Any chemical compound that has carbon (C) atom is called organic. Amino acids are organic compounds that comprise functional group of atoms such as amine (-NH2), carboxyl (-COOH) and side chains comprising carbon, hydrogen or other atoms in various types and lengths. There are various amino acids and the classification, depending on the position of the functional groups, type of side chain, polarity and pH.

Depending on where the syntheses take place, amino acids are classified into non-essential and essential. Non-essential amino acids can be made by the body, for instance alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, serine and glutamic acid, cysteine, glutamine, arginine, glycine, proline and tyrosine. Others, such as lysine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and methionine are called essential amino acids. They cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources.

Amino acids are bonded together by peptide bonds to form long chains and build protein, a major component of human/animal cells, tissue and muscles. Amino acids also play important roles in biosynthesis and neurological functions. For instance, glutamine is required for the integrity of intestinal mucosal; tryptophan is required to modulate immunological and neurological functions; and arginine is required for neonatal growth.

Another organic compound that gives health benefits but is required in limited amount is vitamins. Unlike amino acids, vitamins cannot be synthesised by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources. The classification is not based on the structure but on the chemical and biological functions. Thus we acknowledge vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 with each specific function.

Deficiency of vitamin consumption causes health problem. For instance, deficiency of vitamin B2 may cause lip cracking, mouth ulcers or a sore throat. Deficiency of B12 may cause fatigue, memory loss, depression or anaemia due to a lack of red blood cells.

Having prominent functions of amino acids and vitamins in living organisms, these compounds are widely used in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries; either as additives in human food or animal feed, therapeutic drug, precursor/starting chemical material, or as nutraceutical.

Trans Chem has an extensive network of overseas suppliers, some exclusively, and attend all International Trade shows constantly sourcing new and innovative products and suppliers, so if you can’t find the raw material you need in our Product Library, contact us and we WILL source that product for you.

Aside from APIs, Trans Chem actively sources Amino Acids & Vitamins, Chelates & Minerals, Cosmetics & Personal care ingredients, Excipients, Food & Beverage ingredients, Stockfeed & Animal Nutrition, Nutraceutical powders & fluids, Veterinary Pharmaceuticals & Animal Health, Herbal Extracts and other key ingredients.