Amino acids are the building blocks of protein — but individually, each is also a targeted therapeutic agent with a specific job. Several become "conditionally essential" — meaning the body's demand outstrips its supply — under stress, illness or heavy training, which is when supplementing a single amino acid earns its place. Our amino acids collection covers the foundational and the targeted.

Each one has a job

• Glutamine — the preferred fuel of the cells lining the gut (enterocytes), making it central to gut-barrier integrity. See Digestion & Gut Health.
• Glycine — the simplest amino acid and a triple act: a building block of collagen, a calming inhibitory neurotransmitter, and a component of glutathione. See Sleep Support.
• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) — supplies cysteine, the rate-limiting ingredient for the body to make glutathione, its master antioxidant. See Antioxidants.
• Taurine — concentrated in the heart and nervous system, where it acts as an osmolyte and supports cardiac and brain function.
• Acetyl-L-carnitine & tyrosine — carnitine shuttles fat into the mitochondria for energy; tyrosine is the precursor to dopamine and thyroid hormone. See Energy.

Who may benefit

People targeting a specific system — gut, brain, heart, energy or antioxidant status — as well as active individuals supporting recovery and lean muscle.

Frequently asked questions

Aren't amino acids just for bodybuilders? No — while they support muscle, many are used therapeutically for the gut, brain, heart and antioxidant systems.
What does glutamine do for the gut? It's the primary fuel for the cells lining the intestine, supporting their renewal and the gut barrier.
With or without food? It depends on the amino acid and the goal — single aminos are often taken away from protein-containing meals so they're not competing for absorption.

Browse our full amino acids collection below. Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.