AAKG is a kind of salt, amino salt to be precise that is being used in dietary and even body building supplement. The protein content that Alpha-Ketoglutarate produces is the ones responsible for producing different hormones that are responsible for muscle growth. Please take note that this is not something that can be compared with steroids. Alpha-Ketoglutarate just helps your body produce the right amount of body building hormones – it basically maintains the body system’s entire metabolic process. For people who have recently undergone surgery, this is what most surgeons recommend. It increases the level of insulin in the body and increased insulin means faster cell regeneration and faster wound healing.

Betaine was named this due to the source it was discovered in, Beta vulgaris or sugar beets, is an organic compound that is deemed related to trimethylaminoethanol, or choline. To diversify it from other betaines, trimethylglycine is often called glycine betaine as well. Humans generally ingest betaine through their diet, because it is high in content in wheat, whole wheat, shellfish, sugar beets and spinach. It can also be formed in the human body out of choline. As a potential methyl donor, trimethylglycine, or TMG for short, is in the same provider group with Vitamin B12, the folic acid, choline and S-adenosyl methionine, or SAMe. TMG also plays a vital function in the production of carnitine, furthermore it works in protecting kidneys and the liver.

Biotin, also called Vitamin H or Vitamin B7. Biotin is a water-soluble B-Complex Vitamin that is needed for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of the human body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression. It is also beneficial to women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, water retention, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Choline is an essential nutrient grouped with the Vitamin B complex and an organic compound. It is a natural amine can be found in the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and in the lipids which are in the cell membranes. Most well known supplement for choline is lecithin, but generally choline is found in egg yolks, soy, wheat germ and beef and poultry livers. Choline is commonly added to supplements which are deemed to reduce excess body fat, because of the claim that choline helps the body metabolize cholesterol and fat. In humans there is a choline transporter, which allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is believed to have nootropic effects, improving the cognitive abilities and memory.

Chromium is an essential mineral that plays an important role with how the body uses glucose. Chromium may be found in brewer’s yeast, grains, cereal and in some beers. It aids in maintaining the ideal blood sugar level which helps diabetic patients. It also helps in the metabolism and storage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates in the body that may help reduce fats. It helps improve muscle tone by burning the fats. It reduces hunger pangs, suppress cravings and appetite. It is help control the blood cholesterol level. It lowers the risks of cardiovascular problems. It also alleviates depression by stimulating the fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis that is important for brain function.

Copper, a trace element that is essential for the human body. Copper is needed to absorb and utilize iron in the body. Copper is a part of enzymes, essentially proteins that assist biochemical reactions in cells.

Glycocyamine was sought after because as much as a quarter of the world’s population is unable to supplement creatine, more accurately, the supplementation of regular creatine monohydrate had no effect whatsoever. Glycocyamine is a creatine metabolite, missing just a methyl group. Glycocyamine is guanidinoacetic acid and creatine is methylguanidinoacetic acid. Interestingly enough, glycocyamine is processed by the liver and metabolized into creatine, which allowed the rest of the world to supplement creatine as well. Unfortunately the supplementation of glycocyamine also meant that many methyl groups otherwise needed by the body would be now used up by the synthesis of creatine. For that reason it is generally recommended to supplement glycocyamine together with betaine, in order to provide enough methyl groups for all purposes. The commonly suggested ration is four parts betaine, one part glycocyamine, hence a four to one ratio.

Iodine, a necessary element used by the body to make the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These Thyroid hormones are needed to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and cellular metabolism.

Iron is one of the most commonly available chemical elements which are used in the form of metal. When in the presence of oxygen and moisture, iron gets oxidized very easily. Therefore it is never available on the surface of earth. Iron is a metal whose properties can be changed by mixing it with the various other metals. Humans need iron as a daily dietary substance. There are a number of supplements available in market which provides the daily required dose of iron. But the best way to consume iron is by eating the food that is rich in iron. Fish, poultry, beans, lentils, leafy vegetables are some of food items that are a good source of iron. Although, research shows that it is easier to digest the iron found in meat and meat products than the vegetables.

