Are Amino Acid Supplements Safe to Take?

Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, come in two versions--essential and non-essential. You use 20 different types of essential and non-essential amino acids to construct protein. Essential amino acids must be supplied through food or supplements because your body doesn't produce them.

Function

• Amino acids, taken in cocktails or individually, supposedly enhance physical performance. Benefits include increased muscle-size, higher resistance against over-training, less mental stress and fatigue and better use of the right fuel during exercise.

Types

• If you take amino acid supplements, according to AskTheDietitian.com, you should only take essential amino acids, such as soleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valin, because they work the best.

Side Effects

• Tyrosine, a popular supplement, can cause chest pains and tightness, breathing problems, skin hives, itchy or swollen skin or rashes and is only safe in small doses. Tryptophan may make you sleepy.

Safety

• While most amino acid supplements seem safe within recommended dosages, you may still be at risk. "Individual amino acid supplements may disrupt the harmonious balance among amino acids in your body," explains the University of Iowa.

Considerations

• People with diabetes mellitus who are predisposed to kidney disease and those prone to kidney stones should consider their protein intake carefully.