Amino Acid Supplements

Amino acid supplements are usually prescribed as powders, capsules or pills which have a different blend of the ingredients which contain amino acids. The supplements are essential while a person is on a diet and trying to loose weight. Some of the slimming aids which accelerate the loss of weight contain various combinations of amino acids; however, these facts have no scientific proof. Amino acid supplements claim to benefit the body in several ways like alleviating depression, sleep problems, pain, improving the quality of the hair, strengthening finger nails and even curing herpes.

Essential amino acids supplements are those that the body cannot synthesize and should be consumed in the normal daily diet. These amino acids are valine, tryptophan, threonine, phenylalanine, methionine, lysine, leucine and isoleucine.

Non essential ones can be manufactured by the body. The amino acids which are semi essential can be made by the system if the conditions are conducive.

Amino acid supplements side effects occur when the supplement is consumed in excess. Certain amino acid supplements are anabolic agents which assist those who are into body building and want bulging muscles. However, the supplement alone cannot make the muscles grow though amino acids are essential for the growth and repair of tissues. For growth of muscles there should be exercise to make a physical demand on the muscle as well as dietary supplements to assist this growth. An excess of amino acid supplements could cause irregular heart rhythms and should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

A complete amino acid supplement provides the system with both amino acids which are essential as well as non-essential. If the daily diet has a sufficient amount of protein in it the combination of the supplement produces a balanced mix of the amino acids to help in the growth of healthy tissue. For those who wonder what amino acids are, these are required by the body to build protein. Essential amino acids are available in the daily intake of food while the non essential ones are manufactured if they are lacking in the diet. There are 20 amino acids which are essential for the function and proper growth of the human body.

Essential amino acid supplements are not really required as the body can build these from a diet which is rich in proteins. Instead of depending on supplements of essential amino acids one can plan a menu which is rich in these nutrients and consume it naturally. There are nine essential amino acids which can all be found in the food we eat. Supplements of the essential amino acids are required especially for the aged, for those who suffer from immune deficiencies, cancer and trauma. A deficiency can cause the person to suffer with depression, fatigue and craving for alcohol. Liquid amino acid supplements are preferred as they are absorbed easily into the system when compared to other forms.

Submitted on January 16, 2014