Alanine
Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in
maintaining glucose levels in the body by helping the body to
convert glucose into energy. Alanine also eliminates excess toxins
from the liver. Alanine is required for the metabolism of glucose
and tryptophan and beta-alanine (which is a constituent of vitamin
B5 - pantothenic acid) as well as coenzyme A.
It is synthesized in the body. It is also glycogenic and antiketogenic.
Alanine is used by the body to build protein and was first isolated
in 1879. The alpha-carbon in alanine is substituted with a levorotatory
(l)-methyl group, making it one of the simplest amino acids with
respect to molecular structure and is one of the most widely used
in protein construction. In the liver alanine may be transaminated
with alpha keto glutarate to produce glutamate. Also in the liver
alanine may be converted to glucose.
Alanine is an important source of energy for muscle tissue, the
brain and central nervous system; strengthens the immune system
by producing antibodies; helps in the metabolism of sugars and
organic acids. Alanine produces energy by stimulating glucagon
secretions from the pancreas and is linked to glycogen released
from the liver. In cases of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), alanine
has been used as a source for the production of glucose in order
to stabilize blood sugar over lengthy periods.
Alanine is synthesized in muscle tissue from branched chain amino
acids. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and chronic deficiencies
may lead to muscle loss and poor glucose tolerance. Alanine is
the major amino acid utilized by the liver for gluconeogenesis
under normal conditions.
Alanine is present in prostate fluid, and it may play a role in
supporting prostate health. In one study of men with benign prostatic
hyperplasia, it was found that 780 mg of alanine per day for two
weeks and then 390 mg for the next two and a half months, taken
together in combination with equal amounts of glycine and glutamic
acid reduced the symptoms.
Alanine comes from the breakdown of DNA or the dipeptides, anserine
and carnosine, and the conversion of pyruvate, a compound in carbohydrate
metabolism.
Benefits of Alanine
It is used by the body to produce protein which is vital for
a healthy body, muscle function, the central nervous system and
for the formation of neurotransmitters.
Alanine strengthens the immune system by producing vital antibodies
and is present in prostate fluid and may help keep the
prostate gland healthy.
during exercise- It is also important when you are exercising
as alanine is released from the muscle tissue and converted to
glucose when the blood sugar levels fall to provide
you with the energy you need.
Alanine Deficiency
Alanine deficiency is rare - alanine is a non-essential amino
acid, so the body can manufacture enough of its own. The following
groups are the only ones known to be at any risk of alanine deficiency
People on low protein diets - people who are not eating enough
protein foods may not get enough alanine in their diet
Vegans / vegetarians - people who are on a strict vegetarian
diet may suffer from a alanine deficiency if their diet is deficient
in protein.
People with eating disorders - people who have eating disorders
may not be eating enough foods, so may not get enough
alanine in their diet
People with liver disease - low levels of alanine have been
found in patients with liver disease (especially hepatitis)
People with diabetes - low levels of alanine have been found
in patients with diabetes
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Arginine
Arginine is a conditionally nonessential amino acid, meaning most
of the time it can be manufactured by the human body, and does
not need to be obtained directly through the diet. The biosynthetic
pathway however does not produce sufficient arginine, and some
must still be consumed through diet. Individuals who have poor
nutrition or certain physical conditions may be advised to increase
their intake of foods containing arginine.
Arginine plays an important role in cell division, the healing
of wounds, removing ammonia from the body, immune function, and
the release of hormones. Arginine, taken in combination with proanthocyanidins
or yohimbine, has also been used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
The Benefits of Arginine
Precursor for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO)
Stimulation of the release of growth hormone.
Improves immune function
Helps those who suffer from arthritis by stimulating the growth
of new bone and tendon cells
Decreases the onset of angina by increasing blood circulation
and thus the ability to increase exercise times.
Reduces healing time of injuries (particularly bone)
Quickens repair time of damaged tissue
Reduces risk of heart disease
Increases muscle mass
Reduces adipose tissue body fat
Helps improve insulin sensitivity
Helps decrease blood pressure
Alleviates male infertility, improving sperm production and
motility
Increases blood circulation throughout the body, including the
sex organs
Improves reproductive ability
Arginine Deficiency
Lack of arginine reduces the sex impulse and can cause impotence.
Can also result in disordered carbohydrate metabolism.
