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Health food supplements are one of the hottest selling products in the market these days. Their total consumption values billions of dollars in the U.S. alone. Recent surveys show that more than half of the adults in the U.S. consume health food supplements in different forms, such as tablets, capsules, powders, soft gels, gel caps and liquids.

The increased consumption of health food supplements can be attributed to public awareness of health issues and improved standard of living in our society. Many studies have shown that there is a close correlation between health and nutrition. Insufficient supply of nutrients can weaken our body defense mechanism, causing medical problems from common ailments to more severe illnesses in the long term.

There are different types of health food supplements, including macronutrients (amino acids, proteins, essential fatty acids), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), enzymes (digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes), probiotics (beneficial bacteria in the gut), and herbal supplements. These supplements have unique functions in our body. They are either essential for life and good health, modulate our immune system or help with liver detoxification, digestion, mental clarity, etc.

Many people argue that there is no need to consume health food supplements as long as you have a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet. While this may be true, the fact is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper diet is difficult to achieve by many people.

Over the past few decades, the green revolution has changed the farming practices over the world. We use more chemical fertilizers, more pesticides to grow the food produce in order to increase harvest and shorten the growth period. As a result, soil nutrients and the population of beneficial soil bacteria are depleted rapidly, and the produce we grow today contain less micronutrient than before.

A stressful lifestyle, improper eating habits, imbalanced diet and increased exposure to chemicals such as environmental pollutants (air, water) and pesticides, drugs, hormones, heavy metals in foods also weaken our body gradually.

Although health food supplements can be beneficial to our health, consumers should still choose the products carefully. Currently, there is little regulation on the quality of health food supplements. Composition of some health food products may not match the label claims and the quality of raw materials and finished products is not guaranteed. Therefore, consumers should only buy from reputable health food manufacturers, read the labels carefully and read more related literatures.

Here are some general rules for buying health food supplements:

1) Supplements made from whole foods, natural sources are better than the synthetic ones. They are more bioactive, can be absorbed readily, and less likely to be contaminated by chemicals such as coal tars used in chemical synthesis.

2) Protein-bonded vitamins and minerals (vitamins and minerals in organic form, binding to amino acids) are more bioactive than the inorganic forms.

3) Buy supplements using safe extraction methods, such as cold pressed extraction or supercritical extraction. This can avoid the harmful residue from chemical extraction.

4) Herbal concentrate and extract are usually more effective than the raw herbs.

5) Organically grown or wild crafted herbs are less likely to be contaminated by heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals.

6) Read the labels, do not consume more than the recommended dose.

7) Be careful when consuming certain herbal supplements, such as Ma Huang / ephedra, Kava Kava, comfrey, etc. Some studies have shown that these herbs may cause severe side effects to some people. Stop use if unusual signs appear after consumption.

Some health food supplements may interact with drugs, either by decreasing or increasing their effects. Consult your doctor if you are currently taking medications.

9) Pregnant and nursing women, people with specific medical conditions such consult the doctors when consuming health food supplements.

10) If in doubt, contact the supplement manufacturers or distributors for more information of their products.

11) Health food supplements are available in many places, such as grocery stores, health food stores, drug stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores, online stores, etc. Be a smart consumer, compare the price and service before purchase.

To learn more about health food supplements, please visit http://vitaminstores.4reviews.net.

Kwan Lo
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/health-food-supplements-consumer-guide-17946.html

This article is the result of an extensive research that has gone into the minutest detail about Health and fitness supplements fat loss available today. Health and fitness supplements fat loss are a must for people who really want to lose that extra flab, and thereby tone up their bodies. This write up will guide you through the tiring process of selecting the right Health and fitness supplements fat loss and therefore buying it later. It is very important to read this article carefully, so as to understand the concept of Health and fitness supplements fat loss. When you will be done through this article, you will be more educated and aware about the various Health and fitness supplements fat loss available today.

