Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Amino acids are essential to the human body. They build the cells, repair tissues, are responsible for the production of enzymes, and play a key role in mental health. All amino acids are essential for proper protein synthesis. A shortage of even one amino acid can cause protein synthesis to be greatly reduced and it can stop altogether if left untreated.
Amino Acids Supplement come in the form of pills, capsules, or powders containing a particular concoction of amino acids. Most amino acid supplements are sold as anabolic agents to help in body-building; arginine and ornithine are two constituents frequently promoted as ‘natural steroids’ (a distinctly misleading name since they are chemically very different from steroids).
Since amino acids are the building blocks of protein, the main component of muscle, many people believe that just by taking extra amino acids they can develop larger muscles. However, a muscle grows only in response to extra physical demands placed on it.
Bodybuilders can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue.
Overconsumption causes health risks. Unbalanced amino acid mixtures or single amino acids may be toxic. If amino-acid supplements are used as the basis of a high-protein, low fat diet they can be downright dangerous because they can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
One and one-half grams of powder three times a day should be sufficient to provide the body with an adequate supply of available amino acids to assist in digesting food and bulking up. There are no side effects with proper supplementation.
Source:
http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/amino-acid-basics.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/amino-acid-supplements
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/amino.html