Definitions

Amino acids are molecules that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life.

When proteins are digested or broken down, amino acids are left. The human body uses amino acids to make proteins to help the body:

• Break down food

• Grow

• Repair body tissue

• Perform many other body functions

This amino blend could help boost your metabolism, improve energy levels, increase endurance and help to burn fat. It also provides your body essential and nonessential amino acids it requires to stay healthy.

Amino acids can be very beneficial if taken before or during a workout, as they are quick absorbing and provide essential nutrients your body needs when exerting energy. They are key to developing and maintaining muscle. Ensuring you’re getting the proper nutrition, including amino acids, during exercise is a great way to maximize your health and fitness goals.

The B vitamins are:

• B1 (thiamine)

• B2 (riboflavin)

• B3 (niacin)

• B5 (pantothenic acid)

• B6

• B7 (biotin)

• B12

• Folic acid

These vitamins help the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. They also help form red blood cells. You can get B vitamins from proteins such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Leafy green vegetables, beans, and peas also have B vitamins. Many cereals and some breads have added B vitamins.

Not getting enough of certain B vitamins can cause diseases. A lack of B12 or B6 can cause anemia.

Methylcobalamin, also known as Vitamin B12, is an important vitamin needed for the brain, nerves, and production of red blood cells in the body. It is used to treat not only vitamin B12 deficiency, but also other conditions, such as pernicious anemia and diabetes. It also helps increase metabolic energy and improve mood regulation. Some clinical trials are also testing its use in people with dementia as well.

Ascorbic acid is in a class of medications called antioxidants. It is needed by the body to help wounds heal, to enhance the absorption of iron from plant foods, and to support the immune system. It works as an antioxidant to protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

Calcium chloride is used in the treatment of hypocalcemia (low calcium), hyperkalemia (high potassium), and hypermagnesemia (high magnesium). It is also used in the immediate treatment of hypocalcemic tetany, which causes muscle spasms due to abnormally low levels of calcium in the body. Other uses for calcium chloride include cardiac resuscitation, arrhythmias, calcium-channel blocker overdose, and beta-blocker overdose.

People most at risk for vitamin D deficiency are older adults, breastfed infants, people with dark skin, obese people, and those with limited sun exposure, or gastrointestinal disease (GI; affecting the stomach or intestines) such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is also used along with calcium to prevent and treat bone diseases such as rickets (softening and weakening of bones in children caused by lack of vitamin D), osteomalacia (softening and weakening of bones in adults caused by lack of vitamin D), and osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily). Cholecalciferol is needed by the body for healthy bones, muscles, nerves, and to support the immune system. It works by helping the body to use more of the calcium found in foods or supplements.

Roles of vitamin D within the body, as stated by Medical News Today, include:

• Support of the immune system, brain, and nervous system

• Regulation of insulin levels, aiding in diabetes management

• Support of lung function and cardiovascular health

• Influence the expression of genes involved in cancer development

L-Glutathione, or simply glutathione, helps prevent damage to cells by neutralizing harmful molecules generated during energy production. Glutathione also plays a role in processing medications and cancer-causing compounds (carcinogens), and building DNA, proteins, and other important cellular components. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant made of amino acids. Supplementally, glutathione can be taken in the treatment and prevention of cataracts, glaucoma, aging, alcoholism, cancer, heart disease, liver disease, lung disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, diseases that breakdown the body’s immune system and many more.

Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA. Most people get enough magnesium in their normal diet, but sometimes supplementation is needed.

Zinc helps build a healthy immune system and is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division.

Zinc is an important trace element that people need to stay healthy. Of the trace elements, this element is second only to iron in its concentration in the body.

Zinc is found in cells throughout the body. It is needed for the body's defensive (immune) system to properly work. It plays a role in cell division, cell growth, wound healing, and the breakdown of carbohydrates.

Zinc is also needed for the senses of smell and taste. During pregnancy, infancy, and childhood the body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. Zinc also enhances the action of insulin.

Information from an expert review on zinc supplements showed that:

• When taken for at least 5 months, zinc may reduce your risk of becoming sick with the common cold.

• Starting to take zinc supplements within 24 hours after cold symptoms begin may reduce how long the symptoms last and make the symptoms less severe. However, supplementation beyond the recommended dietary allowance (RDA – see below) is not recommended at this time.