With the lives of people getting fatter day by day, it is becoming extremely difficult to keep their bodies fit and tones. Fast lifestyles have brought a number of problems as well. Thanks to junk food and high-fat food, obesity has invaded the lives of the people, the world over. Obesity has clutched into its strong arms, the lives of millions of people-women, men and even children. Recent surveys show that children are the worst hit by this bane called obesity. The worst part about being obese is that you are host to a number of diseases like coronary attacks; artery-blocks etc. Obese people are more prone to these diseases than normal people. Losing weight is easier said than done. Imagine yourself sweating those extra calories daily in a gym, and still after months and may be years, you find no observable change. Well, if that is the case with you, then do not worry. Because here you will find the solution of all these problems. Health and fitness supplements fat loss reduce your calorie intake without the use of caffeine or similar harmful stimulants. Health and fitness supplements fat loss work in the following way. They flip your hunger and thus prevent you from taking-in those dangerous calories. The result is that you do no take extra calories, and thereby lose fat. However, to be true, Health and fitness supplements fat loss work better if you compliment them with regular exercise. Research shows that protein can reduce hunger and thereby reduce the intake of calories. “A six-month study of 65 overweight and obese people published in 1999 in the International Journal of Obesity compared two low-calorie diets: one with 12 percent of calories from protein (which mirrors the federal recommendation for protein consumption) and one with 25 percent of calories from protein. Those who ate more protein lost more weight. Here the subjects didn’t exercise during the period of research”- this was the article mentioned in one of the topmost websites. There are numerous other write-ups which show the same. Health and fitness supplements fat loss like Green tea have successfully been tested. Green tea increases your metabolism, and therefore stimulates the ability of your body to burn fat. Other Health and fitness supplements fat loss like Ephedra also help you lose weight. Health and fitness supplements fat loss will make way for you to get a beautifully toned body. There are many websites that is online stores which sell Health and fitness supplements fat loss.

david peterson
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/health-and-fitness-supplements-fat-loss-120281.html

Nothing makes you feel old quite like the onset of arthritis. Painful joints that prevent you playing your favorite sport, taking long walks, or even simply getting out and about, can have a dramatic effect on your life. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can reduce the pain and swelling linked to arthritis, helping you to remain active and feel youthful and energetic.

Osteoarthritis is an inflammation of your joints which is caused by a reduction in the amount of cartilage that naturally supports and protects them. Arthritis suffers tend to limit their movement to reduce the amount of pain they feel, but this can actually make their condition worse and cause muscle atrophy. For this reason, arthritis treatment focuses on pain control to keep us active and keep our muscles working.

Although one of the benefits of glucosamine is a reduction in the pain of arthritis, it also has properties that can slow the development of the disease. It is a natural derivative of cartilage and is necessary to build healthy joints. There is some evidence that taking a glucosamine supplement orally can help to rebuild cartilage to cushion your joints more effectively.

Taking glucosamine as a liquid vitamin has many advantages. It is easier to swallow than a vitamin pill, tastes batter, and will be absorbed more easily because your body will not need to break down the solid particles of a tablet. Easier absorption means that the effects of the glucosamine will be felt more quickly, bringing more rapid relief from joint pain. Fewer doses are required to achieve the same effect, and liquid vitamin supplements can work out considerably cheaper than their tablet counterparts.

Glucosamine is available in many liquid vitamin supplements such as ‘Drinkables Joint Care’ and ‘Flexicose’. In these liquid supplements glucosamine can be combined with other substances that can contribute to healthy, pain free joints including Chondroitin Sulfate and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Although glucosamine liquid supplements are now widely used, there is little regulation on the advised dose or the purity of the glucosamine in the liquid. As a guide, you should make sure any one dose of liquid glucosamine supplement contains 1500mg of glucosamine. This should be Glucosamine Hydrochloride, rather than Glucosamine Sulfate to get the highest concentration of beneficial glucosamine. If you are unsure which supplement you should choose, you may want to get a recommendation from your doctor.

Having arthritis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the active way of life you are used to. Taking a regular dose of liquid glucosamine can ensure that arthritis has a very limited impact on your life and you can stay as active as ever. There is even a suitable liquid glucosamine supplement for dogs if you find Rover can’t keep up with the new active you!

Rebecca Prescott
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/benefit-of-glucosamine-liquid-vitamins-for-arthritis-127174.html

As you stand in the store pondering the plethora of varieties of dog food for your dog’s diet, your mind can truly become overwhelmed. The numerous ingredients in dog food simply complicate things even further.

Who really knows what all of those ingredients really mean? You see glucosamine on some of the dog food labels. That sounds a bit familiar. Haven’t you heard of glucosamine in the news? What exactly is glucosamine and why should it be in your dog’s diet?

Glucosamine has proven to be beneficial to joint health in humans. Research has also shown that glucosamine in a dog’s diet can be beneficial to your pet’s health too.

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that maintains good joint cartilage. It is one of the key building blocks to produce joint lubricants. The joint lubricant helps to keep the joints moving and functioning with ease. When included in your dog’s diet, it will ensure your pet’s joints work at their peak performance levels for years to come.

