Protein is the second most abundant substance in our body, only water is more plentiful. Peptide bonds link amino acids together to form proteins. When we eat protein the body must break these bonds in the digestive tract. The body absorbs single amino acids and short amino acid chains. It then rebuilds them into the compounds it needs. An amino acid complex helps maintain a balanced ratio of amino acids. Individual amino acids may create nutritional imbalances.

What Are Essential vs Non-Essential Aminos?

The body produces non-essential amino acids from other amino acids. They are alanine, aspartic acid, arginine, citrulline, glutamic acid, glycine, hydroxyglumatic acid, hydroxyproline, norleucine, proline, and serine.

The body cannot produce essential amino acids. You must obtain them through food or supplements. They are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Branched chain amino acids have a branch in their structure. They are leucine, isoleucine and valine.

Who Would Benefit From An Amino Acid Complex?

People use amino acid complexes to support many healthy goals and athletic performance. Recently high protein diets have made protein a popular supplement for weight loss. Protein slows the rate at which sugar enters the body. By avoiding spikes in blood sugar protein minimizes the storage of sugar as fat. Individuals with blood sugar imbalances, like diabetes and hypoglycemia, will benefit from protein’s regulation of blood sugar.

Protein also builds muscle tissue, which burns more energy than other body tissue and can lead to weight loss. Athletes, people who perform physical labour and anyone who is physically active requires protein to repair their tissue and build more lean tissue.

People who are recovering from illness or long periods of inactivity require protein to rebuild their body tissue. The immune system is dependent on protein to make cells that protect our body. Frequent colds and flus and chronic infections are signs that the body may need more protein.

Amino Acid Complex Supplement Varieties

Amino acid supplements offer faster absorption than protein because the body can use them more easily. Many amino acid supplements and processing methods are available.

Choose amino acids labeled with the prefix L, such as L-arginine. L-amino acids more closely match the body's natural amino acids than D-amino acids.

Manufacturers offer amino acid supplements as tablets, powders, liquids, and capsules. High-quality formulas use advanced processing, proper ratios, and minimal fillers or binders.

Common amino acid supplement types and processing methods include:

  • Free-Form Amino Acids - Free-form amino acids require no digestion. The small intestine absorbs them directly into the bloodstream. They quickly become available to muscles and tissues. Free-form amino acids may help reduce muscle breakdown but often cost more.
  • Di-Tripeptides - These supplements contain two or three linked amino acids. The body digests and absorbs them quickly. They may increase muscle amino acid uptake through slower absorption. These formulas typically cost more and are less widely available.
  • Protein Tablets - Manufacturers compress protein powder into convenient tablets. These products contain protein chains that require digestion. The body must still break down these proteins into amino acids.
  • Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) - BCAAs contain a unique brandched molecular structure. Muscles can break down this branch to release energy during exercise. BCAA supplements commonly use a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. These supplements are generally more expensive.

How Do I Take Amino Acid Complex Supplements?

The strategy behind using amino acids for optimal uptake into the muscles is a science unto its own. If you are interested in optimizing your athletic performance obtain more information about amino acids from reputable fitness sources.

Potential Side Effects

Do not take high amounts of supplemental amino acids if you have impaired kidney function. Pregnant women should only consume amino acids under the supervision of a health professional. Certain amino acids can be toxic in excessive amounts, including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, homocysteine, cysteine, serine, and tryptophan. Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, take it with an amino acid complex. This will ensure that you do not deplete the levels of any amino acid in the body.