AMINO ACIDS & MINERALS
Minerals and Amino Acids Details Page
Below is a comprehensive overview of the compounds you mentioned: 5-HTP, Gelatin, L-Glutamine, L-Theanine, Magnesium Gluconate, Magnesium Bis-Glycinate, MSM, and Zinc Picolinate. Each section provides details on what the compound is, how it’s produced or sourced, its effects (including benefits and risks), and how it’s commonly used in products. This information is drawn from reliable health resources and is intended for educational purposes—consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
5-HTP
What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative and a chemical precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. It is both a natural component in some foods and a popular dietary supplement for mood support and other wellness benefits.
How 5-HTP is Produced
5-HTP is produced from the amino acid L-tryptophan through the action of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. Commercially, it is often extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, a West African shrub, or synthesized in labs for purity and consistency in supplements.
Effects of 5-HTP
Potential Positive Effects:
• May increase serotonin levels to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improve mood and well-being.
• Could aid in weight loss by suppressing appetite, improve fibromyalgia symptoms, reduce migraine frequency, and promote better sleep.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, and diarrhea; may also cause drowsiness, headaches, or altered sense of taste. Risks include serotonin syndrome when combined with antidepressants, and it’s not recommended for children or during pregnancy.
How 5-HTP is Used in Products
Available as dietary supplements in capsules or tablets (typically 50-100 mg doses) for mood, sleep, or appetite support; often combined with other nootropics or in wellness formulas, though it’s not FDA-approved for medical use.
Gelatin
What is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen in animal connective tissues, commonly from cows, pigs, or fish. It’s a translucent, flavorless substance used as a gelling agent and supplement for joint, skin, and gut health.
How Gelatin is Produced
Produced by partial hydrolysis of collagen extracted from animal bones, skins, and connective tissues through boiling or acid/alkaline treatment, resulting in a purified protein product.
Effects of Gelatin
Potential Positive Effects:
• Supports joint and bone health by reducing pain in osteoarthritis, strengthens hair and nails, improves skin elasticity, aids digestion, and may promote better sleep and weight management.
• Provides amino acids for collagen production, potentially benefiting gut integrity and overall tissue repair.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• May cause digestive upset like bloating or heartburn; high protein intake could strain kidneys in those with pre-existing conditions, and allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals. Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans due to animal origin.
How Gelatin is Used in Products
Used as a gelling agent in foods like gummies, marshmallows, and yogurts; in supplements as powders or capsules (5-10 grams daily) for joint support; also in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals (capsules), and ointments for its stabilizing properties.
L-Glutamine
What is L-Glutamine?
L-Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid, the most abundant in the body, playing key roles in protein synthesis, immune function, and gut health, especially during stress or illness.
How L-Glutamine is Produced
Naturally synthesized in the body from glutamate and ammonia; commercially produced via microbial fermentation using bacteria like Corynebacterium for high-purity supplements.
Effects of L-Glutamine
Potential Positive Effects:
• Supports immune and digestive systems, aids muscle recovery post-exercise, may improve glycemic control, reduce sickle cell complications, and shorten recovery from surgery or infections.
• Helps maintain gut barrier function and may benefit IBS symptoms or metabolic health.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• Mild effects include constipation, nausea, headache, or abdominal pain; rare but may worsen liver issues in high doses or interact with medications. Generally safe, but consult for long-term use.
How L-Glutamine is Used in Products
Available as powders, capsules, or tablets (5-10 grams daily) for sports recovery, gut health, or immune support; often added to protein shakes, sports drinks, or medical nutrition formulas.
L-Theanine
What is L-Theanine?
L-Theanine is a non-protein amino acid primarily found in green and black tea leaves and some mushrooms, known for promoting relaxation without sedation by influencing brain chemicals like GABA and serotonin.
How L-Theanine is Produced
Naturally extracted from tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) or mushrooms; commercially synthesized through chemical processes or microbial fermentation for supplement purity.
Effects of L-Theanine
Potential Positive Effects:
• Reduces stress, anxiety, and improves mental clarity, focus, and sleep quality; may enhance alpha brain waves for relaxation and attention.