How does glucosamine work to help your dog’s joints?

The added hydration and lubrication it provides to the joints will help to prevent arthritis in your dog. Owners of large breed dogs that are predisposed to having joint and hip problems should especially consider adding glucosamine to their dog’s diet.

Shellfish is a good source of glucosamine. It is also available through a unique process of fermenting corn. This method creates a vegetable based glucosamine. One of the qualities of glucosamine is that it does not interact with other medications your dog might be taking.

Today, many high-quality dog foods have added glucosamine to their dog food following reports by dog nutrition researchers of its benefits to dog joint health. Glucosamine will be listed on the dog food label if it exists in that particular product. If it is not mentioned, supplements can be given.

Glucosamine supplements come in numerous forms. You can even give your dog a treat specially designed to supplement your dog’s diet. The tasty treat eliminates the trouble of dosing your dog with pills.

Of course, it is always best to talk to your veterinarian about any changes to your dog’s diet. He or she can give you advice about what supplements should be added and in what quantity. Ask your vet about the advantages of glucosamine and whether they supplements are necessary.

Protect your dog’s joints by monitoring the amount of glucosamine in your dog’s diet.

Francis N. Tressler
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dogs-training-series-glucosamine-in-your-dogs-diet-693075.html

Okay, so if you’re done with scratching your head over the mind-boggling varieties of dog food available in the market and wondering just which one of those tins with umpteen benefits and supplementary vitamins, minerals and fiber doses is the one for your pooch – let’s move on to something that has proven goodness! Yes, we are talking big-time strong bones – with glucosamine, which you may have seen advertised on certain brands of dog foods as an ingredient; do consider including it in your dog’s regular diet if you want to have a long-life companion that is healthy, strong and raring to go for that evening walk at anytime!

This can be possible with the scientific break-through provided by glucosamine being beneficial for humans with a joint health issue: a known dietary supplement, it has proven to be advantageous for maintaining good joint cartilage health and improving the lubrication of various joints, by acting as a building block element. This improves joint movements and since it has already worked for humans, it wasn’t long before the goodness of glucosamine was tested for dogs as well; the results were good and proved beneficial for canine health being ensured at peak performance levels even as dogs grew older.

Simply put, the benefits of Glucosamine are best felt for improving the smooth functioning of joints and strengthening bones as it moistens and lubricates a dog’s joints so diseases like arthritis, to which large breeds are predisposed to developing and joint/hip problems can be avoided.

In the natural form, glucosamine can be found in shellfish while the other source is fermented corn; the latter is suitable for veggie loving dogs. It is now being increasingly recommended to dog owners to strongly consider including glucosamine in their dog’s daily diet as it is not only a health-building element, but also safe from side-effects of any kinds –even when taken with other medications and supplements.

Most of the high quality dog foods of today have realized the benefits of glucosamine and added them to their line of products with animal nutritionists have endorsed this on TV shows, magazines and even in doctor’s clinics having felt the need to encourage dog owners to also realize the goodness of glucosamine for their pets. Even in supplement form, Glucosamine can benefit your dog: as tasty treats are a-plenty for snack-time instead of trying to improve dog-health with pills, so it is a better bet to Go with Glucosamine!

On a precautionary note, if the dog food you currently buy for your pet already contains glucosamine, you may wan to first consult with your vet to decide whether additional supplements are needed – before you change your dog’s diet.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/your-dogs-diet-build-strong-bones-with-glucosamine-753458.html

Osteoarthritis is perhaps the fastest growing form of arthritis in the United States. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one third of all adult Americans have x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis. Last year over 7 million visits to the doctor were osteoarthritis related which is second to cardiovascular disease in America. As we age this number is going to increase unless we take steps to stop arthritis. Over the years researchers have developed medications to help relieve pain but none have actually addressed the underlying cause of joint destruction. In this article we will take a look at the characteristics of osteoarthritis and the current treatments available. Also, we will look at natural alternatives that can help improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is a disorder that involves certain bones and joints in the body. A joint is where two bones are connected and made up of cartilage which is surrounded by muscles and tendons. Some joints have a limited range of motion such as a rib in the rib cage and others have a much wider range of movement like hips, knees, elbows, wrists, and thumbs. The wider ranges of motion joints are called synovial joints. (1) Synovial joints have a unique structure. The bones that are connected to synovial joints are cover in a tough fibrous tissue call cartilage. This tough cartilage tissue between the bones is called the joint capsule. The joint capsule has an inner cavity which is lined with an inner membrane called the synovial membrane. With in this membrane there is fluid called synovial fluid which is a thick, slippery fluid that fills the small places in between and around the two bones connecting. The fluid is filled with a substance that lubricates the joints and eases movement. (1,2)

This joint cartilage serves two purposes. First, it allows for a smooth surface to bear heavy weight and ease joint movement when in motion. Secondly, the joint cartilage absorbs shock and distributes the forces and mechanical stresses out to the bones connected to the joint.

