amino acids????

[Beth Ann]

Can anyone tell me exactly what amino acids are used for? I am taking Xenedrine for weight loss, and am also doing a low carb diet. I am at a plateau, and a friend suggested that I add amino acids to my plan. Any thoughts on this? I also take a multi-vitamin, and am a little nervous about taking something I'm not sure about. Thanks in advance for any info!

[auntjudyg]

The Diet Cure by Julia Ross talks about taking various amino acid supplements for weight loss. Primarily she is going at it from the angle of stopping cravings and balancing the system . . . and it kind of sounds like you are already over that hurdle. I think sometimes for many people losing weight, a plateau is just a necessary time for the body to rest and readjust a little. If I were going to look at anything, it would be kicking up my exercise.

Good luck!

[Jay Tor]

Amino acids are 'the building blocks of protein'. When protein is broken down by digestion, the result is 22 known amino acids. Of these, eight are 'essential' meaning they cannot be made by the body. The rest are 'non-essential' meaning they can be made by the body with proper nutrition. A complete protein contains all 22 amino acids [e.g. meat, eggs, some nuts, etc.]. An incomplete protein does not contain all 22 amino acids. Without the right amount and balance of amino acids, your body would be unable to repair or replicate cells.

So depending on which of the 22 amino acids are in the supplement, ...

[Beth Ann]

Thanks so much for the great info. You have both helped a lot! Beth Ann

[Tangle]

Yes, proteine or amino acids are sometimes refered to as the "building blocks of all life". All our foods are broken down into three general categories---Fats, Sugars, and amino acids. Fats and sugars generaly go for energy production while amino's go for complicated cell reproduction and body function.