Amino acids are something we’ve all heard of, but few of us – aside from those with PhD after their names – really know what they are. A basic understanding of amino acids, and an assortment of amino acid supplements, can benefit your members and your business. And, it doesn’t require an advanced degree.
In a nutshell, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The 20 amino acids found within proteins control nearly every cellular process in our bodies.
The human body can produce 10 of the 20 amino acids. These are called nonessential amino acids. The others must be supplied in food. These are called essential amino acids. Failure to obtain enough of even one of the 10 essential amino acids results in degradation of the body’s proteins – muscle and so forth – to obtain the one amino acid that is needed. Unlike fat and starch, the human body does not store excess amino acids for later use – the amino acids must be consumed every day.
Get to know your amino acids
This table will give you a brief overview of the 20 protein-based amino acids.
Phenylalanine – The Misunderstood Amino
“Phenylketonurics: Contains phenylalanine.” This scary sounding warning has given phenylalanine a bad rap among those with imaginations that run toward conspiracy theories. What’s a phenylketonuric? What’s a phenylalanine? Why am I in danger from it?
The answers are simple. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid (it must be acquired in food) that is used by the brain to produce nor epinephrine, a chemical that: transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain; keeps you awake and alert; reduces hunger pains; functions as an antidepressant, and helps improve memory. It is present in nearly all foods containing protein, and the artificial sweetener aspartame. Phenylketonurics are people that have a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU). People with this disorder are unable to metabolize phenylalanine and must adhere to a low protein diet and abstain from foods containing phenylalanine. Babies are tested for PKU at birth, so if you have it you already know it. If you never heard of PKU, don’t sweat it. Your doctor figured it out for you years ago.
It’s the presence of phenylalanine in the artificial sweetener aspartame (e.g. Equal, NutraSweet) that has spawned these warnings and suspicion of phenylalanine. Aspartame is used to sweeten many sugarfree beverages and chewing gums. But the amounts of phenylalanine in aspartame are an incredibly low-risk factor. Far larger quantities of phenylalanine would be obtained by consuming most protein – rich foods.
Amino Acid Supplements
Knowing a little about amino acids is the first step toward selling amino acid supplements to your members. These supplements come in tablet, capsule, powder and drink forms (including some energy drinks). Simply merchandising these supplements in your facility will raise questions from your members. And, when they ask, “What does this stuff do?” you’ll have an open door for additional sales and profits. Ask your vitamin and supplement distributor about their line of amino acids, or look online.
Carl Sperber is the Marketing Director for Living Essentials / 5-Hour Energy. To inquire about 5-Hour Energy, contact Brandon Bohland at 1.888.960.9495, or by email at brandon@chaserplus.com.
