Evidence supporting the use of: Amino acids
For the health condition: Debility
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a crucial role in numerous physiological processes, including muscle synthesis, immune function, and energy metabolism. Their use in supporting or treating "debility"—a non-specific term referring to general weakness or lack of strength—has some scientific basis, particularly in populations experiencing muscle loss, malnutrition, or chronic illness. Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with essential amino acids or protein can help improve muscle mass, strength, and functional outcomes in elderly individuals, patients recovering from surgery, or those with chronic diseases such as cancer or heart failure. For instance, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been studied for their role in reducing muscle wasting and promoting recovery in catabolic states. However, the evidence is moderate rather than robust, and much depends on the underlying cause of the debility. In cases where debility is due to protein-energy malnutrition or increased protein requirements (e.g., during illness or advanced age), amino acid supplementation is justified and supported by clinical guidelines. On the other hand, if debility is caused by non-nutritional factors, the benefit of amino acid supplementation is less clear. Overall, while not a cure-all, amino acids can be an important adjunct in the management of weakness and functional decline associated with inadequate protein intake or increased protein breakdown.
Other ingredients used for Debility
adrenal cortexAlfalfa
amino acids
apricot
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine spleen
carrot
chlorella
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
L-glutamine
Milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pomegranate
protein
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
Zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
siler root
hyacinth bean
Algae
Aralia
antler
ambergris
Angelica
Acacia
Achyranthes
anamu
Aletris
Algal protein
Abalone
animal protein
bishop\'s weed
Beef Protein
beef
Beef liver
bovine protein
bael
Borassus aethiopum
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Chlorophytum
chicken
deer root
deer velvet
elk antler
flat-stem milk-vetch
glucose
heal-all
long pepper
jungli-bean
Microcos
Phyllanthus
Pyrrosia
Pseudostellaria
Rubia yunnanensis
Sicklepod
Sesbania
Southern Tsangshu
Other health conditions supported by amino acids
Addictions (drugs)Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Alzheimer's Disease
Anemia
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autoimmune Disorders
Body Building
Bulimia
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Concentration (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Heart (weakness)
Injuries
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Partum Depression
Protein Digestion (poor)