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 an amino acid containing sulfur, which assists in forming healthy skin, bones, hair, and connective tissue. It also is needed to make glutathione, a natural antioxidant that fights free-radical damage. Every molecule of cystine is formed from two molecules of cysteine, which is another sulfur-containing amino acid very similar to cystine. It is needed for proper vitamin B6 use and is also beneficial in healing burns and wounds, breaking down deposits of mucus in diseases like bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. Cystine enhances the glutathione level in lungs, kidneys, liver, and bone marrow, which can have an anti-aging impact on the body by decreasing age spots. It is a detoxification agent protecting the body against damage of cigarette smoking and alcohol, and can help prevent hangovers, and liver and brain damage.

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 rich in alpha linolenic acids that offer numerous health benefits to mankind. In fact, flax seed has actually become our modern miracle food considering the fact that it helps in lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels in the body and also helps us reduce blood triglyceride and blood pressure. Given the amount of stress associated with urban living, people have become susceptible to a wide range of health problems that include diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, flax seed plays a major role in minimizing the risk of heart attack, since it keeps the platelets from becoming sticky. Flax seeds also have a high content of lignan, a type of phytoestrogen (antioxidant) that helps in cancer prevention, particularly breast cancer.

Folic Acid, Folacin or Vitamin B9, as well as the natural Folate, is water soluble and an essential nutrient, necessary, among other reasons, for production of healthy red blood cells and during periods of rapid cell division as well as growth. Folate, the natural form of Vitamin B9, is found in green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and lettuces, but also in liver and liver products. The synthetic form of folic acid is being added to many cereal and bread products, but is also a very popular nutritional supplement ingredient. Pregnant women, but also humans who are involved into rapidly growing muscle tissue, for instance in body building circles, require additional levels of folic acid to the regular nutritional intake. Many multivitamin supplements contain folic acid.

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 amino acid that is found in meat, fish, beans, eggs, lentils, onions and seeds. It contains sulphur that is essential for the production of glutathione. It helps the body get rid of toxins, build strong and healthy tissues, and promote a healthy cardiovascular system. It helps breakdown fats and promotes weight loss. It also prevents the build up of fats in the arteries that reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis. Methionine promotes proper digestion and gets rid of toxins and heavy metals in the body. It helps cleanse the body from toxins. It also helps relieve pains caused by arthritis. It helps in alleviating the mood, and treat depression.

Niacin is a vitamin that wards against pellagra, a disease characterized by a vitamin B3 deficiency. Niacin is made from pyridine and is often called vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, because they all three have similar formulas. Niacin and nicotinamide are comparable in make up, but only niacin works to lower cholesterol levels. The restoration of DNA is also known to be a positive side effect of taking niacin. A fairly large number of individuals, particularly those in third world countries or those suffering from alcoholism, have been shown to be lacking in niacin. Niacin is often taken as a supplement by those with high cholesterol levels, as it has been proven to lower “bad” cholesterol and raise “good” cholesterol.

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 thought to reduce lactic acid accumulation in athletes, may improve oxygen utilization efficiency, and is believed to improve the body's ability to heal and possibly help in reducing acne

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, which may aid in weight loss through the feeling of satiety or fullness by taking phenylalanine with a glass of water 20 minutes before a meal.

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 proteinogenic amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. It is derived from the metabolite glycine. It is important to overall health, both physical and mental, as well as the proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system. It is an important factor to the biosynthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which directly affects the body’s metabolic rate. Serine forms the phospholipids that are needed to make cells in the body. Promotion of a healthy immune system is also one of serine’s benefits, as it produces immunoglobulins and antibodies. Serine produces trypophan which is an amino acid that is used to make serotonin.

Threonine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in the function of the body. It helps break down uric acid to be used for the production of purines. It helps prevent illness such as gout, and arthritis. It is also important in the synthesis of the amino acid glycine. Threonine also helps balance the blood sugar level in the body by converting glucose in the liver through gluconeogenesis. Threonine also prevents the accumulation of fatty tissues in the liver. It also improves the immune system. Threonine promotes the production and formation of proteins elastin and collagen that have strong antioxidant properties.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is formed from proteins during digestion by working of proteolytic enzymes. It can help enhance relaxation and improve sleep, soothe nerves and anxiety, relieve minor premenstrual symptoms, and decrease carbohydrate cravings. It is vital for production of serotonin, which is among the important chemicals involved in blood regulation. During depression, the amount of serotonin released from the brain’s nerve cells may decline. Tryptophan, by enhancing serotonin levels in the blood, can increase the antidepressant effects of serotonin. It is essential for production of niachin (B3) and needs, biotin, B6, zinc, and vitamin C to form the enzyme required for conversion. It can relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. It assists in controlling hyperactivity in children, relieving stress, and increasing release of growth hormones essential for production of vitamin B6. It can also help regulate appetite and assist in weight loss.

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, or rather the Vitamin B complex, is a group of vitamins that are all soluble in water and very often coexist in food sources. While every single Vitamin from the B complex group has a name, they are very often referred to by the number added to the Vitamin B group name, like Vitamin B1, which is thiamine, or Vitamin B2, which is riboflavin. Some other compounds have been added to the Vitamin B group at some time, but were later dropped, like adenine, orotic acid or adenosine monophosphate, where later research found that they are either synthesized by the human body or simply no Vitamins. Vitamin B complex supports the metabolism rate, maintains muscle tone and skin, raises functions of the nervous system and the immune system, promotes red blood cells and cell growth and division and much more.

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 B6contains pyridoxal phosphate, or PLP for short, as the active ingredient and is a vitamin belonging to the B complex grouping. It is functioning mainly as a co-enzyme with others in the human body, aiding in the proper function of several metabolic processes. Neurotransmitter synthesis, as well as hemoglobin and histamine synthesis are just some of the functions of PLP, hemoglobin function, gene expression and aiding in the facilitation of decarboxylation, elimination and other reactions, mainly taking place in the liver. Vitamin B6 was found to diminish by 50% the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Alternative medicine suggests the use of Vitamin B6 to combat autism, in combination with magnesium. This combination has shown effects with children suffering from attention deficit disorders. PLP also seems to show therapeutic effects for diabetic nephropathy.

Vitamin C- Perhaps the most popular vitamin, L-ascorbic acid is viewed as an essential nutrient and is required to synthesize collagen in humans. The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C for short, is the famous ingredient of oranges and other citrus fruits. It has been said that a glass of pure squeezed orange juice provides the daily requirement of Vitamin C. While the antioxidant function is deemed important, other biosynthetic functions are of vital significance. It provides an electron for eight different enzymes, besides the aforementioned synthesis of collagen; it aids the synthesis of carnitine and neurotransmitters, synthesis and catabolism of tyrosine and the metabolism of microsome. The additional function as a reducing agent, keeping iron and copper at bay is an additional trait.