Amino Acids / L-Arginine

Amino acids are described as the building blocks of protein, because just twenty one individual amino acids make up the thousands of proteins that our tissues, muscles and organs are made of. Amino acids are also used in the repair, and maintenance of body tissues. Eleven of the amino acids can be made by the body itself, while the other nine are termed ‘essential amino acids’ because they must come from the diet.

We obtain amino acids by digesting the proteins in food. Our digestive enzymes break the proteins down into amino acids so that they can be absorbed from the gut. The amino acids will then be used by the body build the specific proteins that it requires.

Natures Best sell amino acids in their ‘free-form’, meaning that no digestion is required before they are absorbed from the digestive system. The most popular amino acids are shown below and can be bought from this website. We are also able to supply the following amino acids; L-Taurine, L-Ornithine, L-Cysteine, L-Histidine, L-Methionine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine. If you are interested in any of these then please contact our Nutrition Advice team who will be happy to help.

The L written in front of an amino acid name denotes that it is the L isomer of the amino acid. Amino acids can be either L or D isomers ( an isomer is the name given to compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures) Don’t worry about all this, just be assured that it is the L form that is required by the body, and the form that occurs most in foods.

We also sell a number of high quality protein products, including delicious snack bars and protein shakes. You will find the amino acid profile of each of these listed clearly on the labels. (go to the product page and click on the ‘View Label’ button to see the levels of amino acids)

Click to see our Protein Sources from Amino Acids and our Sports Supplement Range.