Side Effects of Amino Acid Supplements

Amino acids are essential to the human body to synthesize proteins and manufacture neurotransmitters. You can use amino acids individually in pills and capsule form, or in combination forms. Bodybuilding supplements contain a combination of amino acids to aid in building muscles and ease the transition after working out. Amino acids can be beneficial to human health, but they do come with a risk of side effects.

Arginine

Arginine, a popular supplement with muscle-builders, is an essential amino acid that may increase the production of growth hormones. Foods that contain arginine include nuts, seeds, peas and chocolate. A side effect to this amino acid is the possibility that it may promote herpes virus growth.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine comes in two forms: L-phenylalanine to treat depression, and D-phenylalanine to control chronic pain. If you have high blood pressure, avoid taking L-phenylalanine. Other side effects include a stimulant effect that can contribute to insomnia and anxiety. If you have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria, do not take phenylalanine.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is found in nuts, grains, beans, legumes and turkey. The one side effect tied to tryptophan is a rare blood abnormality that leads to death when tryptophan is taken in supplement form.

Taurine

The amino acid taurine is found in high levels in fish, and has been used to treat epilepsy. Taking taurine in high doses may cause depression.

Single Amino Acids

Taking single amino acids may cause an imbalance in other amino acids over an extended period of time. Taking a supplement that contains a balance of amino acids may help to prevent this from occurring.