NOTE: All amino acids should be taken without food or an empty stomach - MAP can be taken with carbs & fats in small quantities.  Amino acids will compete for absorption (which is why you cannot take food protein with MAP/SON Formula).

Refs.

The Amino Revolution, Robert Erdmann, (ISBN 0-671-67359-9)
Heal with Amino Acids and Nutrients, Sahley & Birkner (ISBN 1-889391-20-4)
The Healing Nutrients Within, Braverman, et al. (ISBN 1-59120-037-7)

L-Tyrosine
Non-essential amino acid synthesized from the essential amino, Phenylalanine, it performs essential functions.  Tyrosine is the Stress amino and also a precursor for Thyroid hormones, and so can enhance memory, reduce blood pressure and can relieve depression more easily that anti-depressants.  Tyrosine is also used to treat addictions. Tyrosine is highly concentrated in muscle tissue, along with Glutamic acid, Lysine, Aspartic acid, Alanine, Valine, Threonine and Leucine.  Best food sources: almonds, avocados, meat, dairy products, fish.

L-Taurine
One of the most abundant aminos in the body, used to detoxify the liver (can be used with Milk Thistle), used to control the excitable tissue of the central nervous system, and often administered to control motor tics, twitches & epileptic seizures.  Can also be used to control angina.  If B6 is present, Taurine can be made from Methionine and cysteine; some zinc must also be present.  Highly concentrated in the heart, it regulates contraction & rhythm; if deficient in cells, it can contribute to arrhythmia.  Taurine is also essential for formation of one of the bile acids & is needed for gallbladder function.  Taurine is considered conditionally essential for adults because stress depletes Taurine in the body and illness may require supplementation and is advised for illness.

L-Cysteine and Cistine
Cysteine will easily convert to Cistine & vice versa.  It is a chelator & helps eliminate excess copper.  It is used as an anti-wrinkle agent & protects against the ill effects of alcohol.  It also breaks down mucus & can be used for bronchitis & cystic fibrosis.  Cysteine is considered conditionally essential; a deficiency causes malabsorption of B6.  Take vitamin C with Cysteine (without it, Cistine forms).  Supplementation with NAC (N-Acytel Cysteine) is recommended (acytelization speeds absorption).  Diabetics should not supplement with Cysteine (raises glucose levels).

L-Arginine
An immune stimulator also important for tissue generation & regeneration, this amino is most highly concentrated in the skin & connective tissue.  While Lysine suppresses herpes virus, Arginine stimulates it; therefore, take Lysine when using Arginine or using Ornithine instead of Arginine.  Both Arginine & Ornithine are very beneficial; each is an excellent healing mechanism after injury (the body can’t make them fast enough, so supplement).  Arginine is also considered a growth hormone precursor and may stimulate sperm production.  Arginine is found in food protein (meat, nuts, eggs, milk & cheese) and is excellent for muscle.  It stimulates Nitric Oxide production (NO is found in all body cells) and aids in maintaining the male erection.  Can also be combined with Glutamine, Ornithine & Lysine.

L-Glutamic Acid
Prominent in wheat & used for the metabolism of fats & sugars, it combines with ammonia in the brain to produce Glutamine “brain fuel”, and will also produce an inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutryc acid (GABA) that has a soothing effect.  GA also helps raise blood sugar in hypoglycemics and may stifle sweet cravings.  Aids digestion; food sources are meat, yohgurt.

L-Carnitine
This dipeptide is a product of Methionine & Lysine.  It provides energy in the form of fat to be burned by body cells, thereby increasing the body’s efficiency at certain tasks requiring energy (e.g., sex & weight-lifting).  By reducing fat, Carnitine helps prevent heart disease & helps weight control.  Effective utilization of essential fatty acids depends on a good supply of Carnitine.  L-Carnitine works synergistically with CoQ10. Used to control Congestive Heart Failure.

L-Proline
Important for collagen production, Proline makes up 25% of collagen protein, but vitamin C must be present.  The body will make Proline from Ornithine & Glutamic Acid; if necessary, the body can re-convert Proline to Ornithine.  Meat, cottage & ricotta cheese, wheat germ & eggs are a good sources.  Excess levels, however, can be related to cirrhosis, seizures & depression.

L-Glycine
Needed for the production of collagen, Glycine is also needed for the elimination of body cellular wastes; if you are a coffee drinker, your body needs Glycine to excrete waste by-products & prevent cell damage.  Glycine is also needed for DNA. And the formation of liver detoxifying compounds (e.g., Glutathione) needs Glycine, which also aids digestion & has a calming effect when combined with GABA & Glutamine.  Glycine decreases sugar craving; its simple molecular structure makes it sweet tasting (can be used as a sweetener).  Meats & wheat germ are high sources of Glycine.

L-Glutamine
A non-essential amino also considered conditionally essential, Glutamine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier.  Its most important job is to strengthen the immune system by supporting the multiplication of selected white cells.  Glutamine is also extremely important as fuel for cells lining the colon; therefore, the main nutrient needed for intestinal repair is Glutamine (e.g., for Leaky Gut Syndrome) and it works by making the intestine less permeable.  Also considered a growth hormone stimulator, Glutamine, GABA & Glycine are now considered the most important therapeutic amino acids.  Take B6 or B-Complex with Glutamine; foods are low sources of this amino (raw meat & raw eggs; heat destroys Glutamine).  Supplements come in capsules & powder (powder must be used in cool or room-temperature liquids).

GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid)

The most widely distributed neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA plays a vital inhibitory role in the brain.  Together with Glutamine & Glycine, GABA is vital for brain energy. Like all amino acids, GABA should be taken with Magnesium & B6.
Co-Factors

These are nutrients needed to aid amino acid absorption & metabolism.  The principal ones are: vitamin B6 and Magnesium.