Joint function is under continual mechanical stress while in motion and the joints ability to resist the stress reflects its health. If the mechanical stress becomes to much for the joint, some physical changes occur in the joint cartilage covering the bones. (1,2)

Cartilage is tough and some what elastic in nature comprised of water, collagen and complex proteins called proteoglycans. (3) When osteoarthritis has been diagnosed in a patient, the cartilage has started to weaken and become frayed. Over time the cartilage breaks down exposing the two bones of the joint. When two bones rub together all sorts of damage can happen. Bits of bone and cartilage break off and float around in the joint space. When the joint is bent, one usually experiences a gritty grinding feeling which is painful. Over time tiny bone spurs can grow into the cartilage and surrounding tissue causing a great deal of pain and decrease range of motion in the joint. As the arthritis progresses, the pain and discomfort will increase creating sleepless nights and miserable days.

Even though the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known, researchers do know that it is not age related. Researchers have observed the disease having the same destructive changes in younger patients diagnosed which haven’t been observed in older individuals who don’t have the disease. (2,4,5) Researchers have observed that certain conditions do seem to trigger the disease or make it worse.

Families who have frequent occurrences of osteoarthritis tend to lean on the idea that it could be a genetic factor. Osteoarthritis of the hands is often seen as genetic. (2) People who are extremely active or have physically demanding jobs have a higher occurrence of developing osteoarthritis. Also, individuals who have certain bone disorders are prone to osteoarthritis as well. Individuals who are over weight are at risk. Because of the excess pounds, these individuals usually develop osteoarthritis in the knees and feet. Over weight individuals usually have denser bones which do not absorb as much shock as thinner bones might causing more damage to joint cartilage.

Currently there is no sure way to prevent osteoarthritis, but slowing the progression may help with some lifestyle changes. The arthritis foundation suggests individuals who are prone to osteoarthritis should maintain a healthy weight and loose weight if needed. They also suggest that these individuals should exercise on a regular basis as a preventative measure. (4) Consumption of Calcium and other vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D, and E can help as well. (6-8)

Treatment of osteoarthritis is usually focused around reducing or relieving the pain an individual experiences and maintain or improve the movement so to reduce any permanent disability. (2) Your Medical practitioner normally prescribes a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen which is only effective in pain management. Sadly these NSAIDs have side effects which can be serious. NSAID induced gastrointestinal complications cause more than 100,000 hospitalizations and nearly 16,500 deaths each year in the United States. Long term use of NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestinal tract which product heartburn and abdominal pain. NSAIDs can interfere with blood clotting and even cause kidney damage. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is some times prescribed for pain relief, but acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation and have the same side effects as NSAIDs plus in large doses can cause liver damage. (9)

Newer medications released to the public are called COX-2 inhibitors which provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects with out the side effects of other NSAIDs. (11,12) In some cases, COX-2 inhibitors can cause stomach damage and bleeding. (13,14) All of these medications may help with the pain but does nothing to slow down or stop the osteoarthritis. This medication has no effect on the disease itself. (10)

After reviewing all the side effects from the medications available, some believe that Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate are better for osteoarthritis because Glucosamine and Chondroitin actually improve synovial joint health without any life threatening side effects. (3)

Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate work so well as treatment for osteoarthritis that even physicians routinely recommend it. Glucosamine sulfate and Chondroitin sulfate are naturally occurring compounds found in human joints. (15,16) When consumed in the right combination can actually reverse the damage in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a natural substance found in synovial fluid and is the basic building block of proteoglycans, one of the compounds in synovial cartilage. Europeans have been using Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate for more than 10 years to help ease joint pain. Only in the past few years have researchers from American and Europe worked together to figure out how this works. Researchers discovered that Glucosamine sulfate reduces synovial joint inflammation which explains why people feel better after taking the supplement.

