Alanine is a naturally forming chemical found in a variety of foods especially meats. This non essential amino acid is used in the production of protein. It assists the body in metabolizing various components such as glucose and can also play a part in lowering cholesterol. It is suggested that an Alanine supplement be used with people who have a diet low in protein and who may be exposed to adverse effects of a protein deficiency. Alanine is also linked to an increase in the efficacy of the immune system and a reduction of toxins in the system.

Alpha-Tocopherol is an active element of the vitamin E complex and is crucial for human health. Besides this, it also plays the role of a potent antioxidant in the lipid phase. Vitamin E cannot be produced by the human body, so it must either be supplied through food or supplementation. Since, our daily diets are not able to meet the required amount of vitamin E; it becomes necessary to complement our food intake with vitamin E supplements. However, individuals with high blood pressure, vitamin K deficiency, overactive thyroid, rheumatic heat ailments and diabetes should first seek medical advice. For maximum absorption, it is best taken with meals.

Arginine is a non essential amino acid that is naturally occurring. While considered non-essential, it is used by the human body in a number of ways. Overall, it helps improve the immune system by stimulating the thymus gland, boosting white blood cell production and stimulating the release of growth hormone. Arginine helps with wound healing by helping with cell division and is an important part of the urea cycle, helping remove ammonia from the body. Arginine also helps the body with production of nitric oxide which can help reduce mild high blood pressure and help enhance athletic performance.

Aspartic Acid is a non-essential amino acid which is bountiful in plant proteins. It can also be produced in the human body from oxaloacetic acid. Some biochemicals that are synthesized from aspartic acid include asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, and a number of nucleotides. Apartic acid is used for stamina, the brain and overall health as it helps the liver by removing excess harmful ammonia and other toxins from the bloodstream. If ammonia enters your circulatory system it can be harm your central nervous system and cause neural and brain disorders. Aspartic acid helps to keep the mind sharp by increasing concentrations of NADH in the brain.

Cystine is a non-essential sulfur containing amino acid. Our body can supply cystine on its own. Cystine is important for vitamin B6 utilization and is a detoxifying agent. It removes toxins absorbed by body through alcohol and smoking and protects body from damage of brain and liver. Cystine increases the level of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps in detoxifying harmful toxins in the liver. As Alpha-keratin, the protein that makes up the skin, fingernails and hair contains cystine; it is also used in anti-aging products. It is also useful for faster healing of burns and wounds, for low count of white blood cells and in skin diseases.

Delta-Tocopherol belongs to a class of organic compounds which have vitamin E activity. It is used as a food additive and as a nutritional supplement. Various forms of tocopherol is labeled with these E numbers: E309 (d-tocopherol, E308 (?-tocopherol), and E307 (a-tocopherol). The use of Tocopherols delta supplements has been shown to be beneficial in coronary heart disease. Studies are also being conducted on its anti-cancer activity. Tocopherol is often claimed by manufacturers of skin creams and lotions to play a role in increasing the healing of skin and reducing scarring after injuries such as burns. It is also used in treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Flax seed is the seed of the Flax plant. The plant, also known as linseed, is of genus Linum and family Linaceae. Flax seeds are popular for their numerous health benefits, they contain lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans are shown to be beneficial for heart disease and to posses’ anti-cancer properties. Flax seeds are particularly believed to benefit people with breast and prostate cancer. Some research also shows that flaxseeds can lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood-sugar levels. They are also used as a laxative due to their high dietary fiber content; however, excessive consumption may lead to intestinal blockage.

Folic Acid is an essential water soluble vitamin. Though folic acid is needed for all age groups, folic acid supplements is necessary for aging people, pregnant women, smokers, women on oral contraceptives and heavy alcohol drinkers as their body have difficulty in absorbing folic acid through food. Folic acid has many vital functions to perform in our body. It helps in preventing heart disease, stroke, and may help prevent cervical, lung and colon cancer and helps in maturation of red blood cells. It’s recommended that pregnant women take folic acid supplementation through out pregnancy as it helps prevent premature delivery, low birth weight and fetal growth retardation. It may also help reduce the risk of renal disease in children and is necessary for fertility in both women and men. Some studies suggest that there is a relationship between folic acid and allergic diseases and depression. It also reduces risk of bone fractures, osteoporosis and helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis. It increases lipolysis and may help in preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes. In a study conducted it increased the short-term memory, mental agility and verbal fluency of people who consumed folic acid supplements (800mgs) daily. Folic acid supplements are also used to relieve hot flushes in postmenopausal women and helps correct anemia caused by vitamin B 12 deficiencies.

