it contains no artificial colours, flavours, preservati...
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Platinum Naturals Activ-X Everyday Creatine Unflavoured provides 5g of pure micronized creatine monohydrate per serving in a clean, easy-to-mix formula. Designed for active lifestyles, this unflavoured powder blends seamlessly into water, protein shakes, or other beverages without affecting taste. Third-party tested for quality and purity, it contains no artificial colours, flavours, preservati...
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Formulated by Promise, L-Glutamine is an amino acid that supports muscle and gut health naturally. Glutamine supports muscle growth and inhibits the catabolism of muscle caused by cortisol. Glutamine also fuels cells in the digestive tract and can help rebuild them if they undergo stress and inflammation, therefore, L-Glutamine is an important amino acid for digestive health. [POWDER]
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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.
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