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 is essential to cellular metabolism, as it plays an important coenzyme role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Calcium, a mineral vital to the human body, Calcium is necessary for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction, and proper heart function.

Choline is a water soluble essential nutrient of every human cell which belongs to the Vitamin B family. It helps in the transfer of fat-based nutrients and waste from the cells. It plays a vital role in maintaining mental health and is used in treating brain disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. It assists the transfer of messages to and from the nerves and reduces inflammation. A choline deficiency results in insomnia, problems with memory, fatigue, nerve-muscle problems, inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine properly, accumulation of fats in the body, cardio vascular and liver problems. Wheat germ, soy products, cauliflower, peanuts, oats, potatoes, lentils, flax and sesame seeds are rich in choline. It is also found in egg yolks, veal, chicken, beef and turkey livers.

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 is a naturally occurring mineral in foods like shell fish, vegetables, avocado fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and beef. As copper originates from the earth's crust, the surface water and ground water contains small traces of copper. Copper is implicated in many biochemical reactions within the human 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 vital in human nutrition as the adult human body contains 3-4 grams of iron. Haem-iron and non-haem iron are the two types of iron. Foods rich in haem-iron include meat, liver, fish, and poultry. Foods that are high in non-haem iron are those of vegetable origin, like green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, dry fruits and jiggery. Iron is vital for numerous body functions, including hemoglobin formation, brain development and function, muscle activity, regulation of body temperature and catecholamine. Deficiency of iron affects immune system, reduces the number of T-cells and production of antibodies. Iron is also necessary for binding oxygen to body cells as its main function is oxygen transport and cell respiration. It works as an anti-cancer agent. Iron increases energy level of the body, improving physical performance. It prevents insomnia.

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 an essential amino acid that works together with isoleucine and valine, forming the three branched chain amino acids (BCAA). Leucine is easily converted by to body to glucose, helping to regulate and maintain the blood sugar level. Leucine promotes muscle recovery, muscle repair and provides the body with energy. It also helps in burning fat that are least responsive to exercise and dieting. Leucine helps in toning the body and the muscles. Leucine prevents muscle loss by breaking down and converting to glucose, this prevents the body from breaking down muscle tissues to create energy, particularly during intense workouts and heavy weight lifting.

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 is an essential amino acid, actually an alpha amino acid, furthermore classified as nonpolar. This proteinogenic amino acid is the only one, besides cysteine, which contains sulfur. Methionine serves as an intermediate of phospholipids, such as phosphatidylcholine, but also lecithin, taurine, carnitine and cysteine. If methionine cannot be properly synthesized, the condition can lead to atherosclerosis. While it must be supplied with diet, this amino acid is deemed a powerful antioxidant, believed to be a scavenger of free radicals, and may assist with the breakdown of fats. Sources of L-Methionine include poultry and related products, including eggs, but also other meats, such as beef, cheese and fish. Methionine adenosyltransferase is converting methionine to S-adenosylmethionine, SAM, which in turn is involved in the creation of creatine, epinephrine, melatonin and further substances.

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 essential alpha amino acid, classified as polar. There are three proteinogenic amino acids that have an alcohol group, besides threonine there are tyrosine and serine. Like many other amino acids that are not synthesized in humans, threonine needs to be ingested through protein food sources that contain it, namely meat, poultry, cottage cheese, fish, sesame seeds and others. When ingested, threonine goes either through the threonine dehydrogenase and becomes pyruvate or, as in humans, it can be converted by the enzyme serine dehydratase to alpha ketobutyrate and continue towards succinyl-CoA. Threonine is also supposed to assist the protein balance by maintaining normal growth, but in addition to that, it seems to support the immune system, the central nervous system, the liver and the cardiovascular system.

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 amino acid in combination with L-Leucine and L-Isoleucine. These amino acids maintain everyday life and offer maximum support. L-Valine is acquired from vegetable and animal protein. L-Valine regulates the immune system and is involved in the protein synthesis and glucose metabolism. L-Valine is effective in muscle growth as well as tissue repair. L-Valine is a part of the muscle metabolism and is also effective in the nitrogen balance in the body. L-Valine is found in the muscles in high concentration, but this cannot be done on its own in the body and has to be acquired through dietary or food supplements. L-Valine has stimulating effect and maintains the nitrogen in the body. It is effective for repair as well as growth of tissues and for muscle metabolism. Adhering to the label directions is highly recommended. This is normally safe and has no side effect until now. However, for the dietary supplement consulting the physician before use is the best.

