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.

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.

Glutamine is naturally created by the human body. Glutamine, a non-essential amino acid can also be found in high protein foods like red meat and nuts. Glutamine is used for proper mental function, maintaining muscle mass and controlling blood sugar levels.

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.

Iron is a necessary mineral for humans, needed for example to help form red blood cells which transport oxygen around the body. Fortunately there are plenty of good sources available for both the omnivore and the vegetarian or vegan These include liver, meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit , also whole grains and many of dark green leafy vegetables, although some such as spinach also contain substances that prevent the absorption of iron as do caffeine based drinks such as tea and coffee. On the other hand the drinking of fluids containing vitamin C aids the body in its necessary task of absorbing iron.

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.

Lysine

Magnesium is a mineral that may be found inside most of the cells in the body tissues and organs. It is important in the absorption of calcium and aids in the formation and development of bones and teeth. Magnesium deficient individuals have an increased risk of acquiring osteoporosis; they also have problematic menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome, irregular cycle and dysmenorrhoea. Magnesium helps in maintaining the cardiovascular health and decreases the risk of heart problems. It also prevents gallstones from forming. Magnesium is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also helpful in treating erectile dysfunction and prostate problems.

Manganese is a mineral that is required in small amounts to manufacture enzymes necessary for the metabolism of proteins and fat. It also aids the immune system and blood sugar balance. Manganese is also involved in the production of cellular energy, reproduction and bone growth.

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) is a fatty acid essential for a variety of metabolic development. MCT, which stands for medium chain triglycerides, is used for curing patients suffering from mal-absorption syndromes or malnutrition. MCT are short in length does not need bile salts for digestion and the energy for utilization, storage and absorption. They are water-soluble and get absorbed quickly by the bloodstream and easily transported into the liver. Palm kernel oils and coconut oil are rich in MCT. Since only a tiny percent of it gets transformed into body fat, it aids weight loss provided the diet one consumes contains half the calories from MCT. Fatty acids present in MCT are known as medium chain fatty acids, some of them are capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid and lauric acid

Phenylalanine has also been used in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, fatigue and premenstrual syndrome. Phenylalanine also acts as an analgesic and appetite suppressant by releasing an intestinal hormone that signals the brain to feel full after eating.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is a chemical element that is found in the periodic table with the atomic number fifteen. As a high reactive element, it is not found in clean form as a free element in nature. It is one of the most important and essential elements in the human body, being found in phospholipids that form all the membranes of cells, the DNA, the RNA and also the ATP. Cellular energy is being transported by phosphate in form of adenosine triphosphate, calcium phosphate, which are salts, are responsible for the stiffness of bones. In the average human, the amount of phosphorus in weight would be about one kilogram, whereby most of it is in form of apatite and found in teeth and bones. The daily consumption of phosphorus through dietary means is estimated at about one to three grams.

Potassium, a mineral that is quite common in our food. Potassium is needed for proper muscle growth, nervous system and brain function and to help balance the PH of our bodies.

Sodium is part of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular creatures, not least mankind. It is needed for instance in nerve conduction and to balance the acid levels in the body. It is necessary for the functioning of organs such as the liver, intestine and kidneys in their work of ridding the body of toxins However there is an optimum intake. Above this there are problems such as a rise in the blood pressure. Also an excess of salt in the diet will draw fluid out of the cells by the process of osmosis. On the other hand a lack of sodium will lead to too much water in the body the brains cells will actually be flooded.

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 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.

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.

Zinc is acknowledged as essential to the human organism. It is a trace element found in over a hundred and up to three hundred enzymes. It is the second most important mineral in the body, after iron. Zinc is also defined as an important catalytic agent, which is active in enzymatic reactions such as hydroxilation, which is essential for the protein forming amino acid proline, but also for hypoxia response. Zinc is naturally found in red meat, milk, spinach, nuts, oysters, beans and oats. Low zinc counts can attribute to a weakened immune system, interfere with muscle building, cause diarrhea and all kind of other deficiencies. In body building circles, Zinc is an important supplement, valued for the indirect increment of testosterone and the muscle building role.