Scientific studies have discovered that Glucosamine sulfate can help stimulate cartilage cell growth, inhibit proteoglycans breakdown, and rebuild the damage done by osteoarthritis. (17,18) Glucosamine Sulfate not only helps your feel better but also repairs the damage that’s all ready done. The only Glucosamine used in all the studies was Glucosamine sulfate. When the body digests Glucosamine sulfate the sulfate separates and forms a ion salt called a sulfate ion. This sulfate ion is critical for the body to synthesize proteoglycans. (17)

Researchers believe that Chondroitin sulfate works in a similar way to Glucosamine sulfate and should be consumed along with Glucosamine sulfate. Several studies investigated the action of Chondroitin sulfate and determined for best results one should take them both together. However, if your health care practitioner suggests taking only one or the other it is best that you follow your practitioners advice.

Other vitamins and minerals are beneficial to individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Suck as, folic acid and B12 may increase joint mobility and vitamins A, C, D, and E may prevent the progression of the disease as well as prevent osteoarthritis all together. (8,19,20) Several clinical studies used the herb Boswellia serrata which help with swelling and yielded good results as well. Cayenne or capsaicin ointment can help elevate the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Cayenne pepper depletes the nerves of a neurotransmitter called substance P. This substance P transmits pain messages to the brain, so cayenne is very effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain.

Along with supplements, exercise is an important to help keeps joints mobile and healthy. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, water aerobics might be an option because it is low impact and gives one the ability to flex their joints with out applying much weight on the joints.

It is easy for those who don’t feel well to self diagnose. If you suspect that you have a joint health issue, get evaluated by a licensed health care provider before taking any steps to get better on your own. Some of these same symptoms can be related to other illnesses which require different treatment. Only a health care provider can be certain one has osteoarthritis. With proper exercise and supplements one can reduce the constant stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis and this can lead to a healthier pain free life. All the supplements mentioned can be found at your local or internet health food store.

References:

1. Siedel HM, Ball JW, Dains JE, Benedict GW. Classification of joints. In: Mosby’s Guide to Physical Examination. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, 1999: 695.

2. Bancroft DA, Pigg JS. Osteoarthritis syndromes. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 1133-1138.

3. McCarty MF. Enhanced synovial production of hyaluronic acid may explain rapid clinical response to high-dose glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Medical Hypotheses 1998;50,507-510.

4. Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www .arthritis .org/answers/diseasecenter/oa. Accessed June 26, 2001.

5. National Institutes of Health. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www .nih .gov/niams/healthinfo/osteoarthritis /osteohandout_breaks.html. Accessed July 3, 2001.

6. Tiku ML, Shah R, Allison GT. Evidence linking chondrocyte lipid peroxidation to cartilage matrix protein degradation. Possible role in cartilage aging and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. J Biol Chem. 2000;275:20069-20076.

7. Sowers M, Lachance L. Vitamins and arthritis. The roles of vitamins A, C, D, and E. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999;25:315-332.

8. McAlindon TE, Jacques P, Zhang Y, et al. Do antioxidant micronutrients protect against the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis? Arthritis Rheum. 1996;39:648-656.

9. Graumlich JF. Preventing gastrointestinal complications of NSAIDs. Risk factors, recent advances, and latest strategies. Postgrad Med 2001 May;109(5):117-20, 123-8. Complete article available online at: www .postgradmed .com/issues/2001/05_01/graumlich.htm.

10. Lehne RA. Acetaminophen. In: Pharmacology for Nursing Care. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W.B. Saunders; 1998: 705-706.

11. Ballinger A, Smith G. COX-2 inhibitors vs. NSAIDs in gastrointestinal damage and prevention. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2001;2:31-40.

12. Goldstein JL, Correa P, Zhao WW, et al. Reduced incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers with celecoxib, a novel cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, compared to naproxen in patients with arthritis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001;96:1019-1027.

13. Colville-Nash PR, Gilroy DW. Potential adverse effects of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition: evidence from animal models of inflammation. BioDrugs. 2001;15:1-9.

14. Laudanno OM, Cesolari JA, Esnarriaga J, et al. Gastrointestinal damage induced by celcecoxib and rofecoxib in rats. Dig Dis Sci. 2001;46:779-784.

15. Uebelhart D, Thonar EJ, Zhang J, Williams JM. Protective effect of exogenous chondrotin 4,6-sulfate in the acute degradation of articular cartilage in the rabbit. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998;6:6-13.

16. Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag K, Smolen JS. A meta-analysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 2000;27:205-211.

