Amino

Nine free-form essential amino acids with alpha-ketoglutarate and active B6 to support tissue repair and neurotransmitter production.

What it is

Amino is a free-form essential amino acid formula. Free-form means each amino acid is supplied as a single crystalline molecule rather than as a protein that must first be digested, so the gut has little work to do before absorbing it. The label lists nine essential and conditionally essential amino acids: L-histidine, L-leucine, L-arginine, L-lysine, L-phenylalanine, L-valine, L-isoleucine, L-methionine and L-threonine. They come with alpha-ketoglutarate, a Krebs-cycle intermediate involved in amino acid metabolism, and vitamin B6 as pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the coenzyme that most amino acid reactions depend on.

Who it's for

Amino acids are the building blocks of muscle, connective tissue, skin, hair and nails, of enzymes and of neurotransmitters; phenylalanine is the starting point for dopamine and norepinephrine, and methionine for the body's main methyl donor. The body does not store spare amino acids, so intake has to be regular. This formula suits someone whose diet is short on protein or narrow in range, who is rebuilding after a hard stretch, or whose practitioner has found low amino acid levels on testing, and who can take several capsules a day. It is not a protein powder: the four-capsule serving supplies under 3 grams of amino acids.

Format and how to take

Cellulose (vegetarian) capsules, 120 per bottle, four per serving, 30 servings. The label's recommended use: take 4 capsules per day between meals, or as directed by your health-care practitioner. The product copy explains "between meals" as an empty stomach, at least 20 minutes before or after food. The label gives no children's dose, so ask your practitioner about use for children.

Ingredients

Per 4 capsules (30 servings per container):

• Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate) 14 mg (824% DV)
• L-Histidine 338 mg
• L-Leucine 338 mg
• Alpha-ketoglutarate 300 mg
• L-Arginine 300 mg
• L-Lysine 300 mg
• L-Phenylalanine 300 mg
• L-Valine 300 mg
• L-Isoleucine 270 mg
• L-Methionine 270 mg
• L-Threonine 270 mg

Daily Value not established for the amino acids or alpha-ketoglutarate. Other ingredients: cellulose (capsule), vegetable stearate. Does not contain gluten, dairy, soy or GMOs. The label carries no allergen statement.

Precautions

From the label: store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children. The label carries no further warnings. This product contains L-phenylalanine; anyone who has been told to limit phenylalanine should not take it without their practitioner's approval. As with any concentrated amino acid product, check with your practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or considering it for a child.