Amino acids are vital for good nutrition and are a requirement of the human body.  Some health conditions, diets and activities mean that we are often unable to metabolise or obtain enough of the essential amino acids to maintain the body's metabolic balance.

There are times when we all need to supplement our diets, whether it is as a result of recovering from illness, extra high physical activity or giving up meat and fish produce. Basically anything that results in a prolonged loss of amino acid or loss of intake can result in long term physical fatigue.  During such times a quality amino acid supplement should be considered.  Almost all athletes incorporate an amino acid supplement into their daily routine to help prevent muscle fatigue and reduce the length of recovery time from regular training and competition. 

For non-athletes, it is often recommended that vegetarians and vegans supplement their diets periodically to acquire essential amino acids that are not available in plant and non-meat produce.  This being said it is not always easy to find amino acid supplements that are suitable.  Fortunately, for very active people and athletes it is possible to maintain a healthy vegan or vegetarian diet as by supplementing amino acids.  The simplest form is the best especially to help to maintain metabolic nitrogen balance in the body, help cell growth and regulate acid base balance.  Free form amino acids are most favoured by athletes to help recovery and muscle cell growth. Alhough there is still a great deal of ongoing research into the effects of all amino acids for sports purposes it is recognised that consumption amino acids have been seen to increases and improves metabolism in individuals that have low amino acid consumption.  Even if you are not an athlete, your lifestyle, diet or general health will be a good indication of whether amino acid supplements would be beneficial for you.  However, consulting with your physician, particularly in extreme cases is recommended should you have any health problems of concern and to get the full benefits from diet supplementing.

If you consider yourself to be a healthy individual, then a complete complex of amino acids to supplement diet ensures consumption of a sufficient range.  Even when consuming complete proteins it may be helpful to supplement, again, particularly when putting the body under stress, recovering from illness and if regularly participating in sports activities.  Go to our amino acid product category to find out more about our recommended complete free form Amino Acids.