BLUEBONNET - BLUEBONNET - Bluebonnet’s L-Arginine 500 mg Vcaps provide free-form L-arginine in easy-to swallow vegetable capsules for maximum assimilation and absorption. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and proteins are the building blocks of life. The human body is constantly assembling, breaking down and using proteins on a daily basis. In fact, 10 to 25% of caloric energy should come from high-quality, complete proteins. However, the role of amino acids is not only limited to the synthesis of proteins. They also function as intermediates in metabolism. There are twenty “standard” amino acids used by cells in protein biosynthesis. Of the 20+ amino acids, 9 are “essential” and are required in the diet since the body cannot produce them. “Nonessential” amino acids, on the other hand, are produced in the body from other amino acids when given an adequate supply of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Yet, even some of these nonessential amino acids are necessary at certain life stages or during certain situations, which is why some are considered “conditionally essential. n general, although both animal and plant foods contain protein, the quality of the protein is what differs. High-quality (complete) protein provides an ample amount of all nine essential amino acids. Animal foods, such as meats, poultry, eggs and milk, are considered high-quality (complete) protein sources versus vegetables, which contain no or low levels of some of the essential amino acids with the exception of soybeans. Egg white albumin is the main protein found in egg white, making up 60-65% of the total protein. Whey is one of the principal proteins that is found in milk and is the protein of choice because of its superior biological value (BV) of 159, as well as being a rich, natural source of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and immunoglobulins. Amino acids are vital for the body's ability to function at an optimal level. Unlike fat and carbohydrates, the human body does not store excess amino acids for later use. Amino acids must be obtained from the diet on a daily basis to meet the needs of the body. In different life styles and at different life stages, human beings have special protein requirements. They are crucial and have wide-ranging roles, including: the repair and maintenance of muscles, organs, nails, hair, skin, ligaments, connective tissues, glands, etc. Because amino acids are considered the building blocks of life, specifically protein, a deficiency in even one of them can have detrimental effects on one's health and well-being. Consumption of high-quality (complete) protein is directly related to the rehabilitation and rate of normal repair of muscle and tissue. Furthermore, the following people can benefit tremendously from protein/amino acid supplementation: * athletes * individuals who lead an active lifestyle * individuals who have undergone trauma from surgery or an accident * individuals who have ill-fitting dentures L-Arginine has been used widely by athletes, due to the fact that it helps to stimulate growth hormone and increases the production of glutamate and creatine, as well as nitric oxide, which plays a fundamental role in vascular function and blood flow. This, in turn, has been shown in studies to facilitate the maintenance of lean body tissue and to improve physical performance. Furthermore, L-arginine has also recently been found in studies at higher potencies to be effective in maintaining cardiovascular health. Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC) is the acetyl form of L-carnitine, an amino acid derivative, which is found throughout the central nervous system as a source of acetyl groups for the synthesis of acetylcholine (neurotransmitter) and for acetyl CoA, which is utilized in energy-producing reactions in the Krebs cycle and is essential in transporting long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane for subsequent fat breakdown (beta-oxidation) and energy production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). L-Carnitine is not an amino acid but rather an amino acid derivative that is responsible for transporting long-chained fatty acids from the cytosol of the cell across the mitochondrial membrane for subsequent fat breakdown (beta-oxidation) and energy production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). L-Cysteine is a precursor to the synthesis of proteins, taurine, coenzyme A and most importantly, glutathione, an important antioxidant, which functions in various redox reactions, such as in the destruction of peroxides and free radicals, the detoxification of harmful compounds, and as a cofactor for enzymes. Since L-cysteine is a glutathione precursor, it may have a positive impact on immune function. L-Glutamine is important for maintaining muscle, as well as supporting immune and intestinal health. In fact, the body's total amino acid muscle pool consists of 60% glutamine and is the highest concentrated amino acid found in the bloodstream. It transports nitrogen in and out of tissues and is important to the general amino acid balance in the body. L-Glutathione is a tripeptide of amino acids and is comprised of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. Glutathione is manufactured in every cell of the body and is important for a healthy immune system, since it acts in antioxidant and detoxification systems and is a cofactor for enzymes, which catalyze numerous reactions in the body. L-Glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is of major importance in the synthesis of proteins, ATP, glucose and bile salts. Furthermore, since L-glycine is the smallest of the amino acids, it is utilized in the chelation of minerals to propel them through the bloodstream for enhanced absorption and bioavailability. L-Lysine plays a major role in calcium absorption, blood sugar metabolism and in the formation of new collagen, a main structural component of connective tissues. Since L-lysine is also involved in the production of antibodies, enzymes and hormones, it is an important player in immune function as well. NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) is the stable acetyl derivative of cysteine that serves as a precursor to the synthesis of proteins, taurine, coenzyme A and most importantly, glutathione, an important antioxidant, which functions in various redox reactions, such as in the destruction of peroxides and free radicals, the detoxification of harmful compounds, and as a cofactor for enzymes. Since NAC is a glutathione precursor and carrier of an extra acetyl group, it may exert a more potent affect on glutathione biosynthesis, and thus on immune function. L-Ornithine serves as an important intermediate in the urea cycle, functioning along with arginine, to rid the body of ammonia, a by-product of protein metabolism, thus supporting healthy blood flow. L-Phenylalanine serves a vital role in producing neurotransmitters by being converted into tyrosine. Tyrosine is then further metabolized into the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and epinephrine, the body's two main stress-related hormones involved in the flight or fight response, thus helping to support mood. DLPA (DL-Phenylalanine) contains a mixture of 50% L- and 50% D-phenylalanine and does not participate in protein biosynthesis. Unlike L-phenylalanine that influences the stress-related hormones, this mixture influences neurotransmitter synthesis of endorphins and enkephalins, which mediate mood and pain. Taurine is ubiquitous in the body and is involved in metabolic processes concerning the brain, retina, heart, skeletal and smooth muscle, platelets and white blood cells and nervous system Ð all of which require adequate amounts of taurine to function at the highest standards. It is a powerful antioxidant that donates electrons to reactive oxygen free radicals, neutralizing them to maintain healthy cells and tissues. L-Theanine is not involved in protein biosynthesis and is very rare in nature. The free-form brand, Suntheanine®, has been shown in human clinical trials to influence neurotransmitters and induce alpha-waves in the brain, which may improve memory and learning and mediate mood and stress. L-Tryptophan is converted into serotonin once it crosses the blood-brain barrier and is then further metabolized into melatonin, which has been shown in studies to help induce sleep, calm behaviors, reduce carbohydrate cravings and potentially reduce PMS symptoms. The free-form brand, TryptoPure® by Ajinomoto, a vegetarian, pharmaceutical–grade L-tryptophan, is derived from a traditional yet time-tested microbial fermentation process using corn and is guaranteed to be free of EBT/EMS impurity. L-Tyrosine is metabolized into norepinephrine and epinephrine, the body’s two main stress-related hormones involved in the flight or fight response, which help the body adapt to and cope with the physical and psychological effects of stress. NOTE: Product's picture may look different from actual product ordered.

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