Essential amino acids | Non-essential amino acids |
Histidine | Alanine |
Isoleucine | Aspartic acid |
Leucine | Arginine |
Lysine | Citrulline |
Methionine | Glutamic acid |
Cysteine | Glycine |
Phenylalanine | Hydroxyglumatic acid |
Tyrosine | Hydroxyproline |
Threonine | Norleucine |
Tryptophan | Proline |
Valine | Serine |
Take amino acid supplements at least half an hour before or after a meal - taking them when the stomach is empty eliminates the possibility that they will compete with the amino acids in high-protein foods. The only exception to this is glutathione (a combination of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine), which should be taken with food to prevent stomach irritation. The active forms of vitamin B-complex enhance the function of amino acids.