• Supports cognitive function, potentially aiding ADHD symptoms, blood pressure management, and weight loss.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• Mild effects like drowsiness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, irritability, or abdominal pain; rare anxiety or gastric upset. May interact with stimulants or blood pressure meds.
How L-Theanine is Used in Products
In supplements as capsules or powders (100-200 mg daily) for stress relief or focus; commonly paired with caffeine in nootropic blends, teas, or functional beverages.
Magnesium Gluconate
What is Magnesium Gluconate?
Magnesium Gluconate is a highly bioavailable form of magnesium supplement, where magnesium is bound to gluconic acid, used to treat or prevent low magnesium levels.
How Magnesium Gluconate is Produced
Synthesized by combining magnesium oxide or carbonate with gluconic acid, derived from glucose fermentation, resulting in a soluble salt for easy absorption.
Effects of Magnesium Gluconate
Potential Positive Effects:
• Helps maintain electrolyte balance, supports heart health, reduces muscle cramps, and aids in energy production and neuromuscular function.
• May alleviate symptoms from low magnesium, such as those caused by gastrointestinal disorders or kidney issues.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• Common effects include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or gastrointestinal discomfort; high doses may cause low blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. Avoid in kidney disease.
How Magnesium Gluconate is Used in Products
In tablets or powders (500 mg doses) as a mineral supplement for deficiency prevention; added to multivitamins or electrolyte drinks.
Magnesium Bis-Glycinate
What is Magnesium Bis-Glycinate?
Magnesium Bis-Glycinate (or Glycinate) is a chelated form of magnesium bound to glycine, offering high bioavailability and gentle absorption, often used for relaxation and sleep support.
How Magnesium Bis-Glycinate is Produced
Manufactured by chelating magnesium with glycine amino acids through chemical processes, enhancing stability and intestinal absorption compared to other forms.
Effects of Magnesium Bis-Glycinate
Potential Positive Effects:
• Promotes relaxation, better sleep, muscle recovery, and may help with anxiety, PMS, bone health, blood sugar management, and heart function.
• Eases muscle cramps and supports nervous system health due to its calming effects.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• Mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, or cramping; high doses may cause low blood pressure, muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Interact with medications; avoid in renal impairment.
How Magnesium Bis-Glycinate is Used in Products
In capsules or powders (200-400 mg daily) for sleep and stress relief; often in multivitamins or combined with other relaxants in wellness products.
MSM
What is MSM?
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound naturally found in plants, animals, and humans, used as a supplement for joint health and inflammation reduction.
How MSM is Produced
Synthesized from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) through oxidation processes, or extracted from natural sources like pine trees, ensuring high purity for supplements.
Effects of MSM
Potential Positive Effects:
• Reduces joint pain and swelling in osteoarthritis, supports post-exercise recovery, soothes skin issues, and may help with allergies, aging skin, and inflammation.
• Provides sulfur for collagen and glucosamine production, potentially aiding hair, nails, and overall anti-inflammatory effects.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• Mild effects like nausea, diarrhea, headaches, skin reactions, or digestive upset; may increase blood pressure or hepatic enzymes in rare cases. Generally safe, but consult for long-term use.
How MSM is Used in Products
In capsules, powders, or creams (1-3 grams daily) for joint support; added to beauty products, anti-inflammatory formulas, or combined with glucosamine in supplements.
Zinc Picolinate
What is Zinc Picolinate?
Zinc Picolinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc chelated with picolinic acid, an essential mineral supporting immune function, wound healing, and overall health.
How Zinc Picolinate is Produced
Zinc is mined from ores and refined; picolinate form is created by binding zinc with picolinic acid derived from tryptophan, enhancing bioavailability.
Effects of Zinc Picolinate
Potential Positive Effects:
• Boosts immune function, shortens colds, aids wound healing, treats acne, and supports growth, sense of taste, and metabolic health.
• May prevent deficiencies leading to diarrhea or skin issues, and support heart disease prevention.
Potential Side Effects and Risks:
• Common effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, headaches, or loss of appetite; high doses can cause copper deficiency, reduced immunity, or metallic taste. Overdose risk; interact with antibiotics.
How Zinc Picolinate is Used in Products
In tablets or capsules (15-30 mg daily) for immune support; added to multivitamins, lozenges for colds, or skincare products for acne treatment.