The effects of amino acids

Research over recent years has shown that amino acids have been useful against diabetes, osteoporosis, heart trouble, metabolic disorders, erectile dysfunction, anti-aging and also menopausal complaints, to name but a few. That was the message from the international symposium of the Society for Applied Amino Acid Research in Treatment and Practice held in 2005 and attended by one hundred scientists from six different nations. Even though studies show that the effects of amino acids are positive, they are still not properly recognised in the field of medical science in Europe. They are necessary to build structural proteins such as collagen, enzymes, clotting mechanisms, antibodies, transport molecules, muscles and hormones.

In the UK, as in many countries in Europe, poorly balanced diets lead to the supply of amino acids to the body being below internationally recommended levels. The prevention and treatment of certain illnesses frequently leads to increases in the amino acid dosage requirements, which means they should be taken as supplements. This is one of the conclusions made from the congress participants. Vegetarians as well as people with chronic disorders of the liver and kidneys have a greater risk of developing an amino acid deficiency. The amino acids arginine, glutamine, lysine, methionine and taurine have immunomodulating effects and are beneficial for people with an immunodeficiency. All in all, amino acids have an enormous potential for use in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of illnesses, summarised Dr Jürgen Reimann.¹

Amino acids can support the body in many different ways

To summarise, we can conclude that in addition to the traditional conventional medicinal support, amino acids provide natural alternative approaches in the following areas:

• Anti-aging
• Arthritis and osteoporosis
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Fat-burning
• Healthy skin
• Hair loss
• Menopause
• Virility
• Sleep, mood and performance