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Low sperm count
Diminished insulin production
Poor wound healing
Loss of hair
Skin rash
Constipation
Fatty liver (inability of the liver to process fats)
Alkalosis
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Aspartic
Acid
Aspartic acid, also known as L-aspartate, is thought to help promote
a robust metabolism, and is sometimes used to treat fatigue and
depression. Aspartic acid plays an important role in the citric
acid cycle, or Krebs cycle, during which other amino acids and
biochemicals, such as asparagine, arginine, lysine, methionine,
threonine, and isoleucine, are synthesized.
Aspartic acid gets its reputation as a treatment for chronic fatigue
from the crucial role it plays in generating cellular energy.
Aspartic acid moves the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
(NADH) molecules from the main body of the cell to its mitochondria,
where it is used to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the
fuel that powers all cellular activity.
In short, the more NADH a cell has, the more chemical fuel it
produces, and the more energy you have to get through your day.
(Some studies have shown that aspartic acid actually increases
both stamina and endurance levels in athletes.) In addition, this
amino acid helps transport minerals needed to form healthy RNA
and DNA to the cells, and strengthens the immune system by promoting
increased production of immunoglobulins and antibodies (immune
system proteins).
Aspartic acid keeps your mind sharp by increasing concentrations
of NADH in the brain, which is thought to boost the production
of neurotransmitters and chemicals needed for normal mental functioning.
It also removes excess toxins from the cells, particularly ammonia,
which is very damaging to the brain and nervous system as well
as the liver.
Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid, which means that
the body is able to manufacture its own supply. It is also found
in dairy, beef, poultry, sugar cane and molasses (the artificial
sweetener aspartame is made from aspartic acid and phenylalaline,
another amino acid). People with diets low in protein or with
eating disorders or malnutrition may develop a deficiency, not
only in aspartic acid, but in other amino acids as well, and experience
extreme fatigue or depression.
Aspartic acid is one of the non-essential amino acids, meaning
it is synthesized in the body, that constitute protein. Aspartic
acid exists in two forms: namely, as L-aspartic acid and D-aspartic
acid. Aspartic acid has acidic property.
Aspartic acid is important in the development of nervous sytem.
It is also a component of synaptic vesicles, which transmit nerve
impulses between nerve cells. Aspartic acid increases cAMP levels
(a secondary messenger, signal transporter between the cell surface
to inside the cell).
Benefits of Aspartic Acid
Aspartic Acid also plays a role in the neuroendocrine system,
as a regulator in the synthesis and release of hormones. In the
pituitary gland, aspartic amino acid stimulates the secretion
of the following hormones:
prolactin, a hormone known to stimulate mammary glands and milk
production, among other functions.
luteinizing, a hormone which is involved in the reproductive
system. In males it plays role in testosterone synthesis; where
as in females, it plays role in ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
growth hormone (GH).
Deficiency of Aspartic Acid
Aspartic acid deficiency decreases cellular energy.
Chronic fatigue and reduced stamina which myay cause depression.
Its deficiency can lead to increase in ammonia levels in the
blood, which may cause damage to brain,
nervous system and liver.
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Cystine
Cystine is a crystalline, sulfur contain amino acid, created from
2 molecules of the amino acid cysteine. It can be changed to cysteine
by reduction and was exposed in 1810 but was not familiar as a
component of proteins until 1899, when it was isolated from animal
horn it is chiefly abundant in skeletal and connective tissues,
hair and digestive enzymes.
The steps follow in the creation of cystine and cysteine, is from
methionine to cystathionine and then to cysteine to cystine .
In fact, cystine is usually regarded as the more constant form
of cysteine, although both amino acids can be transformed into
the other as wanted.
Cystine works intimately with glutathione to remove toxins from
the liver. In fact, cysteine is frequently used in emergency rooms
to treat acetaminophen overdoses, which are known to cause liver
damage. It also defends the liver and brain next to toxins absorbed
from alcohol and cigarette use, and may be successful in preventing
hangovers.
There is a lot of cystine in alpha keratin, the protein that makes
up the fingernails, skin, and hair. For this cause cysteine supplements
are from time to time marketed as anti ageing products that claim
to stimulate the formation of collagen and improve skin elasticity.
Cysteine supplementation may also help speed the healing of burns
and wounds, and get better joint flexibility in those with rheumatoid
arthritis.
