Amino Acids

Arginine

Function: Arginine is incorporated into body proteins and is involved in the urea cycle which detoxifies ammonia in the body. Arginine also stimulates the production of growth hormone and is a precursor of 2 substances found in sperm.

Ornithine

Function: Ornithine is not incorporated into proteins. However, it functions in a similar way to arginine in the body, but is twice as effective at stimulating growth hormone.

Cysteine

Function: This sulphur-containing amino acid functions as an antioxidant and may help the body to detoxify poisons. Cysteine helps to clear mucus and is required for the growth of healthy hair.

Glutamine

Function: Glutamine is able to cross into the brain from general circulation where it is used as an important energy source. This amino acid may be helpful in the management of peptic ulcers.

Phenylalanine

Function: L-phenylalanine - required for the formation of a number of neurotransmitters and stimulates the release of a hormone used to control appetite. May be beneficial for those with mild depression.
D-phenylalanine - involved in slowing the breakdown of pain killing substances which are naturally produced in the body, thereby helping to prolong pain relief.

Lysine

Function: An important structural component of many proteins. Lysine is converted into another amino acid needed for fat transport and utilisation. It is also involved in the retention of calcium in the body and maintenance of the immune system. Lysine may be beneficial in the management of herpes simplex. Vegetarians and vegans are sometimes low in lysine.

Tyrosine

Function: Tyrosine is a component of body proteins and has a similar function to phenylalanine. Tyrosine is used to make a number of brain chemicals and may be beneficial for those with mild-depression and poor concentration.