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 >-
200MG OF 5-HTP WITH ADDED TYROSINE AND B VITAMINS. Working synergistically 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) and Tyrosine help your body to combat stress, anxiety and elevate moods. Enhanced with vitamin B-6 and B-3 for maximum absorption and utilization. Available in V-Caps, this therapeutic dosage is recommended by natural doctors for mild to moderate depression and in clinical trials has shown p...
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Acetyl L-Carnitine from NOW can help to support healthy brain and cognitive function in older adults. 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. It naturally occurs in red meat and other animal source foods, but we recommend supplementation ...
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DMG FROM NOW FOODS CONTAINING A 125 MG MODERATE POTENCY. DMG (N, N-Dimethyl Glycine) is derived from the amino acid Glycine and has been shown to have a number of beneficial effects including increased energy and mental perception. DMG has also been noted for its immune boosting benefits and its ability to help regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Many health professionals recommend...
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NOW provides only the naturally occurring L-form of GABA as found in food, as well as in the body. NOW’s GABA Extra Strength 750mg is one of the strongest dosages on the market. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a non-protein amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the human brain. GABA is known as the brain’s own calming agent and is naturally produced in the body. By supporting a n...
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This Extra Strength Glutathione from NOW contains 500mg of L-Glutathione plus is enhanced with Milk Thistle Extract and Alpha Lipoic Acid. Glutathione is a tripeptide amino acid produced in the liver primarily from cysteine. It acts as a cellular antioxidant by inhibiting free radical formation. Glutathione has been called the master antioxidant, because it recycles the antioxidants vitamins C ...
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workout supplement for athletic support, NOW Glycine 1000mg is a precursor of creatine. Glycine is a non-essential amino acid and has the simplest structure of all amino acids, allowing it to fit easily within protein chains and make space for structurally larger amino acids. This feature makes it very important for specific bodily functions. Glycine is also a precursor of creatine, which is us...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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NOW Melatonin Extra Strength 10mg offers support to increase the total sleep time in people suffering from sleep restriction or altered sleep schedule, like shift-work and jet lag for example. Melatonin is a neuro-hormone (amino acid) naturally produced in the pineal gland in the brain and present in high amounts in the gastrointestinal tract. It is involved in many of the body, brain and glan...
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NOW® NAC 1000mg Extra Strength, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a stable form of the non-essential amino acid L-Cysteine. It is a sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as a stabilizer for the formation of protein structures, and promotes the formation of glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful free radical scavenging compound that also helps to maintain normal, balanced immune system function and is...
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Support lipid metabolism to help support and maintain healthy heart function with NOW® Taurine 1,000mg. Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is not utilized for protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the heart and nervous system. Taurine is important in several metabolic processes of the body, including stabilizing cell membranes in el...
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TAURINE NATURALLY CALMS YOUR MOOD High potency 1000mg L-Taurine from Now. Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system. Taurine has been found to be important in the formation of bile salts, cell membrane stabilization, and eye health. Taurine is well known for its role in the modulation of neurotransmitter...
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5-HTP, the intermediate metabolite between the amino acid L-tryptophan and serotonin, is extracted from the seed of an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia). NOW 5-HTP readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, and many other important biological functions. Supplying 50mg of 5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptopha...
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Arginine & Citrulline capsules from NOW are designed to support protein metabolism. Scientific studies have shown that supplementing Citrulline along with Arginine helps maintain nitrogen balance better than supplementation with Arginine alone, which is why its included in this Arginine & Citrulline formula from NOW. Arginine and Citrulline are two amino acids that are integral to protein metab...
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SAMe Stabilized vegetarian capsules from NOW® support mood and brain function and may offer help to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), a compound native to the body, is a component of many biochemical reactions, including those that affect brain biochemistry and joint health. SAMe is critical for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, is important for energy p...
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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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