Because it promotes the creation of the antioxidant glutathione,
cysteine supplementation may be useful to those suffering from
circumstances that have been associated to free radical oxidative
damage, such as hardening of the arteries and cancer. It may as
well help treat emphysema, tuberculosis, and bronchitis cysteine
has been exposed to help break down mucus in the respiratory tract.
Benefits of Cystine
Useful in the healing of burns and wounds, breaking down mucus
deposits in illnesses such as bronchitis.
It raises the level of glutathione in the kidneys, lungs, liver
and bone marrow.
This may have an anti aging effect on the body by decreasing
age spots.
It has been exposed as a detoxification agent to protect the
body next to damage of alcohol and cigarette smoking.
preventing liver and brain damage.
Deficiency of Cystine
Deficiency of cystine is rare, as it is found in so many protein
foods, although in patients with chronic diseases, the synthesis
of cystine from methionine appears to be prevented and could result
in a deficiency. People in these groups at risk of cystine deficiency
should talk to a medical professional about cystine supplementation.
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Glutamic
Acid
Glutamic acid, also called glutamate, is an excitatory neurotransmitter
that increases the firing of neurons in the central nervous system.
It is a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal
caord. It is converted into either glutamine or Gamma-Aminobutyric
Acid (GABA), two other amino acids that help pass messages to
the brain.
Glutamic Acid is important in the metabolism of sugars and fats,
and aids in the transportation of potassium into the spinal fluid
and across blood-brain barrier. Although it does not pass the
blood-brain barrier as readily as glutamine does, it is found
at high levels in the blood and may infiltrate the brain in small
amounts. The brain can use glutamic acid as fuel.
Glutamic acid helps to correct personality disorders and is useful
in treating childhood behavioral disorders. It is used in the
treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy,
ulcers, and hypoglycemic coma, a complication of insulin treatment
for diabetes. It is a component of folate (folic acid), a B vitamin
that helps the body break down amino acids.
Benefits of Glutamic Acid
Glutamine is converted to glutamic acid in the brain, which is
essential for cerebral functions, and increases the amount of
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is required for brain functioning
and mental activity. It is used in the muscles for the synthesis
of muscle proteins, and is of use for the treatment of wasting
muscles after illness or post-operative care. Although the body
requires nitrogen, free nitrogen in the body can be harmful since
it forms ammonia especially toxic to the brain. The liver normally
converts ammonia to urea, excreted in the urine but glutamic
acid attaches itself to nitrogen and forms glutamic acid, while
removing ammonia from the brain.It further is used in the body
to balance the acid/alkaline level and is also the basis or building
blocks of RNA and DNA. It serves as a source of fuel for cells
lining the intestines and it is also used by white blood cells
and is important for immune function.
Glutamic acid is an important excitatory neurotransmitter, and
glutamic acid is also important in the metabolism of sugars and
fats. It helps with the transportation of potassium across the
blood-brain barrier, although itself does not pass this barrier
that easily. It also shows promise in the future treatment of
neurological conditions, ulcers, hypoglycemic come, muscular dystrophy,
epilepsy, Parkinson's, and mental retardation.Glutamic acid can
be used as fuel in the brain, and can attach itself to nitrogen
atoms in the process of forming glutamine, and this action also
detoxifies the body of ammonia. This action is the only way in
which the brain can be detoxified from ammonia. The fluid produced
by the prostate gland also contains amounts of glutamic acid,
and may play a role in the normal function of the prostate.
Glutamic Acid Deficiency Symptoms
Although the deficiency symptoms of Glutamic Acid is unknow but
some may notice are dullness of brain, insomina. As the brain
is able to store relatively small quantities of glucose, it is
dependent upon glutamic acid. The shortage of glutamine or glutamic
acid in the brain results in brain damage or dullness of brain
due to excess ammonia.
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Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid, which is important for building proteins.
For most people, the body can make its own glycine, although glycine
is also found in protein-rich foods. In addition to its use as
a building block for making proteins, glycine also works as a
neurotransmitter in the brain, stimulating NMDA receptors. "NMDA"
stands for N-methyl-D-aspartate.
There are several conditions that glycine claimed to treat, including
schizophrenia, strokes, memory problems, and leg ulcers. However,
some of these glycine benefits have more scientific validity than
others. As an amino acid, glycine works by building proteins and
by stimulating certain receptors in the brain. In general, glycine
uses are limited to adults; it is not known if glycine is safe
for use in children, other than through normal dietary means.
