Beta-Alanine is a beta amino acid that is naturally occurring and that has a name given by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry – IUPAC – sounding as distinctive as 3-aminopropanoic acid. This nonessential amino acid is derived in the body by the degradation of carnosine or dihydrouracil. It is furthermore a part of natural peptides anserine and carnosine and can be found as a component of Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid. Beta-alanine levels limit the amount of carnosine, which means that it is a rate limiting factor for this dipeptide. When beta-alanine is being supplemented, it has been observed that carnosine levels in muscles are raised, which seems to reduce fatigue in athletes and raise the level of exercises that can be done.

Creatine Monohydrate is an organic acid that is naturally found in humans. First discovered in 1832, the primary function of creatine monohydrate is to help in supplying energy to the muscles. About half of the stored creatine monohydrate in the body comes from food sources, mostly meat. Vegetarians tend to show lower levels of creatine monohydrate since vegetables don’t contain this acid. However since meat tends to contain high levels of saturated fat which is not good for the heart, one way in which creatine monohydrate can be made available is through supplements. In fact many body builders take creatine supplements to help in increasing muscle mass. Creatine monohydrate has also been shown to cause slight increase in strength in those with neuromuscular disorders and is now being considered as a therapy for several diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s etc. especially because it is considered safe and so far has exhibited no side effects.

Magnesium is another mineral which is deemed essential for all biological life. As an essential part of basic nucleic acid, magnesium ions, together with phosphate ions, are also required for over 300 catalytic reactions of enzymes. Any enzymes synthesizing or utilizing adenosine triphosphate require a magnesium ion. Incredulously enough, magnesium deficiency is the most widespread deficiency, affecting a third of the population in the United States only, with third world countries surpassing the count easily. Being also essential, together with calcium and phosphorus, in the skeletal structure, magnesium deficiency is viewed as a main factor in ailments such as osteoporosis. Naturally available through cereals, green leafy vegetables, nuts, spices, tea, cocoa and coffee, magnesium is available as a supplement in magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate form, whereby the latter is viewed as more bioavailable.

Phosphate (Phosphorus) is the chemical element with the atomic number 15 in the periodic table. It is not found as a free element anywhere in the world. In biology and biochemistry it may be the most important element, being present in all living cells of living species. It is present in the DNA, in the RNA, in ATP, but is also found in cell membranes in form of phospholipids. It is also present in the bones, where it builds calcium phosphate salts, responsible for strong bones. Apatite is a collection of phosphate minerals which are generally found in bones and teeth; namely bromapatite, fluorapatite, chlorapatite and hydroxyapatite. Several phosphates are being added to body building supplements and powders, intended to aid in skeletal and cellular strength improvement.

Potassium, a mineral that is quite common in our food. Potassium is needed for proper muscle growth, nervous system and brain function and to help balance the PH of our bodies.

Sodium is part of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular creatures, not least mankind. It is needed for instance in nerve conduction and to balance the acid levels in the body. It is necessary for the functioning of organs such as the liver, intestine and kidneys in their work of ridding the body of toxins However there is an optimum intake. Above this there are problems such as a rise in the blood pressure. Also an excess of salt in the diet will draw fluid out of the cells by the process of osmosis. On the other hand a lack of sodium will lead to too much water in the body the brains cells will actually be flooded.

Taurine is found in high levels in the human heart and skeletal muscles. It is an amino sulfonic acid which is also present in the central nervous system and white blood cells. The human body produces this essential acid naturally so that it helps in absorbing vitamins and digesting fats. This acid reduces the problem of high blood pressure in adults and it is also being used for treating bipolar depression. Popularly known as a health supplement, Taurine has always been used in various health products. Bodybuilders are recommended to take Taurine along with creatine as it can prevent muscle soreness and fatigue. This amino acid is listed as one of the main supplemental ingredients in various energy drinks. For instance, drinks such as Rockstar and Monster, contain approximately 2000 mg of Taurine.