L-Arginine is an amino acid that performs several functions in the human body. L-Arginine not only helps in getting rid of the ammonia but also aids the formation of nitric oxide, a compound responsible for relaxation of blood vessels. This amino acid is also involved in the formation of protein in human body. Besides stimulating the release of prolactin and growth hormones, L-Arginine can help in the treatment of heart diseases as it increases blood flow and improves the function of the blood vessels. It is effective for treating erectile dysfunction and heals wounds effectively. L-Arginine is produced in the liver as well as the kidney. Food items which include this acid are animal proteins like meat, fish, poultry and plants. L-Arginine supplements become essential when the supply of arginine depletes because of infections and severe burns.

L-Aspartic Acid is a proteinogenic alpha amino acid, one of the twenty that are deemed the building blocks of proteins. L-Aspartic Acid is considered non-essential, because the human body can produce it from the organic compound oxaloacetate through a process called transamination. Despite L-Aspartic Acid being classified as non-essential, it is available through dietary sources such as luncheon meats, wild game meat, sausage meat, oat flakes, avocadoes, asparagus and various sprouting seeds. L-Aspartic Acid is also playing a role in the removal of ammonia, but also as a precursor and in the production and synthesis of various biochemical compounds such as arginine, isoleucine, threonine, asparagine, lysine and some nucleotides. In recent years studies have revealed that L-Aspartic Acid seems to raise the body’s resistance to fatigue, thereby boosting endurance.

L-Cysteine can be used to help with skin health. It also has been known to stop hair loss & aid normal hair growth. In some studies L-Cysteine has shown to Help the body's natural detoxification process and Enhance absorption of iron. L-Cysteine also Supports the production of red & white blood cells.

L-Glutamic Acid is a non-essential proteinogenic amino acid. Glutamate can give rise to alpha-ketoglutarate which is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle; this indicates the importance of this amino acid in cellular metabolism. It is involved in the excretion of excess nitrogen from the body. It has the ability to act as an excitatory neurotransmitter and its role in synaptic plasticity renders it important for memory and cognitive function. The flavor enhancer, monosodium glutamate is also manufactured from this substance. Even though it can be manufactured in the body, its supplementation can result in increased protein synthesis.

L-Glycine is the simplest of the amino acids with only a hydrogen atom for its functional group. Amino acids are building blocks of protein. L-Glycine is a proteinogenic amino acid; therefore, it actively takes part in the production of proteins in our body. It also acts as a biosynthetic intermediate; for instance, in the production of porphyrins. L-Glycine also acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is also used to buffer the pH in products ranging from antacids and analgesics to antiperspirants. It is also essential for the production of nucleic acids, bile acids and other amino acids.

L-Histidine- Histidine is one of the twenty amino acids that are considered to be the building blocks of proteins. This proteinogenic amino acid is believed to be non-essential to adult humans, because at some point, after reaching a certain age, they begin to synthesize it. On the other hand, histidine is an essential amino acid to infants, and needs to be part of their regular diet. The amino acid L-Histidine is identified as a precursor for carnosine and histamine biosynthesis. In research studies it has been proven that histidine supplementation can cause an elevated excretion of zinc in rats, up to six times the normal amount. Humans sometimes use histidine supplementation to artificially raise histamine levels. L-Histidine is identified as playing a role with several trace elements, such as iron, molybdenum, manganese, zinc and copper.

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-Lysine is an essential amino acid obtainable from daily food sources we consume. It has many medicinal properties which benefit us in our daily lives. While it is mainly used in the treatment of herpes, it also helps us become stronger by building our muscle tissues. It helps us to recover form injuries and surgeries besides absorbing calcium for building healthy bones. It also regulates the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones which are required for healthy immunity level. L-lysine when consumed in high doses can lead to serious conditions. Although L-lysine is important for good health, we never really realize we are consuming it. Deficiency of L-lysine causes lethargy, amnesia, enzyme disorders, reproductive problems and hair loss. Generally, L-lysine is present in all vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. Fish and cereals have higher amount of L-lysine in them.

