Amino Acids supplements can either provide single amino acids or multiple amino acids.
Amino acids are used by the body to build proteins. Proteins are essential for the formation of cells and are also involved in the biochemical structure of hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters and antibodies.
Amino acids are classified as either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised in the body and must be obtained from the diet, whereas non-essential amino acids , whilst still essential for health, can be synthesised in the body and are therefore not classified as 'essential'.
There is an increase in the use of branched chain amino acids, BCAA's. Branched Chain Amino Acids are normally used for building muscle however their use is on the increase especially for maintaining healthy muscle whilst on a calorie-restricted diet.
Many amino acids are also termed 'free form' which means that they are easily absorbed and used by the body requiring minimal digestion.
The liver produces 80% of the amino acids the body needs, the remaining essential ones must come from the diet.
