Vitamins And Amino Acids

Vitamins and amino acids cannot always be produced by the body or obtained from the food we eat. For example, of the 20 amino acids used to produce peptides and proteins in humans, only 11 can be produced by the body. The other nine must be consumed through the diet or supplements; therefore, they are considered “essential.” Other substances cannot realistically be obtained from food because it would require in consuming an unrealistically large variety of foods or including items in the diet that are not readily available, only available seasonally, or are cost-prohibitive. This means that supplements are sometimes needed to get the vitamins and amino acids that are necessary to help your systems operate optimally.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds and nutrients that an organism requires in limited amounts to remain alive. When the organism cannot produce a vitamin or nutrient in sufficient quantities on its own, it must be obtained through diet. Although healthy individuals with a balanced diet receive enough vitamins, supplementation can be important for the treatment of certain health problems and is advised in individuals with deficiencies.

There are currently 13 vitamins, which all have unique functions:

• Vitamin A – Also known as retinol, vitamin A promotes a vision in low light, helps form pigment in the eye, and helps maintain healthy skin, teeth, tissues, and mucus membranes.

• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 –These eight vitamins from the vitamin B complex, which plays an important role in metabolism, energy generation, and oxygen utilization.

• Vitamin C – Also known as scorbutic acid, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is an important component of collagen. It is also needed for the synthesis of some neurotransmitters and plays a role in protein metabolism. It must be consumed through the diet or supplements because humans cannot generate endogenous vitamin C.

• Vitamin D – This group of fat-soluble vitamins is important for the absorption of zinc, calcium, iron, phosphate, and magnesium from the intestines. It is either produced in the skin after sun exposure or must be obtained through the diet or supplements.

• Vitamin E – This family of fat-soluble vitamins is important antioxidants. It can be produced by the body or obtained through the diet or supplements.

• Vitamin K – This group of fat-soluble vitamins can be consumed in the diet or are produced by bacteria in the gut. They function as co-enzymes that play roles in blood clotting, protein synthesis, and bone metabolism.

The first commercial vitamin B complex (made from a yeast extract) and semi-synthetic vitamin C supplements became available in the mid-1930s. Until then, the vitamins necessary to keep the body healthy could only be obtained through food intake and changes in diet. Because of differences in the growing seasons, certain foods could only be ingested during a particular growing season, which greatly altered the types and amounts of vitamins that were ingested. Luckily, times have changed considerably and we now have the ability to extract these key nutrients and produce potent exogenous forms that can be ingested as dietary supplements. This means that key vitamins, minerals, and amino acids can be easily obtained year-round.

Amino Acids

Approximately 20% of the human body is made up of proteins, including cells, muscles, and other tissues, and amino acids are the building blocks that form these proteins. In addition to forming proteins, amino acids play several critical nonproteinogenic roles. For example, they function as neurotransmitters in the brain, form important components of red blood cells and collagen, and play roles in lipid transport.

Amino acids influence the function of:

• Arteries
• Tendons
• Glands
• Organs

They also have a key function in several physiological processes, particularly in the skin, muscles, bone, and hair, including:

• Wound healing
• Tissue repair
• Removal of waste deposits from the gastrointestinal system

Even those of us that eat healthily and have a balanced diet cannot always get all the nutritional elements necessary to sustain all of the physiological processes in the body; this is when supplementation could help.

The benefit of obtaining supplemental nutraceuticals and other medications through the physicians at AAI Rejuvenation Clinic is that we only partner with the best of the best. Patients can verify themselves that the quality of the products produced by Douglas Labs is unparalleled. Douglas Labs are the only biochemical organization to have two ISO accreditations, which is the most highly recognized endorsement a biochemical institute can obtain. Their products are all 100% vegan and organic. Information about the efficacy of their products is provided online for patients and clients to review at any time.

Getting the vitamins and nutritional components that your body needs every day can be difficult if you do not truly understand what you need as an individual. We can help. If you have any questions, we’d be happy to help you understand what your next course of action should be. Let us help. Fill out our Medical History Form or call us at: