AminoIndex: Amino Acids & Related Compounds
This guide focuses on amino acids and commonly referenced derivatives, distinct from vitamins, minerals, herbs, and specialty nutrients.
How to use this page: Start with an amino acid, review its role, then open the linked profiles for deeper detail and cautions.
What Amino Acids Are (and Why They Matter)
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They also support everyday processes such as tissue repair, enzyme activity, neurotransmitter production, and metabolic regulation.
Note: Amino acids and related compounds may interact with medications or be unsuitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or certain medical conditions. If unsure, consult your healthcare practitioner.
Key Takeaways
- Not all amino acids are “essential”: some must come from diet, while others are made in the body (and some become conditionally essential under stress).
- Food-first still wins: overall protein intake and total calories often matter more than adding single amino acids.
- Targeted use beats stacking: pick one goal (sleep, training recovery, gut stress, focus) and keep it simple.
- Context + meds matter: some amino acids/derivatives can interact with medications or be unsuitable in certain conditions.
Amino Acids Overview
This table keeps your existing structure, but now it’s presented in a consistent, Navigator-style layout for readability across desktop and mobile.
| Amino Acid | Benefit to the Body | Recommended Dose* | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alanine | Energy production and immune support. | Varies by dietary intake. | Link |
| Arginine | Supports wound healing, detoxification, and immune function. | 4-6 g for health conditions | Link |
| Asparagine | Aids in amino acid synthesis and nervous system function. | Varies by dietary intake. | Link |
| Aspartic Acid | Boosts hormone production and supports metabolism. | Varies by dietary intake. | Link |
| Cysteine | Antioxidant production and supports healthy skin. | 1-1.5 g | Link |
| Glutamine | Fuels immune cells and supports gut health. | 5 g for wellness | Link |
| Glutamic Acid | Enhances cognitive function and neurotransmission. | Varies by dietary intake. | Link |
| Glycine | Promotes sleep, collagen production, and skin health. | 3-5 g | Link |
| Histidine | Essential for tissue repair and blood cell production. | 10-30 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Isoleucine | Involved in muscle metabolism and haemoglobin production. | 19 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Leucine | Supports muscle synthesis, repair, and glucose regulation. | 42 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Lysine | The key for protein synthesis and calcium absorption. | 30-40 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Methionine | Supports metabolism, detoxification, and tissue growth. | 19 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Phenylalanine | The precursor to vital neurotransmitters for mood regulation. | 33 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Proline | Promotes collagen production and wound healing. | Varies by dietary intake. | Link |
| Serine | Supports cell membrane integrity and immune function. | Varies by dietary intake. | Link |
| Threonine | Essential for protein balance and gut health. | 15 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Tryptophan | The precursor to serotonin aids in mood and sleep regulation. | 4-6 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Tyrosine | The key for hormone production and stress response. | 45-65 mg/kg body weight | Link |
| Valine | Facilitates muscle growth and energy production. | 24 mg/kg body weight | Link |
*Dose note: Values shown are general adult ranges commonly discussed in supplement contexts. Always follow the product label and seek professional advice if pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a condition, or taking medicines.
Amino Acid Derivatives & Related Compounds
These compounds are derived from or metabolically related to amino acids and are often grouped alongside them due to shared pathways or synthesis, even though they are not amino acids in the strict dietary sense.
| Compound | Benefit to the Body | Recommended Dose* | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetyl L-Carnitine | Supports energy production, aids in fat metabolism, and has neuroprotective properties. | 500-2,500 mg/day | Link |
| Creatine | Supports energy production in muscles and improves high-intensity exercise performance. | 3-5 g/day | Link |
| Carnosine | Acts as an antioxidant that benefits muscle endurance and performance. | 500-2,000 mg/day | Link |
| N-acetylcysteine (NAC) | The precursor to glutathione supports detoxification and respiratory health. | 600-1,800 mg/day | Link |
| Taurine | Vital for cardiovascular function, development of the nervous system, and formation of bile salts. | 500-3,000 mg/day | Link |
| Beta-Alanine | Reduces muscle fatigue and supports muscle endurance. | 2-5 g/day | Link |
| L-Theanine | Promotes relaxation without sedation and improves focus and calm. | 100-400 mg/day | Link |
| L-Arginine | Improves blood flow and heart health and supports nitric oxide production. | 3-6 g/day | Link |
| L-Citrulline | Enhances blood flow support sports performance and cardiovascular health. | 1-10 g/day | Link |
| L-Glutamine | Supports gut health and immune function, especially under stress or during intense exercise. | 5-10 g/day | Link |
*Dose note: Values shown are general adult ranges commonly discussed in supplement contexts. Always follow the product label and seek professional advice if pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a condition, or taking medicines.
AminoIndex FAQ
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They’re also used in enzymes, signalling molecules, neurotransmitter pathways, tissue repair, and metabolic processes that help the body function day to day.
Most people meet basic needs through a varied diet with adequate protein. Requirements can shift with age, training load, stress, illness, restricted diets, and overall calorie intake. If you’re unsure, a practitioner can assess diet pattern and goals.
Potentially, yes. Dose matters, and individual context matters (medications, kidney/liver issues, pregnancy, and certain health conditions). Use label directions and get practitioner advice if you’re combining multiple products or targeting a specific outcome.
For many people, food-first protein intake is the foundation. Individual amino acids are typically explored when there’s a specific goal (e.g., training support, gut barrier focus, sleep pathways) or when dietary intake is limited. The best choice depends on your broader plan, not a single ingredient.
Some may. Interactions depend on the compound, dose, and your medication profile. If you take prescription medicines or manage a chronic condition, check with a qualified healthcare practitioner before supplementing.
Next Step
Want to explore practitioner-grade options aligned to your goal? Browse amino acid supplements and related compounds in the Ghama Health store.
Explore Amino Acid Supplements