Gamma-Tocopherol is a popular type of vitamin E because of its link with prostate and colon health, and its capability to promote cardio function. Research has found gamma tocopherol to be more efficacious than the alpha form in decreasing different events linked with oxidative stress. Higher tissue concentration of gamma tocopherol is linked with better cardiovascular function. It is a powerful antioxidant agent, providing protection from free radicals in different body parts, especially prostate, colon and lungs. Gamma tocopherol can also play a vital role in cellular health of colon and prostate. It can provide protection to colon, prostate and lung cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also good for the health of breast tissues.

Glutamic Acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter, which enhances firing of neurons in central nervous system. Glutamic acid is a main excitatory neurotransmitter in brain and spinal caord. It is transformed either into glutamine or gamma-aminobutyric acid – the two other amino acids which assist in transmitting messages to brain. Glutamic acid plays a vital role in metabolism of fats and sugars, and assists in transporting potassium into spinal fluid and across the blood-brain barrier. Though it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier as readily as is done by glutamine, it is present in blood at high levels and may reach the brain in small amounts. The brain can utilize glutamic acid as a fuel. It assists in correcting personality disorders and is helpful in treating childhood behavioral disorders. It is also used in treating mental retardation, epilepsy, ulcers, muscular dystrophy, and hypoglycemic coma.

Glycine is an organic compound and one of the 20 amino acids deemed as building blocks for proteins. This proteinogenic amino acid is not only the smallest but also the only amino acid of the group that is not chiral, which means there is no enantiomer of glycine. With the prominent exception of collagen, which thirty five percent are glycine, most proteins contain only small amounts of it. As a solid, glycine is sweet tasting, crystalline and has no color. Despite being non-essential, because it can be biosynthesized from the amino acid serine, glycine has several important physiological functions, besides being a precursor to proteins. It is a biosynthetic intermediate of purines and the D-Aminolevulinic acid and it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system.

Histidine is an amino acid that is essential especially in infants. The adult body produces this amino acid naturally and thus it becomes a non-essential acid. However in the case of infants this is not true. This vitamin is extremely important and children may not have sufficient Histidine. The Histidine is an originator of the Histamine which is a compound that is release by the human immune system when an allergic reaction takes place. This is also essential for the repair and growth of new tissues and helps to maintain myelin sheaths (the protectors of the nerve cells). Histidine is also needed for the production of the red and white blood cells.

Isoleucine- An important essential amino acid is isoleucine which is also part of the three “branched chain amino acids” along with leucine and valine. Since it is an essential amino acid it cannot be synthesized in the body and thus isoleucine has to be ingested in the diet (almonds, chicken, eggs, cashews, fish, lentils, liver, meat etc.). Isoleucine is required for muscle recovery and also for the formation of haemoglobin. Isoleucine also assists in regulating blood sugar levels and energy levels. It is also involved in blood-clot formation. Isoleucine deficiency is present only in those people who are lacking in protein intake. Deficiency may lead to dizziness, fatigue, depression etc. Excessive amounts of isoleucine doesn’t seem to be a problem though it isn’t recommended for those with kidney or liver disease.

Leucine is an essential amino acid that works together with isoleucine and valine, forming the three branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Leucine is easily converted by to body to glucose, helping to regulate and maintain the blood sugar level. Leucine promotes muscle recovery, muscle repair and provides the body with energy. It also helps in burning fat that are least responsive to exercise and dieting. Leucine helps in toning the body and the muscles. Leucine prevents muscle loss by breaking down and converting to glucose, this prevents the body from breaking down muscle tissues to create energy, particularly during intense workouts and heavy weight lifting.

Lignans belong to a group of chemical compounds found in plants, vegetables, bran, whole grains, beans, fruits and seeds such as flax, poppy, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame. It has antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is considered to be phytoestrogens, meaning it mimics and acts like the hormone estrogen. It has the ability to attach itself to where estrogens abound, displacing the estrogen in the body. For instance, this is important especially because when breast cancer cells starts to develop, it attaches itself to estrogens. Lignans reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduce the symptoms of menopause, prevent osteoporosis and improve kidney functions.

Lysine is an essential amino acid that is sometimes also referred to as amino acid K. It is effective in preventing atherosclerosis which causes the walls of the arteries to harden caused by deposits of lipoproteins or fats. It is able to loosen and preventing the deposits of fats and reduces the risks of stroke and hypertension or high blood pressure. It also promotes the production of carnitine that converts fatty acids into energy. It also controls the blood pressure level. Lysine also helps in the absorption of calcium that keeps the bones healthy. It also promotes collagen production that is important in maintaining the joints and connective tissues healthy.

