Critical amino acids & vitamins your body needs.

1. Absorption Issues with Amino acids and Vitamins
Richard Wang, MPH
NuLiv Science USA Inc
There are many nutrients and molecules that our body uses to function and perform efficiently. Among
these, amino acids and vitamins are perhaps some of the most important. Besides their role as the
building blocks of protein, amino acids have also been found to regulate gene expression and metabolic
pathways, synthesize hormones, and act as cell signaling molecules. Vitamins on the other hand, have a
variety of biochemical functions in the body. Often, our bodies do not effectively absorb these nutrients.
This can lead to issues with growth, immunity, reproduction and maintenance.
This article will briefly discuss the essential and non essential amino acids and their primary functions, as
well as the 13 essential vitamins and their roles in the human body. In addition, some effective ways to
increase absorption of these molecules will be examined.
Essential Amino Acids
Essential amino acids are defined as organic compounds needed by the body that cannot be
synthesized by the person. This means that the individual must obtain these amino acids from their diet.
The nine essential amino acids are valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, phenylalanine, leucine,
lysine, isoleucine, and histidine. When essential amino acids are not available, individuals will experience
protein deficiency. This greatly affects the body’s organs and processes, and if prolonged, can have
negative effects on brain function, immune system, and kidney function.
Non Essential Amino Acids
Non essential amino acids are acids that can be created in the body. There are twelve amino acids:
alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine,
asparagine, and selenocysteine. If non essential amino acids cannot be synthesized, normal protein
synthesis will be hindered.
Vitamins
Currently, thirteen vitamins exist and are needed for biological processes within the human body. There
is a wide range of functions that vitamins serve, but in general they are used to facilitate the chemical
reactions needed to synthesize muscle, bone, and skin. They also ensure efficient use of chemical
energy and protein, carbohydrates and fats. When not absorbed properly, or when not available,
individuals can experience chronic diseases like scurvy, rickets, osteomalacia, amemia, dermatitis, night -
blindness and paresthesia.

2. The thirteen vitamins are: vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin
B7, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
How Can I Increase Amino Acid and Vitamin Absorption?
There are a variety of factors that may contribute to nutrients not being absorbed. One of the main
reasons is that some vitamins and amino acids need other nutrients to function properly. For example,
studies suggest that high doses of vitamin A can inhibit vitamin K absorption, and vitamins A, D, E, and K
need fats to be absorbed. To increase absorption, it is critical to eat a balanced diet; getting all the
proper macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) in the correct proportion for your lifestyle
and body. A balanced diet with a variety of foods will ensure that your body is obtaining not only
essential vitamins, but also minerals like iron, calcium, and copper – molecules which help transport and
process vitamins and amino acids.
If you feel like you are not obtaining the correct amount of vitamins through your diet, it may be worth
supplementing with a bioavailability enhancing supplement such as AstraGin. AstraGin has
demonstrated in over a dozen pre-clinicals to aid in the uptake of many amino acids and certain
minerals such as folate. Finding the balance between each macronutrient can be challenging, but the
rewards are definitely worth it.
References:
Agar, W.T., et al (1953) The Active Absorption of Amino-Acids by the Intestine. Journal of Physiology.
121: 255-263
Wu, G. (2009) Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition. Amino Acids. 37(1): 1-17
Silk, D.B.A (1985) Protein digestion and amino acid and peptide absorption. Proceedings of the Nutrition
Society. 44:63-72