Amino Acids - L-Aspartic Acid

Something (L-Aspartic Acid) that's cropped up a few times recently during the joyous explanation of the Krebs Cyle (Citric Acid Cycle), as oxidation of L-Aspartic Acid plays an intermediate role in the eventual production of ATP.

Fatigue can be experienced if levels of L-Aspartic Acid are too low. Again (as mentioned with other amino acids), your general sources of protein - dairy products, beef, poultry, eggs - are all sources of L-Aspartic Acid and should provide enough L-Aspartic Acid. L-Aspartic Acid's relationship (if too low) to fatigue means that it's often advertised in supplement form to reduce exercise induced fatigue and increase stamina. Again, L-Aspartic Acid's individual importance does not outweigh the recovery benefits of a varied and sufficient intake of protein.

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Amino Acid - Taurine

As noted under the Amino Acid blog post, Taurine does not have an "L" prefix as it only exists in one form. Furthermore, Taurine's unusual as it's not incorporated into proteins in the body (likewise, L-Ornithine). However, Taurine does play an important role in bile acid metabolism (as it's incorporated into one of the most abundant bile acids - Chenodeoxychloic Acid), where it serves to emulsify dietary lipids in the intestine, promoting digestion.

Taurine's most famous use is within "buzz/ energy" drinks, such as Red Bull (you know - gives you wings). You may find it as an active ingredient within your pet food or baby formula as well. As with most amino acids we've covered, their individual (& grouped) function/s has led to their analysis for different uses and their inclusion within many relating formula's. Although Taurine's inclusion within pet food and baby formula is more apparent (I'll cover this at the foot of the page), there's several reasons to argue it's inclusion within "energy" drinks, subsequently, it's become the norm as an ingredient. The quantitative "energy" (measured in calories) is less within so called "energy" drinks than a typical soft drink. The relating term "energy" (& the reason why I place it within annoying " " upon each mention) is borne from the basis that the ingredients (including Taurine) in these drinks contribute to mental alertness and physical performance, despite actually having less "energy" (again, when measuring calories). Personally, I prefer the term "buzz" drink. Anyway, I'll cover "energy" drinks in greater detail within the supplement section of the Gym Professor website.

Before I forget, what else you might see Taurine in as an active ingredient - pet food and baby formula. Firstly, pet food. Working along with Zinc, Taurine is important for eye health and vision. Cat's cannot synthesize the compound and so it's an important dietary requirement. Don't worry, your cat's not about to go blind, as meat and fish are good sources of Taurine. But, if you see it as an added ingredient within a processed cat food formula, this is why. As regards baby formula, premature babies who lack the enzymes needed to convert cystathionine to L-Cysteine may become deficient in taurine. Thus, taurine is a dietary essential nutrient in these individuals and is often added to many baby formulas as a measure of prudence (the name of my first cat - ha). Also of note, it has been found that high concentrations of Taurine are present in breast milk.

Amino Acid L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is the body's most abundant non-essential amino acid. It becomes conditionally essential (requiring intake from food or supplements) in states of illness or injury. Therefore, it's not uncommon for those regularly exercising (hopefully, you!) to supplement L-Glutamine (or for sport supplement manufacturers to add additional L-Glutamine to protein supplements), as the physical stress of exercise will decrease L-Glutamine concentrations.

Typically, I (GP) have known bodybuilders supplement L-Glutamine during pre-competition diet. The reason, not only to reduce fatigue, but, to help suppress carbohydrate craving.

DAILY BLOG: Amino Acid - L-Lysine

As always, I (GP) will try and address first the most likely reason for your search - Herpes? The reason you'll find L-Lysine mentioned amongst text of the Herpes Virus is that L-Lysine is the antagonist of L-Arginine, which nourishes the virus. More a reason why not to supplement L-Arginine though, than to supplement L-Lysine.

Another instance for your search is that the aforementioned L-Arginine, coupled with a pyroglutamate molecule (making Arginine pyroglutamate), is used in conjunction with L-Lysine as a reasonably common supplement aimed to stimulate growth hormone. Do not expect miracles though!

Other points of possible interest, L-Lysine (acting alongside L-Proline and Vitamin C) inhibits vascular lesions caused by Atherosclerosis. Also, collagen in the skin contains hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline - formed from L-Lysine and L-Proline.

Contraindications: Breast feeding, high cholesterol, liver or kidney problems, pregnancy.

Food sources include: Meat, Dairy Products, Eggs, Lima Beans, Brewers Yeast.