USANA Core Aminos

Amino acids are the building blocks of life. When linked together, they form proteins, which are fundamental components of all living organisms. To maintain your body’s health, you need the right amino acids to support protein synthesis.

There are 20 amino acids that the body uses to synthesize proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. While 11 amino acids are synthesized naturally in the body, nine amino acids must be obtained by other means. These are known as the nine essential amino acids. They include:

Leucine
Isoleucine
Valine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Methionine
Lysine
Histidine

These essential amino acids can be obtained through regular healthy diet. Complete protein sources such as meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and soy products can provide you with all nine essential amino acids. Even plant-based diets that include a variety of beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables can meet essential amino acid needs.

Unfortunately, many diets fall short of perfection and not everyone gets enough essential amino acids in their diet. Additionally, health conditions, fitness goals, aging, and other situations can create a need for supplemental essential amino acids to support protein health and overall wellness.

USANA Core Aminos drink mix contains all nine amino acids plus beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) to support muscle health and function, as well as energy production in healthy individuals. This supplement also supports overall health and wellness, including vitality and immune function.

Core Aminos for Healthy Aging

As humans age, factors such as hormonal changes, reduced physical activity, and nutritional deficiencies can lead to a decrease in muscle mass. While some muscle loss is normal with aging, excessive muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, can negatively affect daily living. This more progressive loss of muscle mass and strength affects 5-13% of people aged 60-70 years and increases to 11-50% for those aged 80 or above. Individuals struggling with sarcopenia may experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, poor balance leading to falls, reduced stamina, slower walking speed, and difficulty rising from a chair or climbing stairs.

To combat muscle loss, aging adults need a higher intake of essential amino acids, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are vital for maintaining muscle health and strength. However, diet restrictions and other challenges make it difficult for aging adults to maintain sufficient levels of amino acids.

Core Aminos offers a healthy solution for aging adults to obtain the necessary dose of essential amino acids. The powdered formula is easily digestible and absorbs more efficiently compared to whole foods or most protein powders. Incorporating Core Aminos into daily routine provides a practical way to support healthy aging. This simple drink mix helps aging adults maintain muscle mass, support overall health, and sustain quality of life.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

If you are an athlete or fitness enthusiast, you may be familiar with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These particular amino acids are known for their potential benefits in reducing muscle soreness and improving recovery.

The three essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine are BCAAs. They get their label because their chemical structure includes a chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms that branches off the amino acid molecule. This chain gives them unique properties that support muscle health.

While the three BCAAs are all known for synthesis and muscle health, they each contribute differently to sustain muscle wellbeing.

Leucine is one of the most effective amino acids for supporting healthy muscle growth and recovery. It helps build protein by activating the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway. When mTOR is activated, it supports cell health and promotes production of proteins needed for muscle repair and growth, especially in response to exercise. This is why leucine is a key ingredient in Core Aminos.

Isoleucine plays a significant role in energy production by maintaining stable blood sugar levels and ensuring that muscles have sufficient glucose for energy, which is crucial for maintaining muscle function and preventing muscle breakdown.

Valine supports muscle metabolism by providing extra glucose for muscle tissues as an energy source during and after exercise. Valine also helps maintain nitrogen balance and supports muscle repair and growth.

Neurotransmitter Production and Brain Function

While proteins are generally associated with muscle growth, the thousands of proteins in the human body do everything from building muscle to brain function. Certain essential amino acids are direct precursors to neurotransmitters—the chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses (the gaps between neurons) in the brain and nervous system. These essential amino acids play a role in maintaining cognitive functions such as memory, attention, learning, and mood.

Phenylalanine is a precursor to the non-essential amino acid tyrosine, which converts into the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine—chemicals involved in mood regulation, stress response, and focus.

Histidine is an essential amino for infants and children but is considered semi-essential in most adults. The adult body can produce limited amounts of histidine; however, additional amounts of histidine are required to meet health needs. Histidine is a precursor to histamine, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating sleep-wake cycles, appetite, and cognitive functions. Histamine also plays a crucial role in immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammations.

Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, which regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Eating tryptophan-rich foods or taking a supplement with tryptophan may help support mood regulation, relaxation, and sleep patterns in healthy individuals.

Unique Amino Acids

The final three essential amino acids have distinct characteristics and specialized functions that distinguish them from the other six. Like all essential amino acids, they are important to sustaining the health and wellbeing of the human physiology.

Threonine may help support immune system health, collagen, and elastin production for skin and connective tissues. It also helps in fat metabolism in the liver to maintain healthy fat accumulation.

Methionine contains sulfur, which is important for the body to synthesize the non-essential amino acid cysteine. Cysteine is a key component to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that supports liver detoxification and fat metabolism.

Lysine is crucial for protein synthesis, collagen production, and immune function. Core Aminos contains lysine hydrochloride, a form of lysine combined with hydrochloric acid. Lysine hydrocholoride may help support immune function and muscle recovery in healthy individuals.

Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) Calcium Powder

The final notable ingredient in Core Aminos is Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), a substance that may help support muscle and bone health. The body produces HMB naturally when breaking down the essential amino acid leucine. As a dietary supplement, HMB may support lean muscle growth, help support muscle health, and enhance exercise performance. It may also be beneficial for individuals looking to support muscle health from aging or muscle recovery after intense workouts.

Support Your Muscle Health with Core Aminos

Core Aminos can supplement your essential amino acids when your diet is not providing enough protein. The essential amino acids plus the HMB in this drink mix play an important role maintaining muscle health from supporting your physical goals to sustaining your brain function. While it is important to consume a balanced diet complete with a source of protein, Core Aminos’ unique formula ensures you receive additional essential amino acids to support the growth and repair of muscle tissue, promoting overall muscle wellness.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.