Benefits of Glycine
Because the human body can produce glycine on its own, glycine
is not essential for human nutrition (it is not an "essential"
amino acid). However, glycine supplementation is often claimed
to be beneficial for the following conditions:
Schizophrenia
Strokes (to minimize damage after a stroke)
Memory problems
An enlarged prostate (known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia,
or BPH)
3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency, a rare genetic
condition
Isovaleric acidemia, also a rare genetic condition
Leg ulcers (when applied to the skin).
Sometimes glycine is also claimed to help protect the liver
and kidneys and to help prevent cancer.
Deficiency Symtoms
There are no known symptoms of glycine deficiency.
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Histidine
It is amino imidazolepropionic acid and appears to be essential
for growth, but not for the maintenance of nitrogen equilibrium.
It is not synthesized in the body, but is synthesized in the micro-organism.
The histidine, like arginine is nutrionally semiessential, as
adult human can be maintained in nitrogen balance for short periods
in the absence of histidine.
The decarboxylation of histidine gives histamine. This is catalysed
by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, as well as enzyme histidine
deccarboxylase present in most cells. The decarboxylase is inhibited
by methyl amino acids, which this is used as antihypertensive
agents. The histamine formation is concerned with initiating and
sustaining rapid tissue growth.
Benefits of Histidine
It has important actions on the circulation, on smooth muscle,
on secretions, and in producing itch or possibly pain.
Needed for growth and for the repair of tissue and act as protector
for nerve cells.
Helps to protect the body from damage caused by radiation and
in removing heavy metals from the body.
Histamine increases the tone of most types of smooth muscle,
e.g. intestine and bronchioles.
Histidine may be beneficial to people suffering from arthritis
and nerve deafness.
helpful in producing gastric juices, and people with deficiency
of gastric juices or suffering from indigestion
Deficiency of Histidine
Deficiency of Histidine is not known but it is reported that an
increase in the intake of this nutrient helps with the lengthening
of orgasms and also more intense sexual enjoyment.
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Hydroxyproline
Hydroxyproline Amino acid mainly in connective tissue proteins
(collagen and elastin); incorporated into the protein as proline
and then hydroxylated in a vitamin-C-dependent reaction. Peptides
of hydroxyproline are excreted in the urine and the output is
increased when collagen turnover is high, as in rapid growth or
resorption of tissue.
Made from Proline to make collagen, strengthens ligaments, tendons,
blood vessels and provides skin elasticity.
Hydroxyproline is produced by hydroxylation of the amino acid
proline by the enzyme prolyl hydroxylase following protein synthesis
(as a post-translational modification). The enzyme catalysed reaction
takes place in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum.
Hydroxyproline is a major component of the protein collagen. Hydroxyproline
and proline play key roles for collagen stability. They permit
the sharp twisting of the collagen helix. In the canonical collagen
Xaa-Yaa-Gly triad (where Xaa and Yaa are any amino acid), a proline
occupying the Yaa position is hydroxylated to give a Xaa-Hyp-Gly
sequence. This modification of the proline residue increases the
stability of the collagen triple helix. It was initially proposed
that the stabilization was due to water molecules forming a hydrogen
bonding network linking the prolyl hydroxyl groups and the main-chain
carbonyl groups. It was subsequently shown that the increase in
stability is primarily through stereoelectronic effects and that
hydration of the hydroxyproline residues provides little or no
additional stability.
Hydroxyproline is found in few proteins other than collagen. The
only other mammalian protein that includes hydroxyproline is elastin.
For this reason, hydroxyproline content has been used as an indicator
to determine collagen and/or gelatin amount.
Deficiency of Hydroxyproline
Easy bruising, internal bleeding, breakdown of connective tissue,
ligaments, tendons and blood vessel damage
Deficiency of hydroxyproline will only occur if there is a deficiency
of vitamin C, producing the skin lesions.
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Isoleucine
Isoleucine is an amino acid that is best known for its ability
to increase endurance and help heal and repair muscle tissue and
encourage clotting at the site of injury. This amino acid is especially
important to serious athletes and body builders because its primary
function in the body is to boost energy and help the body recover
from strenuous physical activity.
Isoleucine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). There are three
branched-chain amino acids in the body, isoleucine, valine, and
leucine, and all of them help promote muscle recovery after exercise.