Magnesium is the chemical element found in the periodic table with the atomic number 12. This alkaline earth metal is one of ten most common elements in the known universe and also very prominently present in the human body. It manipulates polyphosphate compounds, most prominently the DNA, RNA and the ATP. Numerous enzymes rely on magnesium ions to function properly. Most common application of magnesium in medicine may be the addition to antacids and laxatives. This metal is not found as a free element naturally on Earth, generally the metal is obtained through electrolysis of magnesium salts. The most common deficiency in the United States with staggering two thirds of the population is the magnesium deficiency. Magnesium can be obtained through vegetables, tea, cocoa, cereals, coffee, nuts and spices.

Niacin, also called Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the conversion of food into energy so that it may be used by the body. Niacin also helps metabolize protein, sugar and fat.

Pantothenic Acid or vitamin B5 is a water soluble vitamin that may be found in various food sources such as fish, meat, broccoli, and egg yolk. It forms part of the coenzyme A (CoA) that is important in converting the food we ingest into energy. It stimulates the production and transportation of energy from fats. It also helps in maintaining a healthy digestive tract and prevents the liver from becoming fatty. Pantothenic acid is also known for preventing stress. It enhances the immune system and protects the body against various infections. Studies also showed that increases the level of zinc in the body that helps reduce acne and pimple breakouts.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is perhaps one of the most important mineral, which in form of phosphate as an intercellular anion serves a multitude of functions. Not only are phosphates essential for the utilization of most vitamins belonging to the B complex, but they are vital for energy storage and the overall metabolism. But that is not all, phosphate is essential for healthy bones and teeth, calcium with phosphorus are required for them and soft tissues as well. But also body fluids require phosphates for excretion of hydrogen ions through the kidneys. Somewhere around one per cent of the body weight should be phosphorus in some form, therefore it is vital to supply your body with sufficient phosphates through milk, cheese, nuts, peanut butter, peas and other sources, including supplements.

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 an organic acid which is one of the primary ingredients of bile, found in the lower intestine as well as in small amounts in the tissues. Taurine is an important element as it is required for fat digestion through the emulsification of dietary fats. It is also needed for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins as well as the control of cholesterol serum levels. Taurine is also needed for the proper use of sodium, calcium and potassium in the body. Cell membrane integrity is also maintained with the help of taurine. Apart from these, research has shown that taurine can be very helpful in managing anxiety, hyperactivity, reduced brain functioning etc. Studies have also revealed that along with zinc, taurine is essential for proper vision. In case of a taurine deficiency there is vision impairment along with problems with fat metabolism, however since the body can synthesize the minimum amount of taurine required, this is a rarity.

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin with no known toxic effects if taken with other members of the vitamin B complex. Thiamine is essential to a strong appetite and to enable the body to use sugars and other carbohydrates.

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 the second Vitamin that was discovered, after Vitamin B. It can be found in several forms, whereby the primary source is the natural retinol derived from animal food sources. Chemically related compounds are called retinoids and are used primarily in medicine and as dietary supplements beta-carotenes. While carotene forms stemming from dietary sources are not toxic, intake of synthetic and natural retinoid forms should be strictly limited. Vitamin A is found naturally in beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish livers; in the sweet potato, carrot, broccoli leaf, butter, spinach, pumpkin, eggs, papaya, mango, peas, winter squash, apricot, cantaloupe melon and leafy vegetables. Vitamin A is necessary for normal reproductive capabilities, membranes, tissues, skin, eyes, normal tooth and bone development and much more.

Vitamin B12, or rather the Vitamin B complex, is a group of vitamins that are all soluble in water and very often coexist in food sources. While every single Vitamin from the B complex group has a name, they are very often referred to by the number added to the Vitamin B group name, like Vitamin B1, which is thiamine, or Vitamin B2, which is riboflavin. Some other compounds have been added to the Vitamin B group at some time, but were later dropped, like adenine, orotic acid or adenosine monophosphate, where later research found that they are either synthesized by the human body or simply no Vitamins. Vitamin B complex supports the metabolism rate, maintains muscle tone and skin, raises functions of the nervous system and the immune system, promotes red blood cells and cell growth and division and much more.

Vitamin C- Perhaps the most popular vitamin, L-ascorbic acid is viewed as an essential nutrient and is required to synthesize collagen in humans. The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C for short, is the famous ingredient of oranges and other citrus fruits. It has been said that a glass of pure squeezed orange juice provides the daily requirement of Vitamin C. While the antioxidant function is deemed important, other biosynthetic functions are of vital significance. It provides an electron for eight different enzymes, besides the aforementioned synthesis of collagen; it aids the synthesis of carnitine and neurotransmitters, synthesis and catabolism of tyrosine and the metabolism of microsome. The additional function as a reducing agent, keeping iron and copper at bay is an additional trait.

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 is an antioxidant that is known for protecting the tissues of the body from damage caused by free radicals.

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.