L-Isoleucine is one of the nine essential amino acids that is not produced in the body. It can be obtained from animal sources like liver, fish, eggs, chicken, meat and vegetable sources like rye, cashew nuts, almonds, lentils, chickpeas and soy proteins. The metabolism of L-Isoleucine takes place in muscle tissue. It is needed for the formation of hemoglobin and stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. It is also known to increase endurance levels and helps in the recovery of muscles after exercise. It strengthens the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and increases the level of growth hormones and insulin to maintain the body’s balance. A deficiency leads to a number of physical and mental disorders with symptoms similar to hypoglycemia.

L-Leucine is not prepared in the body but can be obtained through food items like brown rice, whole wheat bread and nuts or dietary supplements. It provides power and endurance. It ensures the well being of the lean muscle tissue, maintains the body’s nitrogen balance and supplies energy especially during exercise. It also assists the healing process and preserves and builds muscles. It is ideal for sportspersons. L-Leucine is also known to increase the secretion of Human Growth Hormone resulting in healthy joints, the reduction of body fat and slowing down of the aging process. It is also useful to people with Diabetes and kidney and liver problems. In the case of a deficiency, the body will not be able to use any proteins efficiently.

L-Lysine- Lysine is an essential alpha amino acid that needs to be ingested and cannot be synthesized by the human body. Sources of L-Lysine include meat, particularly red meat, lamb, poultry and pork, but also cheeses, like parmesan, some fish like cod and sardines and eggs. Several plants are rich in L-Lysine, soybean, lentil, spinach and buckwheat, but also buffalo gourd, watercress, locust bean and many other bean variants, including the common bean. L-Lysine is deemed vital for the overall production of protein, as a structural building block. It seems that L-Lysine also plays a prominent part in the absorption of calcium. Further properties include playing a role in the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies, but also in the recovery from sports injuries and surgeries.

L-Methionine- One of the most significant amino acids there is for the breaking down of fats. It is water-soluble and is known for deactivating free radicals. Recognized as being a leading antioxidant.

L-Phenylalanine is a vital amino acid. It acts as a building block for various proteins produced in the body. It is found in most foods that contain protein, like poultry, beef, pork, milk, fish, yogurt, cheese, eggs, soy products, and certain nuts and seeds. It can assist in decreasing chronic pain linked with different health conditions by inducing nerve pathways in the brain which control pain. It can also help improve rigidity and is beneficial in conditions like walking disabilities, depression associated with Parkinson’s disease, and speech difficulties. Combination of L-Phenylalanine with ultraviolet radiation for people having vitiligo, a condition that is characterized by irregular depigmentation or white patches of skin, can lead to some darkening or repigmentation of whitened areas, especially on the face.

L-Threonine is an amino acid that is essential to the body, but must be obtained from various sources, as it is not produced by the body. L-Threonine is a well known amino detoxifying agent which works in the liver, preventing the build up of fat. It assists in metabolism and helps the intestinal and digestive tracts to function with absolute ease. L-Threonine also helps in the formation of enamel, elastin, collagen and muscle tissue. Foods rich in Threonine are leafy vegetables, poultry and pork, but it can be obtained from various pulses, whole grains, nuts and fruits like peaches and pairs. Commonly used in the relief of stress and anxiety, L-Threonine helps the consumer to have a completely healthy mental and physical style of living.

L-Tryptophan is the L-stereoisomer of the essential amino acid tryptophan. All amino acids consist of a basic structure which is different only in their special groups called functional groups. The amino acid tryptophan has an indole functional group. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. This means that it must be ingested from an outside source. An example of a food item rich in this amino acid is banana. Basically, all amino acids are important for the body because they are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids also possess some special features which vary according to the type of amino acid. Tryptophan also serves as a biochemical precursor of various substances in various reactions. It is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin which is involved in regulating mood and gut movements. It can also act as a precursor of niacin.

L-Valine is an essential alpha amino acid and one of the three essential branched chain amino acids found in the human body. The other two essential BCAAs are leucine and isoleucine. The name is derived from the plant valerian. Valine is also classified as nonpolar and is known by sickle cell disease sufferers as the substitute amino acid for the glutamic acid, whereby the hydrophobic qualities of valine cause the hemoglobin to not fold correctly. Just like the other three BCAAs, the primary source of valine is through ingestion of proteins, where valine is a component; some such sources would be fish, peanuts, poultry, cottage cheese, lentils and sesame seeds. L-Valine is found in large quantities in muscles, whereby in the muscle metabolism it is essential for the restoration and tissue growth.