Isoleucine is actually broken down for energy within the muscle
tissue. Is also keeps energy levels stable by helping to regulate
blood sugar; a deficiency of isoleucine produces symptoms similar
to those of hypoglycemia, and may include headaches, dizziness,
fatigue, depression, confusion, and irritability.
Isoleucine is an essential acid, which means that it cannot be
manufactured in the body and must be obtained through dietary
sources. Good sources of isoleucine include high-protein foods,
such as nuts, seeds, meat, eggs, fish, lentils, peas, and soy
protein. People that exercise a lot or that have a low-protein
diet should consider supplementation. Isoleucine is also available
in stand-alone supplemental form, but should always be taken together
with the other two branched-chain amino acids, leucine and valine.
The ideal balance is 2 milligrams of leucine and valine for each
1 milligram of isoleucine. Combination supplements that provide
all three of the BCAAs may be more convenient.
Benefits of Isoleucine
It helps in the production of energy in the body
Used as supplements for body (muscle) building.
Helps in the muscle recovery after physical exercise.
Needed for the formation of hemoglobin as well as assisting
with regulation of blood sugar levels.
Deficiency of Isoleucine
• Deficient in dietary protein.
Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression,
confusion as well as irritability.
Isoleucine has been found to be deficient in people suffering
from many different mental and physical disorders.
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Leucine
Leucine works with the amino acids isoleucine and valine to repair
muscles, regulate blood sugar, and provide the body with energy.
It also increases production of growth hormones, and helps burn
visceral fat, which is located in the deepest layers of the body
and the least responsive to dieting and exercise.
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain amino acids
(BCAAs), and all three of them help promote muscle recovery after
exercise. Leucine is the most effective BCAA for preventing muscle
loss because it breaks down and is converted to glucose more quickly
than isoleucine and valine. Increased glucose supplies prevent
the bodys cannibalization of muscle for energy during intense
workouts, so it is no surprise that this amino acid supplement
is popular among professional body builders. Leucine also promotes
the healing of bones, skin, and muscle tissue after traumatic
injury, and is often recommended for those recovering from surgery.
Benefits of Leucine
Because it is so easily converted to glucose, leucine helps to
regulate blood sugar; a deficiency of leucine produces symptoms
similar to those of hypoglycemia, which may include headaches,
dizziness, fatigue, depression, confusion, and irritability.
Natural sources of leucine include brown rice, beans, meat, nuts,
soy flour, and whole wheat. Leucine is an essential amino acid,
which means that it cannot be manufactured in the body and must
be obtained through dietary sources. People that exercise a lot,
have a low-protein diet, or are seriously trying to build muscle
mass should consider leucine supplementation. Leucine is also
available in stand-alone supplemental form, but should always
be taken together with the other two branched-chain amino acids,
isoleucine and valine. The ideal balance is 2 milligrams of leucine
and valine for each 1 milligram of isoleucine. Combination supplements
that provide all three of the BCAAs may be more convenient.
Deficiency of Leucine
Excess of leucine in daily diet may be a precipitating factor
in developing pellagra.
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Lysine
Lysine is a necessary amino acid in the creation of carnitine,
which helps to change fatty acids into power and also helps to
keep up the blood cholesterol in the human beings. It is also
a significant amino acid for development. Lysine appears to help
the body absorb and conserve calcium and it plays a vital role
in the creation of collagen, a substance significant for bones
and connective tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage.
Lysine is one of the essential amino acids that the body needs
for building proteins. RNA arranges these amino acids in different
sequences in order to make different proteins.
Benefits of Lysine
It is necessary for development and bone growth.
Required to create antibodies, hormones, enzymes, collagen formation
as well as repair of tissue.
Vital for the patients recovering from injuries as it helps
in the building of muscle proteins.
Lysine helps to keep up the healthy blood vessels.
Helps in fighting herpes and cold sores.
Important in the production of carnitine, which helps to change
fatty acids into energy.
Helps to keep up the blood cholesterol.
L-lysine can be used to treat mouth and genital lesions caused
by herpes simplex virus and shingles.
Certain forms of lysine bound to anti-inflammatory medications
may help relieve the pain following an episiotomy.
Deficiency of Lysine
Deficiency of lysine in the diet can lead to the creation of
kidney stones and other health related troubles
Fatigue, slow growth, anemia, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite,
agitation, bloodshot eyes and reproductive disorders.
