Amino Acids

Sometimes referred to as the building blocks of protein, amino acids are organic compounds that our body uses to help form protein. A lot of our amino acid intake comes from the foods we eat, and if our diet isn’t rich in protein, we may not be receiving enough essential amino acids and should probably consider nutritional supplements.

Proper amino acid levels are important for:

• Building muscle and promoting post-workout recovery
• Supporting healthy tissue and muscle development
• Promoting healthy circulatory and cardiovascular systems
• Supporting healthy nervous and endocrine systems
• Promoting healthy energy production

• Eggs are an excellent source. Some studies have indicated that our body may utilize the amino acids provided by eggs better than it does from various other food sources.
• Cold-water fish and fish oil supplements not only contain important omega-3s, but also contain essential amino acids and other important micronutrients.
• Depending on what kind we consume, anywhere from 17% to 45% of the protein in legumes and beans are rich in lysine.
• Mushrooms are also a good source because they contain all of the essential amino acids.
• Cottage cheese contains significant quantities of several amino acids, and a single 100-gram serving will provide us with about 25% of our daily value of protein.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t get an adequate intake of amino acids from diet alone, so a supplement can be a great option.

When it comes to the role they play within the body, each of the essential amino acids has a different one. This means that an amino acid deficiency may have a variety of different symptoms, depending on which is low.

We may experience fatigue, digestive issues, muscle shaking/tremors, temporary sleep disruption, and more.

Athletes generally prefer to take amino acid supplements 30 - 60 minutes prior to working out, which some studies indicate can significantly increase their benefits. For those of us who aren’t athletes or who rarely work out, we should still consider adding amino acids to our daily regimen for their many health benefits.

As long as they’re not consumed in inappropriate amounts, amino acid supplements are generally safe to use every day. However, everyone’s nutritional needs can vary widely, and it may take a little experimenting to determine how much our body needs. Also, depending on our unique health needs, additional daily supplements for teens and adults may be beneficial.

We offer a variety of products, and our selection of amino acid supplements can benefit everyone’s unique health needs. Carlson Pro-Rite provides both L-Lysine and L-Proline, 5-HTP Elite supports balanced serotonin levels, and Glycine Powder and DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) capsules are available as well. We also offer Taurine, Lysine, Glutamine, and L-Arginine in both powder and capsule options.