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Arginine is a “conditionally essential” amino acid, which means that it is an amino acid that normally is not necessary to introduce with food because it can be produced by the body from other amino acids, but that under conditions of increased need it becomes “essential” to introduce with the power supply. Arginine is the biological precursor of nitric oxide and is involved in protein metabolism.

Lysine is an essential amino acid, the human organism is not able to produce it, so it must be taken with the diet. Among the many biological functions of lysine, there is the synthesis of collagen and elastin and therefore the formation of connective tissue. It can be converted to acetyl CoA, a critical component in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. It is a precursor of carnitine, which participates in the production of energy.

Cystine is a source of cysteine, a key amino acid for the synthesis of glutathione. Glutathione is an important endogenous antioxidant and plays a major role in detoxifying the body from metabolic waste.

Citrulline is a “non-essential” amino acid, which can be synthesized by the human body from another amino acid (ornithine). It is part of the so-called “urea cycle”, a metabolic cycle that takes place in the liver and serves to detoxify the body from the nitrogen residues of protein slag.

Vitamin C, is an essential component of the human diet. Humans do not have the last enzyme involved in the synthesis of vitamin C (the gluconolactone oxidase) and therefore require the presence of vitamin C in the diet to avert the deficiency disease, scurvy. It is an important regulator for iron uptake as it promotes the absorption of non-heme iron in the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Supplementation with vitamin C improves some important parameters of immune function. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and it is involved in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. By stimulating the production of collagen, Vitamin C, in addition to making the skin more elastic and turgid, contributes to the normal function of blood vessels, bones, gums, and teeth.

Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) , is a water-soluble vitamin and, since the body is unable to store it, a continuous dietary intake is required. Contributes to the transformation of substances Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin of fundamental importance for our sight; together with its precursors, carotenoids, it constitutes rhodopsin, a substance present on the retina, indispensable for providing the eye with light sensitivity and therefore maintaining the physiological visual capacity. It covers countless functions such as strengthening and maintaining healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes, participates in enzymatic processes for bone development and supports the normal function of the immune system. It also contributes to the normal metabolism of iron and intervenes in the process of cell specialization. Symptoms related to thiamine deficiency may include anorexia, a feeling of general malaise and palpitations.

Zinc, a mineral found in our body in small quantities, is a component of hundreds of enzyme complexes involved in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. It guarantees the proper functioning of various hormones, including those of the thyroid, insulin, sex hormones and growth hormone. In particular, it contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, to normal fertility and reproduction. Promotes normal acid-base metabolism and vitamin A. It is also involved in the process of cell division, supports the functionality of the immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress.It has a fundamental role in protein synthesis, in maintaining cognitive function and visual capacity.Finally, it contributes to the maintenance of bones, hair, nails, and skin. Gammoh NZ, Rink L. Zinc in Infection and Inflammation. Nutrients. 2017 Jun 17;9(6):624. doi: 10.3390/nu9060624

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B group. It acts as a coenzyme for more than 140 biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates, the production of neurotransmitters, DNA synthesis and of the RNA, the immune function, the biosynthesis of the heme (component of the hemoglobin for the transport of oxygen in the red globules) and the homeostasis of the homocysteine ​​(metabolite that damages the vases). B6 deficiency is found mainly in the elderly and a slight deficiency is sufficient to generate negative implications, such as cognitive and memory problems in the central nervous system and peripheral neuropathies in the peripheral nervous system. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the reduction of tiredness, fatigue and to the normal psychological function. Its need increases when the body is subjected to stressful conditions. Parra M, Stahl S, Hellmann H. Vitamin B₆ and Its Role in Cell Metabolism and Physiology. Cells. 2018 Jul 22;7(7):84. doi: 10.3390/cells7070084.

Folate, a term of Latin origin “folium”, was first isolated in spinach and is found mainly in green leafy vegetables. They are often confused with folic acid but in reality, although they have the same composition, there is a subtle difference: folates are natural compounds present in food while folic acid is a chemical synthesis molecule. Our body is not able to produce folates, therefore it is essential to have an appropriate diet that allows it to be introduced and absorbed. Folate, water-soluble molecules, perform multiple functions: they act as a support in the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy, guarantee the normal hematopoiesis and the synthesis of amino acids, support in the immune system and the normal psychological function. The folate cycle is fundamental for the synthesis of methionine (an indispensable amino acid for the production of DNA, RNA and proteins) and for the elimination of homocysteine, a metabolite which, if accumulated (hyperhomocysteinemia), can cause damage to the nervous system and to vascular system, due to its histolesive action. Folate also intervenes in the process of cell division and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Scaglione F, Panzavolta G. Folate, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are not the same thing. Xenobiotica. 2014 May;44(5):480-8. doi: 10.3109/00498254.2013.845705. Epub 2014 Feb 4.

Vitamin D, is a fat-soluble vitamin synthesized by our body, through the absorption of the sun’s rays operated by the skin. It is best known for its functions of regulating calcium homeostasis: useful for the normal development, growth and maintenance of a healthy skeleton. Vitamin D, in fact, regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestine, the mobilization of calcium in the bones and the reabsorption of calcium in the kidney. Vitamin D also intervenes in the process of cell division and contributes to the homeostasis of the immune system. Vitamin D promotes the synthesis of the proteins that make up the muscle fibers.