The diverse functions and benefits of amino acids have made a prominent mark on the dietary supplement industry since their discovery in the early 1900s. According to a market study in 2008, amino acids’ projected growth was 6.8% annually through 2013 and North America was noted as being the fastest growing market holding 8% of that growth (Researchandmarkets.com/reports).

Amino acids make up protein structures giving them their nickname as the “building blocks of life.” Through scientific studies, R & D, processing, production, marketing and distribution, manufacturers are able to use these multifaceted ingredients as the foundation for a variety of products that are necessary and effective for healthy living. Essential, Branch Chain, R Group and L Group are just a few categories that have been defined and studied by scientist in order to understand the functions and the level of importance of amino acids. Skin, hair, nails, muscles, bones, organs, and most body fluids need them for growth, maintenance and strength. It is a fact that the body is unable to store and manufacture various proteins, so they must be supplemented via a dietary supplement.

The industry is booming with supplements containing amino acids beyond one’s imagination. There are many methods of receiving amino acids, on the more extreme or maybe unfamiliar side is an amino acid comprised facial known as the “Nightingale (bird) droppings facial”. Japanese women indulge in this beauty treatment containing “nature’s protein,” Guanine. It heals and bleaches the skin for a smooth and evenly toned appearance. The cosmetic industry is just one of many markets that use amino acids to enhance their products in the U.S. and around the world.

Strength training is nothing without an amino acid supplement to enhance muscle stamina and energy. Creatine, the bodybuilding community’s most popular supplement is made of three amino acids: Arginine, Glycine and Methionine. The combination of Creatine and Phosphate (CP), and ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) work together in keeping the amino acid levels elevated in the blood stream to increase muscle contraction. This enhances workouts by providing energy, strength and recovery for the muscles.

In recent news, the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition published a study advocating the use of amino acid supplements for muscle health in senior citizens. The study included men and women between the ages of 61 and 85, whom were randomly assigned a Beta-Alanine or a placebo regimen for 90 days. Beta-Alanine is a precursor amino acid used to make Carnosine, a protein found primarily in muscle and brain tissue. Since the body’s Carnosine decreases with age, senior citizens often have low muscle stamina, strength and power. The benefits of adequate muscle health for senior citizens are known to assist with arthritis, fatigue and overall healthy lifestyles. According to Dr. Jeffery Stout of the University of Oklahoma and a participating researcher for the study, the conclusion was that the use of Beta-Alanine supplementation would play an important role in “the prevention of falls and the maintenance of health and independent living in elderly men and women.”

Just as in humans, amino acids are important to “man’s best friend” and their feline companions in that they provide the primary source of growth support for animals. Histidine improves growth, feed efficiency and nitrogen retention in immature and adult dogs. Cats need Taurine because they are unable to manufacture this amino acid that assists with vision health. Blindness is a major side-effect in cats without Taurine in their diet. Humans are not the only ones who may suffer from deficiencies that threaten their quality of life; animals need dietary supplements to live a healthy and active lifestyle too. Amino acids are now infused in tablets, powder, food and biscuits for pets to be purchased by their adoring owners.

The booming cosmetic industry that includes hair, skin and nails is forever changing and growing with products specifically marketed to men and women in the U.S. One could find an array of products containing amino acids that focus on specific issues such as hair growth, firm skin and strong nails. Several amino acids are used for rapid hair growth. Hair is made up of linear amino acids that can also be supplemented specifically for this purpose. Normally found in hair vitamins, they are sometimes used in shampoos and conditioners, but work more effective if taken orally. L-Cysteine not only promotes hair growth, but it improves quality and texture. It also helps in preventing hair from falling out and is used in formulas marketed for anti-breakage. Just as L-Cysteine, L-Methionine works to improve hair texture and quality. As an essential amino acid that helps deter premature hair loss, L-Methionine can be found in hair loss products like Propecia® and HairChi System™.

Collagen is a very popular product on the market that consists of amino acids that help keep the skin supple. These products are commonly used in facial and body moisturizing products of high-end cosmetics such as Lancôme, Clinique and Chanel. Tyrosine, Proline, Alanine, Leucine, Isoleucine and Arginine are just some of the amino acids found in these types of products. It consists of a total of 17 amino acids that are frequently used in products labeled as anti-aging or youth serums.

Enhancing all life stages from the inside out makes amino acids the top ingredients for the dietary supplement industry and consumers. Their versatile properties enable them to compensate protein deficiencies and boost existing ones. Amino acids enrich our lives through strength, energy and beauty.