L-Methionine- One of the most significant amino acids there is for the breaking down of fats. It is water-soluble and is known for deactivating free radicals. Recognized as being a leading antioxidant.

L-Phenylalanine gained notoriety with the aspartame controversy where extensive internet bombardment against the artificial sweetener prompted a thorough cleaning by The Coca Cola Company and other interest groups. Now it seems that aspartame has more benefits to health than aspirin. L-Phenylalanine is an essential alpha amino acid that is deemed analgesic and antidepressant. It is hydrophobic and nonpolar, one of only twenty common amino acids that are used to produce protein as coded by the DNA. L-Phenylalanine can also convert into L-Tyrosine, which can then become L-DOPA, going forth to become norepinephrine, dopamine or epinephrine. Phenylalanine is very often found in foods, protein rich foods like meat, milk and milk products, poultry and fish, but also as already mentioned in the artificial sweetener aspartame.

L-Proline is a proteinogenic alpha amino acid, one of only twenty amino acids that are DNA encoded for the forming of protein. It is not deemed essential because humans are able to synthesize it from the amino acid L-Glutamate. This unique member of the twenty protein building block amino acids is the only one of the group that is distinct as belonging to the secondary alpha amino group. L-Proline plays a role in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is undeniably the most common protein in mammals, being found in skin, tendons, joints, ligaments, vasculature and bones. It is deemed good for the health of joints, when taken as a supplement. Low protein diets, vegetarian and vegan diets as well as malnutrition lead to diminished L-Proline levels.

L-Serine- Serine is an organic compound and a proteinogenic amino acid that is considered a building block for the creation of proteins. This member of the hydroxyl group and a polar amino acid is not essential and therefore it is not necessary to ingest it by means of diet. L-Serine can be synthesized from metabolites such as glycine. L-Serine plays a role in the biosynthesis of pyrimidines and purines, furthermore it is a precursor to many metabolites like sphingolipids and to amino acids like cysteine and glycine. It is also involved in catalytic functions of several enzymes. L-Serine can be transformed into D-Serine by the serine racemase, which functions as a neuronal signal and NMDA receptor activator in the brain, a vital glutamate receptor responsible for memory functions and synaptic plasticity.

L-Threonine optimizes the utilization of animals that you consume in order to deposit protein to the muscles and aides in weight gain.

L-Tyrosine, a non-essential amino acid that is used to build protein. It is a precursor dopamine, as well as a precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. The body makes L-Tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine. Since L-Tyrosine is a precursor of Dopamine, it may raise mental alertness, making it of great use in exercise programs.

L-Valine, an essential amino acid, promotes the smooth functioning of the body. It is derived from animal and vegetable proteins like seafood, poultry, meat, cottage cheese, sesame seeds, dry whole lentils and roasted peanuts. It regulates the immune system, assists protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. It also promotes growth of muscles and repair of tissues that get damaged due to stress, disease, surgery or injury. It maintains the body’s nitrogen level and energizes the muscles. L-Valine helps detoxify the body against ammonia and prevents muscle wasting in diabetics. It assists in correcting drug addiction related amino acid deficiencies, gallbladder and liver diseases and is linked with treating neurological conditions and brain damage due to alcohol intake. One should consult a physician before consuming the supplement.

Taurine is found in high levels in the human heart and skeletal muscles. It is an amino sulfonic acid which is also present in the central nervous system and white blood cells. The human body produces this essential acid naturally so that it helps in absorbing vitamins and digesting fats. This acid reduces the problem of high blood pressure in adults and it is also being used for treating bipolar depression. Popularly known as a health supplement, Taurine has always been used in various health products. Bodybuilders are recommended to take Taurine along with creatine as it can prevent muscle soreness and fatigue. This amino acid is listed as one of the main supplemental ingredients in various energy drinks. For instance, drinks such as Rockstar and Monster, contain approximately 2000 mg of Taurine.

Vitamin B6 allows the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, as well as lipids to take place, also aids in keeping skin vibrant.