17. Deal CL, Moskowitz RW. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1999 May;25(2): 379-95.

18. Glucosamine sulfate. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4:193-195.

19. Adebowale AO, Cox DS, Liang Z, et al. Analysis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate content in marketed products and the Caco-2 permeability of chondroitin sulfate raw materials. JAMA. 2000;3:37-44.

20. Crolle G. D’Este E. Glucosamine sulphate for the management of arthrosis: a controlled clinical investigation. Curr Med Res Opin. 1980;7:104-109.

Darrell Miller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/protect-your-joints-and-reduce-arthritis-with-glucosamine-chondroitin-sulfate-115541.html

What are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds composed of one or more amino groups, and one or more acidic carboxyl groups, and are the basic building blocks of protein. There have been more than 100 amino acids found in living organisms. Only 20 amino acids are commonly found in animals, the others exist in other biological systems, primarily plants.

Amino Acids are used for growth, maintenance, and repair of cells in the body. Of the 20 amino acids found in animals, 12 of them can be synthesized by the body as needed, and these are referred to as nonessential amino acids. The remaining 8 amino acids, cannot be synthesized by the body, and therefore must be acquired from food or supplement, and these are referred to as essential amino acids.

The 20 amino acids are;

Essential: Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine.

Nonessential: Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartate, Cysteine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Proline, Serine, and Tyrosine.

Why Supplement Amino Acids?

Arginine

Arginine is a nonessential amino acid, and it is responsible for the normal function of the pituitary glands. Arginine is used to compose the compound nitric oxide, which has many beneficial effects. Nitric oxide reduces blood vessel stiffness and increases blood flow, improving blood vessel function. Arginine supplementation is effective for lowering cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, enhancing sexual feeling in both men and women, improving long term memory, and fighting infections.

BCAA’s

Branched chain amino acids or BCAA’s are the essential aminos leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAA’s are considered to be among the most beneficial and effective supplements in any sports nutrition program. They are needed for the maintenance of muscle tissue and appear to preserve muscle glycogen stores, and help prevent muscle protein breakdown during exercise. BCAA supplements may be used to prevent muscle loss at high altitudes, prolong endurance performance, and to provide the needed amino acids not provided by a vegetarian diet.

Carnitine

Carnitine is made in the body from essential amino acids, Lysine and Methionine, and is needed to release energy from fat. Carnitine is commonly used to promote growth and development, fat-burning, increasing energy, and improved resistance to muscle fatigue. Individuals, who supplement Carnitine while engaging in strenuous exercise routines, are less likely to experience muscle soreness.

Creatine

Creatine is made up of three amino acids – Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. Our liver combines these three amino acids to make creatine. 95% of the creatine in our bodies is stored in the muscles. Creatine provides instant additional energy to the muscles. Unlike the energy provided by carbohydrates or fats, which take some time to convert to useable energy, the energy for creatine can be converted almost instantaneously. Creatine also increases muscle volume, by pulling water into the muscle cells, and decreases muscle burn during exercise. Creatine also increases protein synthesis, meaning greater muscle gain.

GABA

GABA or gamma-amino butyric acid is a synthetic compound designed to lower fat levels and increase lean muscle tissues by stimulating the brain to secrete more human growth hormone. Studies have shown GABA to be effective stimulating the secretion of HGH, and has been clinically proven to help the pituitary gland secret HGH.

Glutamine

Glutamine is a nonessential amino acid. The body relies on glutamine as cellular fuel for the immune system. After intense work outs, glutamine levels in the body are reduced by as much as 50%. Glutamine supplementation can minimize the breakdown of muscle tissue and improve protein metabolism. Studies have shown that with as little as 2 grams of free-form L-glutamine supplement, growth-hormone levels can increase up to a 400%.

Lysine

Lysine is an essential amino acid. Lysine is important for proper growth and the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol. Lysine helps the body absorb and conserve calcium and maintaining the correct nitrogen balance in the body and maintaining lean body mass. Lysine is useful for patients recovering from injuries and recovery after operations, and to help maintain healthy blood vessels. It also assists in fighting herpes and cold sores.

NAC

NAC or n-acetyl cysteine is an altered form of the amino acid cysteine. NAC may assist to break down mucus and used in the treatment of bronchitis – for this reason it is used as an inhalant in hospitals in the treatment of bronchitis. It assists the body in synthesizing glutathione and helps to protect the body from acetaminophen (the ingredient in Tylenol).