Vegetarians are also found to be at risk from lysine deficiency
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Methionine
Methionine is an essential amino acid and a good source of sulfur,
which prevents disorders of the hair, skin, and nails. It assists
the breakdown of fats, thus helping to prevent a buildup of fat
in the liver and arteries, that might obstruct blood flow to the
brain, heart, and kidneys. It helps to detoxify harmful agents
such as lead and other heavy metals. It helps diminish muscle
weakness; protects against the affects of radiation. It is beneficial
for women who take oral contraceptives because it promotes the
excretion of estrogen. It reduces the level of histamine in the
body which can cause the brain to relay wrong messages. Methionine
can be helpful to individuals suffering from schizophrenia. It
is required in the body for making nucleic acid and collagen,
and protein synthesis. The body can make cysteine, another amino
acid, from methionine but not vice versa. It can also make choline,
a vitamin of the B complex group, in the body with the aid of
vitamin B12 and folacin, provided the diet is high in protein.
It acts as an antioxidant, and as such, removes harmful free radicals
from the body.
Methionine in lipotropic combinations has been proposed for treating
endometriosis, a condition in which patches of endometrial tissue
from the uterine lining grow outside the uterus. Methionine is
an especially important nutrient beneficial for those suffering
from estrogen dominance, where the amount of estrogen in the body
is excessively high when compared to its opposing hormone called
progesterone. The nutrient is believed to help by expediting the
removal of excess estrogen from the liver.
Methionine is both an antioxidant and lipotrope, meaning it helps
remove fat from the liver. Methionine contributes to the hydrophobicity
of a protein. Methionine controls the level of beneficial sulfur-containing
compounds in the body. These sulfur-containing compounds are in
turn vital for defending against toxic compounds like heavy metals
in the liver. Methionine helps reduce histamine levels, which
are amino acids that control dilation of blood vessels and influence
brain function.
Benefits of Methionine
Methionine is of key importance for the health of the liver.
It protects the liver from fatty degeneration.
This amino acid helps dissolve cholesterol and assimilates fat.
It is required by the pancreas, lymph nodes, and the spleen,
and is essential for the synthesis of haemoglobin.
It is necessary for the maintenance of normal body weight.
Helps to maintain the proper nitrogen balance in the body.
Prevent tumour formation.
Methionine is considered to be one of the body's most powerful
detoxifying agents.
It detoxifies histamine when levels of the latter are high in
schizophrenic patients.
Valuable in cases of high blood cholesterol, as it brings down
the blood cholesterol levels.
Deficiency of Methionine
Methionine deficiency is caused by an abundance of the ί-chain
of ί-conglycinin, a seed storage protein that lacks methionine.
This is associated with a deficiency of S-adenosylmethionine which
acts as an endogenous anti-depressant. Most people consume plenty
of methionine through a typical diet .
Lower intakes during pregnancy have been associated with neural
tube defects in newborns.
Methionine deficiency (primarily in salmonids) leads to reduced
growth rate with the development of bilateral cataracts.
Hardening of the liver(cirrhosis), and nephritis of the kidneys,
resulting in an incomplete form of folic acid.
Can cause apathy, loss of pigmentation in hair, edema, lethargy,liver
damage, muscle loss, fat loss, skin lesions, weakness.
Deficiency of methionine can be the cause of choline deficiency,
as it can lead to retention of fat in the liver.
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Phenylalanine
henylalanine is an essential amino acid that is needed for normal
functioning of the central nervous system. It has been used successfully
to help control symptoms of depression and chronic pain, as well
as other diseases linked to a malfunctioning central nervous system.
Phenylalanine is especially effective for treating brain disorders
because it is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain
barrier is a protective barrier formed by the red blood cells
and the glia of the brain that protects the brain from any toxins,
bacteria, and viruses, etc., that are circulating through the
bloodstream. Only chemicals that are able to cross this barrier
can directly affect brain function.
Phenylalanine may undergo bacterial breakdown in the intestine
by the bacterial enzyme with the formation of phenyl acetic acid.
This phenyl acetic acid may be converted into benzoic acid. These
toxic substances are absorbed and detoxicated in the liver. Like
all other amino acids, phenylalanine also takes part in the synthesis
of tissue protein.
