Amino Acids

Anti-Aging Desk Reference

5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The body uses 5 hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP to manufacture the neurotransmitter serotonin. Due to its effects upon serotonin levels, 5HT is often used as an antidepressant. ROLE IN ANTI-AGING: 5HT ... Continue Reading

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Posted in Amino Acids, Mitochondria on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A naturally occurring nutrient in the body, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) transports fats into the mitochondria. It occurs in many common foods, including milk. Studies have shown that ALC may help protect the brain by nourishing NMDA-sensitive glutamate receptors, which normally decline with age. ... Continue Reading

Arginine

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Arginine is a non-essential amino acid that the body can synthesize in the liver, however in times of stress or trauma arginine becomes an essential amino acid. Arginine is found in beans, brewer ... Continue Reading

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA ... Continue Reading

Cysteine, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid that can be manufactured in the liver. It is obtained in the diet from beans, brewer ... Continue Reading

Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: GABA is a non-essential amino acid found naturally in beans, brewer ... Continue Reading

Glutamic Acid (Glutamate)

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid that the body uses to build proteins. It can be obtained from eating meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING: The fluid produced by the prostate gland contains significant amounts of glutamic acid. This has led scientists to believe that glutamic acid may play a role in the normal functioning of the prostate. ... Continue Reading

Glutamine

Posted in Amino Acids on Sat December 31, 2005

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The most abundant amino acid in muscles and blood, glutamine provides fuel for various cells of the immune system and is a critical component in wound repair. The body can make glutamine, but may not make enough when the body is under stress. Glutamine is found naturally in beans, brewer ... Continue Reading