Methionine is an a-amino acid classified in the non polar group of amino acids. All amino acids have a basic structure in which there is a central carbon atom, attached with the amine, carboxyl, and functional groups as side chains and also a hydrogen atom. Only the functional group varies in different amino acids and the properties, and thus the importance of the amino acids varies according to the functional groups. Methionine has a non polar thioether group as its functional group. Most of the advantages of methionine are based on the fact that the body can convert it into very useful substances. On its own, it is a potent antioxidant and helps in the breakdown of fat. When converted to creatine monohydrate, it helps muscle building.

Niacin is an essential B vitamin, in cellular energy used for the promotion of healthy cardiovascular function, nervous system function, and immune function. Niacin nutritionally manages cholesterol levels already within the normal range. Also known as vitamin B3, niacin is one of a complex of B vitamins that are essential for good health. Niacin is so-called nicotinic acid, known also as nicotinamide. It helps regulate blood sugar and also works at cellular level protecting the skin and enhances the digestive system. And being an originator of the amino acid tryptophan, it can be made by tryptophan in the body. It’s also a coenzyme playing an important role in body metabolism. Supplements of vitamin B3 are also known to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are considered to be an essential fatty acid. Omega 3 can be found in seafood and fishes such as tuna, and salmon. It is commonly known as fatty acid that is good for the heart. It also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by controlling the cholesterol level and blood pressure level. It plays an important role in the efficient function of the brain. It helps in improving the cognitive functions of the brain such as memory and performance; and also aids in the behavioural function of the brain. It also fights fatigue, prevents diabetes, improves dry skin and blood circulation. It also prevents osteoporosis.

Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid that may be obtained from evening primrose oil, seeds, nuts, and cooking oil. It is also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). It helps promote the generation of skin cells, growth of hair, maintenance of bone health, regulation of metabolism and promotion of reproductive health. A balanced diet of Omega 3 and Omega 6 is important. Excessive omega 6 may promote inflammation. Omega 6 is beneficial in reducing the symptoms of nerve pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy. It also helps in stopping the progression and reducing the pains caused by rheumatoid arthritis such as swelling and stiffness. It also fights allergies, cancer, and eczema and reduces the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Omega-9 is also known as oleic acid. It is monounsaturated fat that the body is able to produce by itself. It is abundant in olive oil. It can be found in various foods such as vegetable oils and animal fats. When the body has insufficient Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, the body tends to produce Omega 9 to compensate for it. It helps prevent arteriosclerosis or the hardening of arteries. It also aids in preventing heart diseases and stroke. It also reduces the insulin resistance. It also helps improve and maintain the blood sugar level. It also improves the immune function and aids in weight loss.

Pantothenic Acid is also called vitamin B5 (a B vitamin). Its chemical formula is C9H17NO5 and Mol. Mass is 219.23 g mol-1 . It is a water soluble type of Vitamin B and an essential nutrient for life. Pantothenic acid is critical in the metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is used in some hair and skin care products .Pantothenic acid supplements are used to fulfill vitamin deficiency. Research also shows that these supplements reduce the duration of morning stiffness, degree of disability, and pain severity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Phenolic Acids are secondary plant metabolites widely found in plants. They are commonly found in tea, coffee, berries and fruits. Chemically, these are diverse in structure, but having aromatic rings with attached hydroxyl groups are a characteristic of these compounds. Like many aromatic compounds, phenolic acids are also a diverse group. Some of them are, however, more important in studies, like the hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids. Primary interest of the researchers in these substances lies in their role as an antioxidant. They found to have a protective role against diseases due to oxidative stress, such as, corneal damage, coronary heart disease and cancers. They can also be added to processed food as a natural antioxidant.

Phenylalanine- (S) alpha Amino beta phenylpropionic acid, or L-Phenylalanine, is an essential, electrically neutral amino acid, one of the twenty amino acids that are used by the human body to create proteins. L-Phenylalanine can also be turned into L-Tyrosine, also an amino acid, which converts into L-DOPA, a precursor to catecholamines like epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. While it is naturally found in breast milk and also milk of mammals, it is also a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame, found in many diet soft drinks. Other sources of phenylalanine include beef, poultry, pork, seafood, sesame seeds, soy milk, walnuts, flax seed, cottage cheese and asparagus. Although widely available through food, L-Phenylalanine is also marketed as a supplement, particularly for body builders where muscle growth is the main factor.