The body needs phenylalanine to make epinephrine, dopamine, and
norepinephrine, three neurotransmitters that basically control
the way you perceive and interact with your environment. Phenylalanine
supplementation may help you feel happier, less hungry and more
alert; it has also to treat chronic pain and improve memory and
concentration. Recent research indicates that phenylalanine, which
aids in melatonin production, may be effective for treatment of
vitiligo, a condition that causes white patches on the skin. Subjects
treated by these researchers took 50 to 100 milligrams oral L-phenylalanine
and applied topical 10 percent phenylalanine gel each day and
reported an average improvement rate of 83 percent.
Phenylalanine is available in three chemical forms: L-phenylalanine,
the natural form of phenylalanine found in proteins throughout
the body; (2) D-phenylalanine, a mirror image of L-phenylalanine
that is synthesized in a laboratory; and (3) DL-phenylalanine,
a combination of the previous two forms.
Benefits of Phenylalanine
Helps reduce chronic pain associated with certain health conditions
by stimulating nerve pathways in the brain that control
pain.
May improve rigidity, walking disabilities, speech difficulties,
and depression associated with Parkinson's disease.
Combining L-phenylalanine (oral and topical) with UVA radiation
for people with vitiligo (a condition characterized by irregular
depigmentation or white patches of skin) may lead
to some darkening or repigmentation of the whitened areas, particularly
on
the face.
Phenylalanine acts as an analgesic. It also acts as an appetite
suppressant by administrating the release of an intestinal
hormone that signals the brain to feel satiated after
eating. As an analgesic, it has been shown to decrease back pain,
toothaches, and pain associated with migraine headaches.
Improvement in mood by enhancing the production of brain chemicals
such as dopamine and norepinephrine.
Deficiency of Phenylalanine
Confusion, lack of energy, decreased alertness, decreased memory,
and diminished appetite.
Slow growth, weakness, apathy, muscle loss.
A rare metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) occurs
in people who are missing an enzyme that is needed to properly
metabolize phenylalanine
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Proline
Proline or L-proline is an amino acid found in high amounts in
collagen and the peptide gluten. Collagen fibres are found in
the tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body. Proline
also promotes the formation of bone, skin and cartilage and it
is extremely important for the proper functioning of joints and
tendons, also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles and
is helpful in tissue repair after injury, or for any type of wound
healing. Proline is also involved in energy production. The collagen
superfamily is highly complex and shows a remarkable diversity
in molecular and supramolecular organization, tissue distribution
and function. However, all its members share a common structural
feature, the presence of at least one triple-helical domain, which
corresponds to a number of (Gly-X-Y)n repeats (X being frequently
proline and Y hydroxyproline) in the amino acid sequence.
It is considered to be a non-essential nutrient, because the body
is capable of creating it on its own within healthy individuals.
When individuals do not have special conditions or situations
that put them at risk for L-proline deficiency, it is normally
not necessary to add supplements.
Proline is produced by glutamic acid. While the body is capable
of producing its own supply of proline, it can also be found in
natural food sources of meat.
Benefits of Proline
Proline helps the body break down proteins for use in creating
healthy cells in the body.
Proline helps to prevent the further build-up of atherosclerotic deposits; second
It helps to release already deposited fat globules from the blood vessel wall into the blood stream.
Proline is an amino acid needed for the production of collagen and cartilage.
It keeps muscles and joints flexible
It helps reduce sagging and wrinkling that accompany UV exposure and normal aging of the skin.
Deficiency of Proline
Deficiency is rare in healthy individuals with a healthy diet.
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Serine
Serine is a non-essential amino acid derived from the amino acid glycine. It is important to overall good health, both physical and mental. Serine is especially important to proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system.
Serine helps form the phospholipids needed to make every cell in your body. It is also involved in the function of RNA and DNA, fat and fatty acid metabolism, muscle formation, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. The proteins used to form the brain, as well as the protective myelin sheaths that cover the nerves, contain serine. Without serine, the myelin sheaths could fray and become less efficient at delivering messages between the brain and nerve endings in the body, essentially short circuiting mental function.
Serine is also needed to produce tryptophan, an amino acid that is used to make serotonin, a mood-determining brain chemical. Both serotonin and tryptophan shortages have been linked to depression, insomnia, confusion, and anxiety. Research suggests that low levels of serine may contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM).
