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 refers to the amino acid having numerous functions and this helps the body in getting rid of ammonia. This is useful in making compounds such as creatine, L-proline and L-glutamate. This is easily converted into glycogen and glucose, if required. L-arginine is useful in making nitric oxide. L-arginine helps in improving the relaxed blood vessels such as erectile dysfunction and atherosclerosis. L-arginine is effective in protein formation as well and this stimulates the hormones growth and prolactin. L-arginine is useful in making nitric oxide that decreases the stiffness in the blood vessels and enhances the blood flow thereby improving the blood vessel functions. L-arginine is strictly prevented from using after a heart attack. L-arginine is useful for erectile dysfunction that relaxes the muscles that is enveloping the blood vessels supporting the penis. The blood vessels dilate in the penis and increase the flow of blood and helps in maintaining the erection. L-arginine repairs wound. However, L-arginine is produced in the liver and kidney and the food sources are dairy products, nuts, poultry, fish and meat.

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 is one of the nine essential amino acids that is not produced in the body. It can be obtained from animal sources like liver, fish, eggs, chicken, meat and vegetable sources like rye, cashew nuts, almonds, lentils, chickpeas and soy proteins. The metabolism of L-Isoleucine takes place in muscle tissue. It is needed for the formation of hemoglobin and stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. It is also known to increase endurance levels and helps in the recovery of muscles after exercise. It strengthens the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and increases the level of growth hormones and insulin to maintain the body’s balance. A deficiency leads to a number of physical and mental disorders with symptoms similar to hypoglycemia.

L-Leucine- Leucine is an essential amino acid that does not synthesize in humans and so must be ingested. It slows the degradation of muscle tissue and is used in the formation of sterols.

L-Valine is an amino acid in combination with L-Leucine and L-Isoleucine. These amino acids maintain everyday life and offer maximum support. L-Valine is acquired from vegetable and animal protein. L-Valine regulates the immune system and is involved in the protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. L-Valine is effective in muscle growth as well as tissue repair. L-Valine is a part of the muscle metabolism and is also effective in the nitrogen balance in the body. L-Valine is found in the muscles in high concentration, but this cannot be done on its own in the body and has to be acquired through dietary or food supplements. L-Valine has stimulating effect and maintains the nitrogen in the body. It is effective for repair as well as growth of tissues and for muscle metabolism. Adhering to the label directions is highly recommended. This is normally safe and has no side effect until now. However, for the dietary supplement consulting the physician before use is the best.

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.