Magnesium is a mineral that may be found inside most of the cells in the body tissues and organs. It is important in the absorption of calcium and aids in the formation and development of bones and teeth. Magnesium deficient individuals have an increased risk of acquiring osteoporosis; they also have problematic menstrual cycle such as premenstrual syndrome, irregular cycle and dysmenorrhoea. Magnesium helps in maintaining the cardiovascular health and decreases the risk of heart problems. It also prevents gallstones from forming. Magnesium is useful in the treatment of high blood pressure. It is also helpful in treating erectile dysfunction and prostate problems.

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, exists in two main forms, niacin and niacinamide. The niacin form produces a flushing and itching of the skin when taken at higher dosages and this feeling is only temporary.

Pantothenic Acid is thought to reduce lactic acid accumulation in athletes, may improve oxygen utilization efficiency, and is believed to improve the body's ability to heal and possibly help in reducing acne

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is essential for normal heart and kidney functionin. It speeds up the healing of broken bones and other injuries and functions to metabolize fats and starches for energy, as well as being necessary for correct nerve impulses and for niacin assimilation. Phosphorus is needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells, and for the production of the genetic building blocks, DNA and RNA. Phosphorus is also needed to balance and metabolize other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, calcium, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. It is also important for forming cell membranes, the specialised layers that enclose body cells. It is a principal mineral of bones and teeth.

Potassium- Potassium is one of the essential minerals required for proper physiological functioning of the body. It plays an important role in the regulation of heart muscles. It helps to convert glucose to glycogen. Glycogen is essential for muscle formation. Potassium also helps to propagate nerve impulses by exchanging ion within cells and also helps in muscle contractions. It helps in balancing blood pressure. It controls the proper functioning of kidney. An average adult needs 3-5 gm of potassium daily. Due to deficiency of potassium, body observes tiredness. Other deficiency symptoms are weakness of muscles, low blood pressure, vomiting, poor kidney functions and Heart arrhythmias. Severe potassium shortages quickly direct to electrolyte disproportion which involves malfunctioning of nerves, kidney and heart.

Riboflavin, an easily absorbed micronutrient, is also known by the name of Vitamin B2. It plays a key role in maintaining the health of animals as well as humans. A wide variety if cellular processes require this vitamin. It plays a key role in energy metabolism, just like other B vitamins. It is the kind of micronutrient which required for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and ketone bodies. There are a lot of food products that are a good source of Vitamin B2. Matured soybeans, yeast, mushroom, livers, kidneys, leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, almonds are such products that are rich in this vitamin. But riboflavin does get destroyed if exposed to light. Riboflavin is a non toxic vitamin. Hence, there is no harm in taking it orally.

Sodium is part of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular creatures, not least mankind. It is needed for instance in nerve conduction and to balance the acid levels in the body. It is necessary for the functioning of organs such as the liver, intestine and kidneys in their work of ridding the body of toxins However there is an optimum intake. Above this there are problems such as a rise in the blood pressure. Also an excess of salt in the diet will draw fluid out of the cells by the process of osmosis. On the other hand a lack of sodium will lead to too much water in the body the brains cells will actually be flooded.

Taurine is basically an amino acid that is not formed by the body. It is found freely in the bloodstream and in tissues. It is also found in abundance in the skeletal system, the heart and the nervous system. During times of extreme physical activity, the amounts of taurine in the body are depleted. Taurine has a tendency to act as a metabolic transmitter and can also be used as a detoxifying agent. It has been added to a number of products for infants as well. The popular energy drink ‘Red Bull’ is well known for its taurine content. Taurine is also recommended for use by people who suffer from manic depression. Taurine is tested and has proven to be an extremely safe dietary supplement.

Thiamine, also called Vitamin B1 or Thiamin, is needed to help the body utilize energy from proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thiamine is commonly found in breads and cereals. Thiamine is water-soluble and is concentrated in muscle tissue as it passes thru the body.