Phytic Acid can be found in tissues of plants, commonly in bran, seeds, grains and beans. It maintains a healthy cholesterol level and reduces triglycerides and blood clots that help prevent heart disease. Phytic Acid is a considered to be a phytonutrient that provides antioxidant effect. It enhances lyphocytes that kill tumor cell and prevent the formation of kidney stones. When Phytic Acid binds to iron, it prevents the production of ammonia that prevents body odour, bad breath and uraroma. It also has anti-carcinogenic property; it is found to fight against colon cancer by minimizing the oxidative stress in the intestinal tract. It also protects against Parkinson’s disease. It also prevents acute alcohol poisoning.

Proline is an amino acid. The body has the capability to produce Proline with glutamic acid. Proline works well with vitamin C, which make it more potent. It helps particularly in maintaining and repairing damaged tissues, skin and muscle. It heals damaged cartilage, and helps maintaining flexible joints. It benefits parts of the body where collagen is found, such as blood vessels, tendons, skin, bones, and including the eye. It prevents and reduces the sagging, wrinkling and aging of skin. It ensures that the body has the proper supply of collagen, guarding it against future joint and spine problems. It also enhances the immune system.

Serine is a non-essential amino acid derived from amino acid glycine and is beneficial to both mental and physical health.It is vital for proper functioning of brain and central nervous system. Serine helps form phospholipids that are needed to make every cell in the body. It also is helpful in muscle formation and maintaining a strong immune system. Proteins used to form the brain, and the protective myelin sheaths covering nerves, contain serine. It is also required for producing amino acid tryptophan, which is used to make serotonin, a chemical that determines mood. Shortage of serotonin and tryptophan has been associated with depression, confusion, insomnia, and anxiety. Decreased serine levels can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Threonine-The essential amino acid threonine is found throughout the body's circulatory, skeletal and central nervous systems and is essential for maintaining balance throughout the body while assisting in the production of elastin and collagen that are needed for healthy skin. Threonine is also beneficial for optimal liver functioning and promotes a healthy immune system by assisting with the production of antibodies. Threonine has also been used in various formulations to strengthen mental clarity and sharpen focus. Threonine can be found in abundance in various dairy foods, beans, nuts, wheat germ, some vegetables, eggs, and most meats, or in supplement form.

Tryptophan-If you have ever felt sleepy or drowsy following a big "turkey" dinner, then you have felt the effects of tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that is found in foods that contain protein, such as turkey. Tryptophan in supplement form is mainly for those who suffer from insomnia, as an all natural sleep aid. Tryptophan may also be used for mental enhancement and as an appetite suppressant to help achieve weight loss or maintain an ideal body weight. The way that tryptophan works is by converting to serotonin in the body, which is a natural chemical that causes a sleepy feeling.

Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid derived from several sources, including soy, poultry, milk and cheese products, but can also be synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. There are twenty amino acids that are used in human cells to synthesize proteins, one of which is tyrosine. It is of vital importance to the carbon dioxide conversion into organic compounds conducted by plants, the photosynthesis. Tyrosine is also recognized as a precursor to hormones, but also alkaloids and pigments. It is furthermore viewed as a precursor to neurotransmitters; it increases the levels of plasma neurotransmitters, most prominently norepinephrine and dopamine. While under normal circumstances the effects of tyrosine are inconclusive, it has been observed as useful in stress situations and to reduce the effects of a cold, fatigue, sleep deprivation and any kind of prolonged labor.

Valine- One of the several essential amino acids present in the human body is Valine. This is also a nonpolar, branched chain amino acid which is found in high concentrations in the muscles. Since it is an essential amino acid, valine is not synthesised in the body and thus must be ingested as part of the diet. Valine is available through foods like fish, poultry, peanuts, sesame seeds, lentils and cottage cheese. Valine is essential for muscle, growth and repair of tissue and for maintaining the body’s nitrogen balance. Since it has a branched chain, valine can be used as an energy source in the muscles and thus conserves glucose. Hence valine is often used by bodybuilders to support muscle growth and provide energy. A deficiency of valine in the body, caused by the inability of the body to metabolise valine leads to the Maple Syrup Urine Disease in which the person’s urine smells like maple syrup.

Vitamin B1, also called Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B1 is commonly found in breads and cereals. Vitamin B1 is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin with no known toxic effects. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is necessary in the oxidative process of metabolism. It is also sometimes used to correct certain enzyme deficiencies and improve mental processes.

Vitamin B6 allows the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, as well as lipids to take place, also aids in keeping skin vibrant.

Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, is water soluble vitamin. It is water soluble that leaves the body through urine. It plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissues in the body. It also important in the formation of collagen, a protein used by the body to make ligaments, blood vessel, scar tissue, and skin. It helps prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights and prevents free radicals from damaging the cells that may result in premature aging, heart problems and cancer. Vitamin C also shortens the duration of colds and promotes quick recovery because it boosts the immune system. It also helps control blood pressure.