Our Guide to Popular Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and are utilized by every cell in the body for a variety of crucial functions. Normally, we obtain them from our food sources, particularly those high in protein; the body breaks these proteins down into their constituent parts, and then our cells use these to build the specific types of protein each of them needs.

There are two types of amino acids: essential and nonessential. Essential ones are defined as those which the body cannot manufacture on its own and must obtain from food sources (or supplements); nonessential ones, on the other hand, can be produced by our own bodies, but can also be consumed as supplements.

Amino acids are critical to our body's proper functioning. Their role includes repairing muscles, organs, nails, hair, skin, ligaments and glands. A deficiency in even one of them will severely compromise one's health. Deficient people, however, are not the only ones who choose to supplement with amino acids; some people opt to increase their intake simply for therapeutic benefits.

For example, L-Arginine, is often taken as a nutritional supplement to boost one's body's production of human growth hormone. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can increase the body's production of antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are highly reactive substances that damage cellular material, leading to disease and premature aging.

You can find many of our amino acid articles below:

• N-Acetylcysteine
  Our article giving information on N-acetylcysteine
  
  
• L-Carnosine
  Information on the amino acid L-Carnosine
  
  
• L-Lysine Benefits
  We discuss L-Lysine benefits in this article
  
  
• Benefits of L-Tyrosine
  Benefits of L-Tyrosine and known side effects from this nutrient
  
  
• L-Arginine
  L-Arginine benefits and side effects