Understanding amino acids: Why an individual test is so valuable – especially in old age

Do you often feel tired, unmotivated, or mentally challenged?
Then it's worth taking a closer look at your amino acid profile. Because these little building blocks are powerful – and their balance can reveal a lot about how your body is doing. In this article, you'll learn why amino acids are so important, what they do in the body, and why testing makes sense for many people.

What are amino acids anyway?

Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins in the body. Without them, almost nothing in the body functions. They form enzymes, hormones, transport molecules, and are involved in countless metabolic processes. Many people know protein as a macronutrient—but what is often forgotten: the actual "active ingredient" behind protein is amino acids.

Amino acids help with, among other things:

• the maintenance and building of muscle mass
• regeneration after exercise
• the control of enzymes and messenger substances
• the formation of hormones
• the support of skin, hair and nails
• the supply of brain and nerves
• the function of the immune system and cell repair

A balanced amino acid profile is therefore the basis for many bodily processes – and even small imbalances can have a noticeable effect on your well-being.

For whom is an amino acid test particularly interesting?

A personalized test can show you whether your body is adequately supplied with all the necessary amino acids—or whether you need specific support. This is particularly relevant for:

🧓 People aged 50 and over

With age, the body's ability to efficiently absorb amino acids from food decreases. At the same time, the need for them increases – for example, for muscle maintenance or for tissue and cell repair processes. Wound healing, skin condition, and metabolism also benefit from a stable amino acid status.

🏃 Active sports people

Whether you're doing strength training, jogging regularly, or simply on the go a lot, physical exertion increases your need for certain amino acids like leucine, glutamine, or arginine. A targeted test can show you whether your body is truly optimally supplied—or whether you need to supplement specifically.

🧠 People with mental or physical exhaustion

Brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters are partly made up of amino acids. For example, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, the so-called "feel-good" neurotransmitter. An imbalance here can affect mood, motivation, or concentration.

🥗 People with restricted or unbalanced diet

Vegetarian or vegan diets, as well as dieting or loss of appetite, can lead to a deficiency of certain amino acids. It may be helpful to check your levels, especially for methionine, lysine, or tryptophan.

What exactly does our test measure?

Our amino acid test covers a broad spectrum of 24 amino acids – including essential, non-essential, and functionally particularly important representatives:

✔️ Essential amino acids:

Leucine, Lysine, Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Histidine, Phenylalanine
👉 must be supplied with food

✔️ Other groups:

• Basic amino acids (arginine, citrulline, ornithine)
• Acidic amino acids (asparagine, glutamine)
• Neutral amino acids (glycine, alanine, serine)
• Aromatic amino acids (tyrosine)
• Sulfur-containing amino acids (taurine)
• Heterocyclic amino acids (proline, hydroxyproline)

Why is a good diet sometimes not enough?

Even if you eat a balanced diet, an imbalance can occur – for example due to:

• Stress or heavy physical strain
• Inflammatory processes in the body
• Digestive problems or medication
• Aging processes
• Diets or one-sided diets

The amino acid test reveals what you may be missing – and gives you the opportunity to react in a targeted manner.

How does the test work?

Simply order the test kit to your home. The blood sample is drawn using the TAP II device – painless, hygienic, and without a painful needle prick. You then send the sample to the lab, and approximately 10 business days later, you'll receive your personalized results with all values and reference ranges.

Conclusion: Understand what your body really needs

An amino acid test isn't just interesting for athletes—it's also useful for anyone who wants to better understand their body. A targeted look at your profile can be particularly valuable as you age, are under stress, or have an active lifestyle.

Gain clarity now and discover your personal Amino profile – from the comfort of your own home. Take the test here.