Amino Acids FAQs
What are the benefits of taking amino acids?
Sometimes referred to as the building blocks of protein and even of life itself, 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
What is the best source of amino acids?
- Eggs are an excellent source and in fact, 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 is rich in lysine.
- Mushrooms are a decent 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.
What are the symptoms of amino acid deficiency?
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, and temporary sleep disruption, but can also have more concerning problems like hair loss, decreased mental function, and memory issues. Other signs that we may have an amino acid deficiency are anemia, increased anxiety, unexplained rashes, pellagra, and eczema outbreaks.
When should we take amino acid supplements?
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.
Can we take amino acid supplements daily?
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 in order to determine how much our body needs. Additionally, depending on our unique health needs, daily supplements for teens and adults may need to be in higher or lower doses.
What kind of amino acid supplements does Carlson offer?
We offer a variety of products, and our selection of amino acid supplements can benefit everyone’s 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.