| Amino Acid Deficiencies Can Easily Occur | Once again, the common assumption may be that the majority of
Americans get plenty of amino acids through their diets due to their
high meat consumption. Just the opposite, however, may be the case.
Diets that are not balanced and high on empty carbohydrates can
become protein deficient. Balance is the key here. While we are well
aware of the perils of a diet that is too high in protein, most of us do
not eat quality protein foods. High fat red meats are not the only
source of amino acids. Other protein foods, including nuts, beans, soy
products, fish and eggs, are excellent sources of protein. Unfortunately
the majority of Americans eat diets that are deficient in the total amino
acid array we need to maintain our health. |
| Commercial Amino Acid Preparations | Amino acid supplements are available in single or combination form and
are often part of a complete multivitamin or protein supplement formula.
They come in capsules, powders or tablets and are usually derived from
soy, egg or yeast protein. The term crystalline free form refers to amino
acids which are extracted from grain sources such as brown rice bran.
Free form amino acids are recommended in that they are rapidly
assimilated. |
| Amino Acid Products: Recommendations | Amino acid preparations are readily available at health food stores
in the form of capsules, powders, and liquids. Their sources are
usually animal, yeast or vegetable proteins. Brown rice, milk
protein and yeast sources are also utilized. More and more
companies are offering amino acid supplements. Some simple
guidelines to follow include the following:
Look for USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) or pharmaceutical grade
products that are denoted by the letter L and by the word
crystalline. Note: Phenylalanine comes in the DL form.
Look for free form products which are much easier to digest and
assimilate and are considered less allergenic. Capsulized,
powdered forms are best.
Take amino acids either singly or in combinations on an empty
stomach with a little fruit juice. If you take them with meals, the
other nutrients you have ingested will compete with the amino
acids for absorption. Make sure that you do not eat for at least
30 minutes before or after taking an amino acid supplement.
Amino acid therapy should be short term, rather than indefinite.
Large doses are discouraged and going off and on them is
preferable. For example, two months on, two months off seems to
work best. Children should not be given these supplements unless
under the supervision of their physician. |
