Amino Plex, available in 750 mg. capsules, is a tryptophan-free blend of 20 amino acids plus taurine. Amino Plex contains free form amino acids in approximately the same proportions as they occur in the protein fraction of glandular tissue.

Free form amino acids are an effective source of protein in cases of protein deficiency and malabsorption which lead to muscle wasting.

This pure amino acid supplement is produced by a special process which allows no allergy causing food residues. It is also free of sugar, yeast, corn, wheat rice, soy, artificial colors and flavors.

For best absorption and utilization, free form amino acids should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before eating.⁽⁶⁾

The essential amino acid L-tryptophan and all supplements containing L-tryptophan were recalled by the F.D.A. due to contamination in the manufacturing process by a foreign manufacturer.⁽⁴⁾ Since L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid, it cannot be produced by the body and must be present in the diet. Meat, poultry and milk are good sources of dietary L-tryptophan. Vegetable sources include, nuts, seeds and soybeans.⁽²⁾

Stress in the form of disease, trauma, vigorous exercise, overwork, protein malabsorption or aging can create biochemical burdens and a need for additional protein. If the diet is improperly balanced — containing inadequate amounts of the essential amino acids, physical disorders will arise.⁽¹⁾

Even when the diet is adequate or more than adequate, incomplete digestion of proteins can lead to amino acid and protein deficiencies.⁽³⁾

Free form amino acid supplementation fills this need most effectively. In this pure form the amino acids require no digestion so they can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Since they contain no fat, preservatives or additives, no allergic food reactions occur.

Amino acids are the chemical units or the "building blocks" as they are popularly called, that make up proteins. Protein can not exist without the proper combination of amino acids.⁽¹⁾

Protein is essential for growth and maintenance of all intracellular and extracellular tissues.⁽²⁾

• In the human body, protein substances make up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and body fluids (except for bile and urine).^(1,2)

• Protein is necessary for the formation of hormones which control a variety of body functions such as growth, sexual development and rate of metabolism.⁽²⁾

• Enzymes which are necessary for basic life functions are made up of protein.⁽²⁾

• The central nervous system cannot function without amino acids, which act as neurotransmitters or as precursors to the neurotransmitters. They are necessary for the brain to send and receive messages.⁽¹⁾

• Amino acids enable vitamins and minerals to perform their jobs properly. Even if the vitamins and minerals are absorbed and assimilated rapidly, they will not be effective unless amino acids are present.⁽¹⁾

For a protein to be complete, it must contain all of its particular amino acids. Amino acids my be linked together almost indefinitely to form more than 50,000 different proteins and 20,000 known enzymes. Each type of protein is composed of different amino acids, each tailored for a specific need. They are not interchangeable.⁽¹⁾

Should the body deplete itself of any of the essential amino acids, it would not be able to produce those proteins requiring such amino acids. The resulting shortage could easily lead to any number of disorders.⁽¹⁾

If just one essential amino acid is missing, even temporarily, protein synthesis will fall to a very low level or stop altogether. The result is that all amino acids are reduced in the same proportion as the amino acid that is low or missing.⁽²⁾

Since muscle tissue is made up of protein, free form amino acids may be used, along with a high potency vitamin and mineral supplement, by athletes and body builders to help build lean muscle mass. L-Arginine, L-Ornithine, L-Tyrosine and Glycine are particularly important since they function in the body as Growth Hormone (GH) releasers. GH causes fat to be burned and lean muscle to be built.⁽⁵⁾ The same principles apply in weight loss programs.

For dieters, free form amino acids help suppress appetite and boost energy.⁽⁶⁾ This readily available protein will also discourage muscle wasting which can occur when calorie restriction causes the body to use protein stores as a source of energy.

Although Americans in general consume much more protein than necessary, many may still suffer from deficiency due to incomplete digestion of proteins.⁽³⁾

Protein digestion begins with chewing. If it is not well chewed, the protein is less likely to be broken down into its constituents later in the digestive process. If hydrochloric acid, pepsin or proteolytic enzymes are in short supply, less is broken down. If digestive disturbances cause incorrect acidity in the intestines or if enzymes are deficient, partially digested protein will be left.⁽³⁾

In good health, the body is constantly breaking down many of its own constituent cells for recycling, as well as ingested protein from food. Both of these tasks require the presence of specific enzymes in order to release the amino acids from the protein chains.⁽³⁾

If a particular enzyme is deficient, this uncoupling task is not properly accomplished and amino acid deficiency will occur, causing in turn further enzyme deficiency and even poorer protein breakdown.⁽³⁾

Since free form amino acids do not depend upon the digestive process, the use of supplements can help correct the problem.

WARNING:   This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Balch, James F., M.D. and Balch, Phyllis, C.N.C., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing, Garden City Park, NY, 1990.

2. Kirschmann, John D. and Dunne, Lavon J., Nutrition Almanac, Second Edition, McGraw Hill, 1984.

3. Chaitow, N.D., D.O., The Healing Power of Amino Acids, Thorsons Publishing Group, 1989,

4. Salaman, Maureen K., "Tryptophan Ban: Science by News Release", Health Freedom News, February, 1990.

5. Newfield, Thomas, The Facts on Growth Hormone Releasers: A Scientific Approach to Burning Fat and Building Muscle, 1983.

6. Davisson, Harvey G., Ph.D., Weight Reduction Guide, Weight Clinics of America.

Product No. 960 Fill Size: 90 Capsules

Three 750 mg. capsules contain:
L-Alanine 147 mg. L-Lysine 203 mg.
L-Arginine 138 mg. L-Methionine 55 mg.
L-Cysteine 23 mg. L-Ornithine 23 mg.
L-Cystine 26 mg. L-Proline 77 mg.
L-Glutamine 28 mg. L-Serine 95 mg.
Glycine 95 mg. L-Threonine 91 mg.
L-Histidine 73 mg. L-Tyrosine 77 mg.
L-Isoleucine 71 mg. L-Valine 120 mg.
L-Leucine 203 mg. L-Aspartic Acid 206 mg.
Taurine 48 mg. L-Phenylalanine 102 mg.
L-Glutamic Acid 349 mg.

Other ingredients: magnesium stearate, rice flour, gelatin.

Recommended Dosage: 3-9 capsules daily.