SAM-e

SAM-E is a derivative of the amino acid Methionine, and is used in the treatment of many conditions including depression, liver disease, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, and migraine headaches. SAM-E is also commonly referred to as S-Adensyl Methionine, L-Methionine, Adomet, and Ademethionine. The liver produces as much as 8 grams of SAM-e a day. Liver disease, osteoarthritis, and extensive use of prescription, and over the counter medications, can inhibit the body’s production of SAM-e.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid. Tyrosine is needed to make epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which work to regulate mood. Deficiencies in tyrosine, therefore, have been associated with depression. Taken ahead of time, tyrosine may suppress typical bodily reactions and feelings from stressful situations like surgery, emotional upset, and sleep deprivation.

Find more articles like this: http://www.GreatestHealthSupplements.com

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Phenylalanine: The phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. It is not synthesized in the body but in the micro-organism it is synthesized where one molecule of D-erythrose-4 phosphate and two molecules of phosphot-enolpyruvic acid are required. Metabolic breakdown of phenylalanine lead to formation of tyrosine, phenyl acetic acid, phenyl lactic acid, and tissue protein in separate reactions.

The phenylalanine gets first converted to tyrosine by phenylalanine hydroxylase. One of the major hereditary metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria impairs this conversion is hyperpheylalaninemia i.e. mental retardation. This is due to absence of the enzyme phenylalanine oxidase responsible for this conversion, causing defective mental development in children and a high plasma phenylalanine and its increased excretion in urine.

The symptoms like seizures, eczema, and psychosis can be avoided by prompt treatment. Administration of phenylalanine in such cases would result in prolonged elevation of this amino acid in the blood, indicating diminished tolerance to phenylalanine.

It is effective in weight control due to increased thyroid secretion and reduced appetite. It keeps kidneys and bladder efficient. Its deficiency results in reduce in eyes, and behavioral changes.

It is available in plenty in Italian millet, varagu, horse gram, red gram, bengal gram, fenugreek, spinach, colocasia, potato, radish, yam, bitter gourd, brinjal, jack, almond, gingelly seed, ground nut, piyal seeds, banana, egg, milk, curd, cheese, and persimmon. The RDA for children is 22 mg, and for adults is 14 mg per kg. of body weight including that for tyrosine.

Valine: It is an aminoisovaleric acid. It is essential and not synthesized in the body. It is synthesized in the micro-organism from the pyruvic acid. Pyruvic acid is decarboxylated with the formation of acetaldehyde which condenses with another molecule of pyruvic acid to form acetolactic acid. Thiamine pyrophosphate is required for such process of condensation.

An inherited defect of the decarboxylase step results in accumulation of the amino acid in blood, urine, and CSF, though the incidence is only 1:2500000. In the classic type, affected infants appear normal at birth but develop frequent vomiting and failure to thrive. Acute ketoacidotic episodes, often triggered by recurring infections, result from increased production of organic keto acids.

Severe neurological dysfunction leads to seizures, coma, respiratory failure, and death in many patients. Survivors are usually mentally retarded. Milder variants of the disease, identified by enzyme analysis of leukocytes or fibroblasts are known. The catabolism of valine leads to succinyl-CoA and CO2. It is needed for the proper performance of the nervous and digestive system.

Sources of Phenylalanine: It is found in plenty in ragi, paraboiled rice, varagu, horse gram, rajmah, agathi, safflower leaves, radish, colocasia, bitter gourd, jack, piyal seeds, pistachio, peaches, avocado, egg, and cheese. The RDA for children is 25 mg, and for adults is 10 mg per kg. of body weight.

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Tryptophan: It is an amino-indolepropionic acid. It is essential and should not be omitted in the diet. It’s not synthesized in the body, but may be synthesized in the micro-organism, E.coli. It is neither ketogenic nor glycogenic. Though this amino acid is very essential for the body, yet it is inefficiently utilized in the body, and a large amount of tryptophan is excreted in urine.

The amino acids being colourless do not absorb visible light and ultraviolet light of a wavelength above 240 mm. The exception being aromatic amino acids which includes histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. The ultraviolent absorption of proteins above 240 mm wavelength is due to their tryptophan content.

