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Home / Exercise & fitness / Nutrition / Supplements / Amino acids
Amino acids supplements
Making up the building blocks of protein, amino acids are required by the body for a wide variety of reasons.
Perhaps the most commonly known function of amino acids are as a protein, helping to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. In addition to that, they also serve as a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and nitric oxide.
The main sources of amino acids in the body come from meat, fish, dairy products, and vegetables. Grains also contain some, but in much smaller quantities. There are a total of 20 different forms that are required, nine of which must be taken in through the diet, as the body cannot assemble them on its own.
Certain forms will also help with other symptoms that are experienced by some individuals such as sleep problems, aggression, poor concentration, as well as providing a role in the regulation of moods.
Vegetarians in particular would be wise to use a supplement for these, as often their diet comes up short due to a reduced intake of animal protein sources.
Those who are highly active may wish to take in slightly more as well, because in times of high calorie needs, the body may turn to protein as fuel. This then means there will be less available for all the functions that were mentioned above.
So, take the time to make sure your diet is rich in this important nutrient.
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