Amino acids are a part of every protein and chemical process that occurs in the human body. There are 20 carbon-containing amino acids. Eight of these amino acids need to be obtained through the diet because the body can't make them on its own. These are known as the essential amino acids. The other 12 are called nonessential because they are manufactured within the body. Amino acid supplements can be taken to help to increase muscle mass or replace aminos that are lost during homeostasis,
Types
Amino acid supplements should contain all of the essential and nonessential amino acids. Because amino acids are used in every process that occurs in the human body, they must be taken in the appropriate amounts as the body needs them. Essential amino acids are also known as branched chain amino acids, according to Sports Science. All of the amino acids need to be present for homeostasis to occur.
Amino acid supplements can be found in capsule form or powder form. Amino acid powders are used to make shakes and protein drinks. This supplement form is common among bodybuilders and weight lifters who are looking for a quicker way to utilize the aminos they need for working out. Capsules are preferred by people who need to supplement amino acids in their diets.
Effectiveness
Amino acids are only effective when all of them are present in certain amounts. Amino acid supplements are available in single or complex forms. Tyrosine, glutamine and tryptophan are a few of the amino acids that are available in single formulas. Amino acid complex supplements contain necessary amounts of the essential and nonessential amino acids that are needed for them to be utilized efficiently.
The easiest nutrients for the body to assimilate are the ones that are obtained through the foods we eat, according to Sports Science. Amino acid supplements should contain natural forms of the amino acids so that they can be broken down and utilized as efficiently as possible.
Essential/Nonessential
Phenylalanine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine are the essential amino acids for adults. Arginine and histidine are essential amino acids for children. Children are unable to produce them until they begin to enter adulthood.
Nonessential amino acids for adults include alanine, glutamine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glycine, cystine, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine and serine. Nonessential means that these amino acids are produced in the body as a reaction of one of many bodily processes, according to Nutritional Supplements Health Guide.
Price
Amino acid capsules can range from $5 to $35 depending on whether they are single or complex formulas. Price is also contingent on how many amino acids are in a complex formula. Bodybuilding supplements usually run quite a bit higher than regular supplements, simply because they contain much larger amounts of certain amino acids, according to Bodybuilding.com
Amino acid supplements that come in powder form or as weight gainer shakes can be rather costly. They can range from 65 cents to $2.50 per serving, with a container costing as much as $50.
Side Effects
Most amino acids have little or no side effects. Phenylalanine can be harmful to people who have been diagnosed with phenylketonuria. People with phenylketonuria cannot metabolize phenylalanine and it can build up in the brain, causing mental retardation and other serious health problems.
Tyrosine can cause anxiety, restlessness and a faster-than-normal heartbeat if too much of it is taken, according to Nutritional Supplements Health Guide.
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