The tryptophan gets converted to nicotinamide, which gets hampared in cases of Vitamin B-6 deficiency. The hereditary abnormality in metabolism of tryptophan causing deficiency of niacin, know as Hartnup disease is manifested in pellagra like skin rash, and mental deterioration, with excess tryptophan in urine 1 mg equivalent of niacin is generated for every 60 mg of trytophan. The tryptophan also forms secrotonin, a potent vasoconstrictor and stimulator of smooth muscle contraction. One 1% of tryptophan is normally converted to serotonin, but in malignant carcinoid (serotonin producing tumour cells in abdominal cavity) it could go up to 60%, affecting adversely production of nicotinic acid from trytophan, and causing negative nitrogen balance. Trytophan is obtained on eating whole grain bread, enters the brain and boosts levels of serotonin, the mood elevating brain chemical.

The tryptophan metabolites are excreted in urine and faces. Melanins are polymers of tryptophan catabolites. The tryptophan may undergo bacterial putrefaction in the intestine causing the formation of toxic substances, which then get detoxified in liver with acids.

Tryptophan works as a safe and effective food remedy for insomnia and emotional complaints. It is essential for blood clotting and digestive juices. It prevents early aging and its related effects on eye, hair, and teeth. It also acts as a natural painkiller. It slows down the rate of starch decomposition and thus prevents tooth decay.

Sources of Tryptophan: The rice sources for tryptophan is bajra, ragi, barley, soyabean, bengal gram, knoll-khol greens, spinach, agathi, colocasia, sweet potato, cauliflower, cashew nut, mango, papaya, egg, and milk.

The RDA for children is 3.3 mg, and for adults is 3.5 mg per kg. of body weight.

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The tyrosine is an aromatic amino acid, which can absorb light. It is formed form phenylalanine by the reaction catalyzed by phenylalanine hydroxylase. The phenylalanine is essential amino acid but tyrosine is not, provided the diet contains adequate quantities of phenylalanine. The reaction is not reversible, so tyrosine cannot replace the requirement for phenylalanine. Tyrosine has to sparing action, because if tyrosine is fed then need to phenylalanine in the body is decreased. Both the amino acids are ketogenic and at the same glycogenic. Both have immense metabolic role in the body, and are metabolized through the common pathways. The catabolism of tyrosine results in formation of acetoacetic acid, phenol, tyramine, epinephrine (adrenaline), non-epinephrine (nor adrenaline), thyroid hormones, and melanin in separate reactions.

Tyrosine is essential for protein synthesis and serves as a precursor for thyroxin, melanin, and catecholamine.

The amino acid tyrosine, found in chicken and also tuna fish, boosts brain chemicals that improve motivation and reaction time. The hereditary defective metabolic abnormalities of tyrosine lead to tyrosinosis, alcaptonuria (occhronosis), and albinism; which are described below.

The excess of tyrosine, when serum tyrosine levels are raised to 6-12 mg/dl as those of methionine, a condition called Tyrosinosis, affect the activities several enzymes and transport systems. In acute tyrosinosis, infants have diarrhoea, vomiting with a cabbage like odour and fail to thrive. In the absence of treatment, the death from liver failure takes place in 6-8 months. In chronic tyrosinosis, symptoms are similar but milder, and death occurs by 10 yrs of age. The treatment consists of a diet low in phenylalanine and tyrosine; also some times low even in methionine.

The other metabolic defect is tyrosinosis. Type II, wherein serum tyrosine level in raised to 4-5 mg/dl, is hepatic with eye and skin lesions, and some mental retardation. It is the only amino acid whose urinary concentration is raised whereas renal clearance and reabsorption of tyrosine fall within normal limits.

Another disorder, neonatal tyrosinosis, wherein blood levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine are raised, urinary level of tyrosine is raised. The treatment consists of a diet low in protein.

Melanins are polymers of tyrosine catabolites, catalyzed by tyrosine hydroxylase. Albinos with tyrosine hydroxylase: as negative lack all visual pigment and hair bulbs fail to convert added tyrosine to pigment; as positive have some visual pigment and hair bulbs convert tyrosine to black eumelanin in vitro.

Tyrosine forms epinephrine and nor epinephrine on getting converted in cells of neural origin through enzymes contained in adrenal medulla. The rate-limiting enzyme in the process of catecholamine biosynthesis is tyrosine hydroxylase. Tyrosine is also a precursor of the thyroid hormones. Free tyrosine can be iodinated by a reaction organification. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is required in the degradation of tyrosine, and also in the synthesis of epinephrine from tyrosine.

Sources of Tyrosine: It is available mainly in ragi, parboiled rice, cow pea, peas, soyabean, pumpkin leaves, spinach, colocasia, yam, ladies fingers, brinjal, grount nut, gingelly seeds, figs, strawberry, curd, milk.

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