![]() |

Supplemental amino acids are available in combination with various multi-vitamin formulas, as protein mixtures, in a wide variety of food supplements, and in a number of amino acid formulas. They can be purchased as capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders. Most amino acids supplements are derived from animal protein, yeast protein, or vegetable protein. Crystalline free-form amino acids are generally extracted from a variety of grain products. Brown rice bran is a prime source, although cold-pressed yeast and milk proteins are also used.
When choosing amino acid supplements, look for products that contain USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) pharmaceutical-grade L-crystalline amino acids. Most of the amino acids (except for glycine) can appear in two forms, the chemical structure of one being the mirror image of the other. These are called the D- and the L- forms - for example, D-cystine and L-cystine. The "D" stands for dextro (Latin for "right") and the "L" for levo (Latin for "left"); these terms denote the direction of the rotation of the spiral that is the chemical direction of rotation of the spiral that is the chemical structure of the molecule. Proteins in animal and plant tissue are made from the L- forms of amino acids (with the exception of phenylalanine; which is also used in the form of DL-phenylalanine, a mixture of the D- and the L- forms). Thus, with respect to supplements of amino acids, products containing the L- forms are considered to be more compatible with human biochemistry.
Free-form means the amino acid is in its purest form. Free-form amino acids need no digestion and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. These white crystalline amino acids are stable at room temperature and decompose when heated to temperatures of 350°F to 660°F (180°C to 350°C). They are rapidly absorbed and do not come from potentially allergenic food sources. For best results, choose encapsulated powders or powder.
Each amino acid has specific functions in the body. The many functions and possible symptoms of deficiency of 28 amino acids and related compounds are best described on each of their individual webpages. When taking amino acids individually for healing purposes, take them on an empty stomach to avoid making them compete for absorption with the amino acids present in foods. When taking individual amino acids, it is best to take them in the morning or between meals, with small amounts of vitamin B-6 and vitamin C to enhance absorption. When taking an amino acid complex that includes all of the essential amino acids, it is best to take it 1/2 hour away from a meal, either before or after. If you are taking individual amino acids, it is wise also to take a full amino acid complex, including both essential and nonessential amino acids, at a different time. This is the best way to ensure you have adequate amounts of all the necessary amino acids.
Individual amino acids should not be taken for long periods of time. A good rule to follow is to alternate the individual amino acids that fit your needs and back them up with an amino acid complex, taking the supplements for two months and then discontinuing them for two months. Researchers warn against taking large doses of amino acids for extended periods of time. Moderation is the key. Some amino acids have potentially toxic effects when taken in high doses (over 6,000 mg per day) and may cause neurological damage. These include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, homocysteine, serine, and tryptophan. Cysteine can be toxic if taken in amounts over 1,000 mg per day. Do not give supplemental amino acids to a child or take doses of any amino acid in excess of the amount recommended unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider.
AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Amino 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
Amino 1000 Complete contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids.
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Predigested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs
This Amino 1500 contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids in a chewable format.
Herbal Remedies: Amino Acids Supplements & Products (Full List of Amino Acids)
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION & RESOURCES
The Prescription For Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, and Food Supplements - 4th Edition, By Phyllis Balch
The Prescription For Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-Z Guide To Supplements - Revised 3rd Edition, By Phyllis Balch
The Prescription For Herbal Healing: An Easy-To-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics Index
HELPFUL RELATED MOONDRAGON NUTRITION BASICS LINKS
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Amino Acids Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Antioxidants Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Enzymes Information
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Herbs Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Minerals Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Mineral Introduction
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Dietary Supplements Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Dietary Supplements Introduction
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Specialty Supplements
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamins Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Vitamins Introduction
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Guidelines For Selecting & Preparing Foods
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Avoid Foods That Contain Additives & Artificial Ingredients
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Is Aspartame A Safe Sugar Substitute
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Increase Your Consumption of Raw Produce
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Avoid Overcooking Your Foods
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Use Proper Cooking Utensils
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Limit Your Use of Salt
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Aspartame
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Foods That Destroy
MoonDragon's Nutrition Basics: Foods That Heal
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Food Additives Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information: Food Safety Links
For a full list of available products from Mountain Rose Herbs, click on banner below:
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
Educational materials, dietary supplements and products for health are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Manufacturers & Distributors
![]()
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
![]()
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Assessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics Index
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Therapy Index
MoonDragon's Nutrition Therapy Index
MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information Index
MoonDragon's Aromatherapy Information Index
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness Index
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Subject Order
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Alphabetical Order
MoonDragon's Main Indexlisting
MoonDragon's Home Page