Amino Acids Glossary

This glossary will help you to find information on every essential amino acid that your body needs. For information on vitamins, see the section entitled "Vitamin Glossary".

This amino acid is an anti-oxidant that is also valuable in the transport of oxygen by cells in the blood stream. It has also been shown to promote immune system health and increase energy output by the body.

• Good Food Sources: Rice, Grains, Seeds, Yeast, Beans
• Dosage: 100 milligrams per day

Gamma-aminobutyryric Acid acts as a neurotransmitter and promotes a healthy and stable central nervous system. In addition, it is a vital amino acid for the promotion of normal brain function.

• Good Food Sources: Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel, Wheat Bran, Tuna
• Dosage: 200 milligrams per day

This amino acid is one of the major components of the construction of strong muscles and the repair of damaged tissue. It has also been shown to be helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis.

• Good Food Sources: Meat, Cheese, Fish, Eggs, Nuts
• Dosage: 500 milligrams per day

This amino acid has been shown to be effective in the reduction of early recognized tumors or cancer. Other applications include the increase in sperm count among men and the removal of toxins from the liver.

• Good Food Sources: Dairy, Meat, Fish, Chocolate, Nuts
• Dosage: 3 grams per day

This anti-oxidant is valuable in assisting other anti-oxidants in the removal of free radicals from the body. It also has been shown to be effective in the reduction of angina attacks.

• Good Food Sources: Eggs, Meat, Fish, Cheese, Milk
• Dosage: 1,500 milligrams per day

L-Cysteine is valuable in the reduction of aging effects on the skin as well as being a powerful anti-oxidant. This amino acid also acts as a governing agent to protect the body from toxic amounts of copper.

• Good Food Sources: Poultry, Wheat, Eggs, Broccoli, Onions
• Dosage: 600 milligrams per day

The most frequent application of this amino acid is in the treatment of depression and anxiety. In addition, it has promising tests in the successful treatment of obesity and the enhancement of memory and information comprehension.

• Good Food Sources: Aspartame, Beef, Milk, Yogurt, Eggs
• Dosage: 750-3,000 milligrams per day (39 milligrams per kg. of body weight)

This amino acid is often used as an organic pain reliever. Pain that it has been shown to be effective in reducing is rheumatoid arthritis, cramps, neck pain, skeletal arthritis and pain in the lower back.

• Good Food Sources: Aspartame, Beef, Milk, Yogurt, Eggs
• Dosage: 1,500 milligrams per day

L-Glutamic Acid/Glutamine has been shown to be an affective chemical for the improvement of function in the brain. It also acts as a stimulant to reduce the effects of fatigue and produce mood elevating effects.

• Good Food Sources: Poultry, Eggs, Dairy, Beans, Spinach
• Dosage: No daily requirement

The main function of this amino acid is as a producer of glycogen to remove glucose that is present in the liver. It is alsi beneficial in the balancing of acids present within the body.

• Good Food Sources: Fish, Cheese, Milk, Meat, Beans
• Dosage: 750 milligrams per day

This amino acid is most useful in the dilation of blood vessels while its other uses include the reduction of pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and an enzyme that can help people that struggle with nail biting.

• Good Food Sources: Meat, Rice, Rye, Wheat, Dairy
• Dosage: 10 milligrams per day (for each kilogram of body weight)

This amino acid is one of the major components of the construction of strong muscles and the repair of damaged tissue. It has also been shown to be helpful in the prevention of osteoporosis.

• Good Food Sources: Meat, Cheese, Fish, Eggs, Nuts
• Dosage: 500 milligrams per day

Of the many uses for this amino acid, its most effective application is in the lowering of bad cholesterol. It also has been shown to be a very useful chemical in the production of new skin cells and the reduction of body fat.

• Good Food Sources: Fish, Beans, Eggs, Lentils, Onions
• Dosage: 800-900 milligrams per day

The primary application of this amino acid is in the building of muscle tissue making it a common ingredient in muscle building supplements. It has also been shown to increase the potency of arginine.

• Good Food Sources: Cheese, Meat, Fish, Milk, Eggs
• Dosage: 5 grams per day

This amino acid has often been used as an alternative drug in the control of several types of epilepsy and seizure disorders. Early tests are inconclusive but promising.

• Good Food Sources: Beef, Poultry, Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel
• Dosage: 1.5 grams per day

The main application of aspartic acid is in the conversion of carbohydrates into pliable sources of energy. It also provides a boost to stamina and reduces the effects of fatigue. Another application of this amino acid is in the removal of bodily toxins.

• Good Food Sources: Alfalfa, Seeds, Chicken, Beef, Milk
• Dosage: 500 milligrams per day

This amino acid is most often used to regulate emotions and their resulting behavior in extreme cases. It also acts much like other amino acids to act as a stimulant for processes of the brain. As a result, it is most often used to treat depression and anxiety that is unresponsive to other drugs.

• Good Food Sources: Oatmeal, Wheat, Cheese, Milk, Meat
• Dosage: 5 grams per day