Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins and proteins are necessary for the growth, repair as well as maintenance of all our vital organs. Amino acids that the body derives from our daily diet are called as ‘essential amino acids’ while ‘non essential amino acids’ refer to those which the body can produce from other sources. Non essential amino acids can either be obtained from essential amino acids or even normal breakdown of proteins. There are 20 amino acids and each one of them has a unique role to play, irrespective of whether it is essential or non essential. Thus, vegetarians are usually recommended to take amino acid supplements, since plants lack one or more essential amino acids.

L-Arginine is one of the most common naturally occurring amino acids. In adults, arginine is deemed semi-essential, while for infants it is believed to be essential alpha amino acid. The functions of L-Arginine are multiple, it plays roles in the healing of wounds, immune function, hormone release, ammonia removal and cell division. It is also believed to be a precursor of nitric oxide, increasing the muscle mass, reduce body fat, decrease blood pressure and a dozen other functions, such as reducing the recuperation time after a serious injury, bone fractures and similar in particular. Since that L-Arginine can be produced by the human body, ingestion is conditionally not necessary, but sources include dairy products, meat such as beef and pork, poultry, but also vegetables like nuts, seeds, oatmeal, wheat flour and more.

L-Glutamine- Found in plasma and muscles of the human body, L-Glutamine is an essential amino acid. In the skeletal muscle cells, more than 60% of free floating amino acid is made of L-Glutamine. It acts as the primary donor of nitrogen and moves in the body wherever required. This amino acid has been considered useful in reducing physical stress. During surgery or heavy exercise regime the human body needs it for maintaining the level of glutamine in muscles and blood. It is also essential for maintenance of immune system and prevention of intestinal stress. Glutamine supplements can help in restoring L-Glutamine levels during stress. L-Glutamine supplements are relatively less expensive and help in minimizing the breakdown of muscles. It also improves the metabolism of protein in the human body and ensures a positive balance of nitrogen.

L-Isoleucine- The second of three branched chain amino acids it is important in blood sugar regulation and producing hemoglobin. After exercise, it is responsible for muscle recovery and important in the metabolism to produce energy.

L-Leucine, is an alpha amino acid which is extremely essential in the everyday functioning of the body. Leucine is also an essential amino acid, meaning that the human body cannot synthesize it and it has to be ingested. And is found in brown rice, nuts and whole wheat bread products. L-Leucine as an essential amino acid increases the synthesis of muscle protein and thus slows the degradation of muscle tissue. L-Leucine is also utilised in the liver, adipose tissue and muscle tissue. Simply put, L-Leucine supplies the body with energy when engaging in an athletic activity, it preserves the glucose stored in muscle tissue and it works to heal bone, skin and muscle tissue. It is also a ‘limiting nutrient’ thus it helps the body make use of the proteins ingested. Leucine deficiency can lead to depression, muscle weakness, low energy etc.

L-Valine- L-Valine is one the three Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). The other two BCAAs are L-isoleuine and L-leucine. L-Valine is required by the body for the proper function of the nervous system and the brain. L-Valine is not processed by the liver; instead, it goes directly to the muscles. It helps enhance muscle growth and help it to recover faster after an intense workout. It also helps in muscle tissue repair and maintains the proper amount of nitrogen in the body. It can also be used as an energy source that gives energy and strength to the muscles. L-Valine has other benefits; it is also helpful in liver regeneration, improvement of insomnia and nervousness, and is an effective appetite suppressant.

Stevia- There are almost two hundred and forty species of Stevia herbs and shrubs in the Asteraceae family, which all can be found in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world and is also used in Ajinomoto Amino Vital Endurance . This sunflower related herb group has been used as sugar substitute for over thirty years in Japan. After much ado, the sugar replacement products based on steviol glycoside rebaudioside A will enter the western world. Huge companies such as The Coca Cola Company and PepsiCo have announced that new drinks sweetened with Stevia will be released to markets shortly. In medicine, treatments against obesity and hypertension, but also in combating diabetes have been and are being studied. Powdered Stevia, called stevioside, is an extract that is popular in body building circles, where it is supposed to enhance mood as well as mental alertness and raise energy levels.