Tyrosine is a non essential amino acid derived from several sources, including soy, poultry, milk and cheese products, but can also be synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. There are twenty amino acids that are used in human cells to synthesize proteins, one of which is tyrosine. It is of vital importance to the carbon dioxide conversion into organic compounds conducted by plants, the photosynthesis. Tyrosine is also recognized as a precursor to hormones, but also alkaloids and pigments. It is furthermore viewed as a precursor to neurotransmitters; it increases the levels of plasma neurotransmitters, most prominently norepinephrine and dopamine. While under normal circumstances the effects of tyrosine are inconclusive, it has been observed as useful in stress situations and to reduce the effects of a cold, fatigue, sleep deprivation and any kind of prolonged labor.

Vitamin A is needed by the retina of the eye in the form of a specific metabolite(the light-absorbing molecule retinal). This molecule is absolutely necessary for both scotopic and color vision. It also palys an important role in the health or our skin, bone metabolism, immune function. It is also commercially produced and administered as esters such as retinyl acetate commonly called Vitamin A acetate. Its defeciency can cause blindness. Other problems include impaired immunity, hypokeratosis (white lumps at hair follicles), keratosis pilaris and squamous metaplasia of the epithelium lining the upper respiratory passages and urinary bladder to a keratinized epithelium.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, which is naturally found in foods such as fish, milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry. Vitamin B12 is important for good health, necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of foods and for normal metabolism of carbohydrates, and fat. It helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is needed to make DNA. Vitamin B12 is bound to the protein in food. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach releases B12 from protein during digestion. Unlike other water-soluble nutrients, vitamin B12 is stored in the liver, kidney, and other body tissues. It can take several years before signs of the deficiency appear due to poor dietary intake. Vitamin B12 functions as a "methyl donor." A methyl donor is a compound that carries and donates methyl groups to other molecules, including cell membrane components and neurotransmitters. As a methyl donor vitamin B12 is involved in homocysteine metabolism and plays a critical role in proper energy metabolism, immune function, and nerve function. Therefore, vitamin B12 is clearly an added benefit for anyone wanting to lose weight, as without it, metabolism is not at its peak potential.

Vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, or the active component of Vitamin C. Ascorbate, which is an ion of the ascorbic acid, is required for many metabolic reactions and is manufactured internally by most organisms, except humans. It is an essential nutrient and needs to be provided through nutrition. While oranges were traditionally deemed a good source of Vitamin C, the amount provided by an orange is dwarfed by the amount provided by the kakadu plum the richest Vitamin C plant resource of the world. Other notable sources are red peppers, parsley, Kiwifruit, Guava, Broccoli, Camu Camu, rose hip, Jujube, papaya, strawberries, lemon, melon and similar. Vitamin C is essential for tyrosine, carnitine and collagen synthesis, is the most widely available antioxidant and furthermore is vital for blood vessels, cartilage and scar tissue.

Vitamin D is actually a group of prohormones, all fat soluble, whereby ergocalciferol, or Vitamin D2 and cholecalciferol, also known as Vitamin D3 are the most common forms. The Vitamin D3 form is made when human skin is exposed to UV B radiation. The active form of Vitamin D is calcitrol and it is required in the body to manage phosphorus and calcium levels, but, among other functions, to affect anti tumor activity, immunomodulatory functions and much more. Vitamin D, or more accurately calcitrol, is being bound to a carrier protein, which allows it to be transported throughout the body to the various destinations. The Vitamin D receptors, steroid and thyroid hormone receptors, can be found in most organs, including the brain, skin, heart, breast, prostate and gonads.

Vitamin E consists of eight related vitamins that are all fat soluble and have antioxidant properties. The alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherols with the corresponding tocotrienols all belong to the Vitamin E group, whereby the alpha-tocopherol has been found to be the most bioavailable form. Vitamin E is commonly found in food sources like eggs, milk, nuts, seeds, vegetable oil like olive oil, wholegrain foods, wheat germ, red palm oil, but also in asparagus and avocado fruits. While Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, several other properties have been noted as well, such as prevention of damage to neurons, cholesterol reduction and cancer prevention. Vitamin E has been also identified as a vital signaling molecule, whereby the primary necessity of Vitamin E to human survival is still not clear.

Zinc, a mineral needed for cell division and repair as well as proper functioning of the immune system. Zinc is also an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body.