Serine helps produce immunoglobulins and antibodies for a strong immune system, and also aids in the absorption of creatine, a substance made from amino acids that helps build and maintain all the muscles in the body, including the heart.
Benefits of Serine
It plays roles in protein, fatty acid, genetic code carriers
(DNA and RNA) synthesis, and muscle build-up.
Serine is a constituent
in the brain and protective covers of nerves.
It
is an important amino acid for the proper functioning of the brain
and nervous system.
Boosts healthy immune
system by aiding the production of antibodies.
Serine is also a component of all cell membranes.
Additional serines health benefits come indirectly through its effect on other biochemicals. For example, serine is a precursor for the production of amino acids such as glycine, cystein, and tryptophan . Tryptophan, necessary for the synthesis of serotonin and functioning of neurotransmitters, is known to help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
Deficiency of Serine
Serine deficiency symptoms include slow or delayed cognitive and physical skills (psychomotor retardation)
Seizures and microcephaly. Microcephaly refers to health condition
in which the head size is smaller than normal and is
caused by
underdevelopment of the brain.
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Threonine
Threonine is an essential amino acid that promotes normal growth by helping to maintain the proper protein balance in the body. Threonine also supports cardiovascular, liver, central nervous, and immune system function.
Threonine is needed to create glycine and serine, two amino acids that are necessary for the production of collagen, elastin, and muscle tissue. Threonine helps keep connective tissues and muscles throughout the body strong and elastic, including the heart, where it is found in significant amounts. It also helps build strong bones and tooth enamel, and may speed wound healing or recovery from injury.
Threonine combines with the amino acids aspartic acid and methione to help the liver with lipotropic function, or the digestion of fats and fatty acids. Without enough threonine in the body, fats could build up in the liver and ultimately cause liver failure.
Threonine is an essential amino acid, which means it must be obtained from dietary sources. Dairy foods, meat, grains, mushrooms, and leafy vegetables all contain threonine, so threonine deficiency is not likely if you have a balanced diet. However, strict vegetarians or vegans may want to consider threonine supplementation, since meat is by far the more superior source of this amino acidthe threonine content of grains is very low. Symptoms of threonine deficiency include emotional agitation, confusion, digestion difficulties and fatty liver. Threonine is available in protein supplements such as protein powder/bars and amino acid tablets. The standard dose is between 103 and 500 milligrams per day. Exceeding the recommended doses of threonine can disrupt liver function, and cause the formation of too much urea, and consequently ammonia toxicity, in your body.
Benefits of Threonine
It is required to help maintain the proper protein balance in the body, as well as it also helps in the formation of collagen and elastin in the skin.
Threonine is an important part of many proteins in the body and is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel.
It is further involved in liver functioning (including fighting fatty liver), lipotropic functions when combined with aspartic acid and methionine as well as assisting the immune system by helping the production of antibodies and promotes thymus growth and activity.
Threonine is useful in the stabilization of blood sugar because it can be converted into glucose in the liver by the process of gluconeogenesis.
It also helps in the recovery after the injury. One study has shown that a cream containing cysteine, glycine and DL-threonine may help reduce the pain and decrease healing time of leg ulcers due to poor circulation.
The role of threonine in the functioning of the nervous system is highlighted by the body's increased demand for this amino acid during times of stress. It has been used as a supplement to help alleviate anxiety and some cases of depression.
Other nutrients are also better absorbed when threonine is present, and it has also been used as part treatment of mental health.
Deficiency of Threonine
has shown that threonine deficiency has caused higher nitrogen excretion and higher blood urea. Histpathological analyses showed lower number of acidic mucin-producing goblet cells in the duodenum and ileum (parts of small intestine)
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Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. This means that it cannot be synthesized by the organism and therefore must be part of its diet. Amino acids, including tryptophan, act as building blocks in protein biosynthesis. This amino acid is neither ketogenic nor glycogenic. Tryptophan may suffer bacterial putrefaction in the intestine causing the creation of indolacetic acid, indole, indoxyl, skatole and a lot of other compounds. These are toxic substances and later than being wrapped up are detoxified in the liver by conjugation with sulphuric acid and glucoronic acid.
Tryptophan is essential for the production of the B vitamin, niacin, which is vital for the brain to manufacture the key neurotransmitter, serotonin. Tryptophan is also known as a sleep-inducing amino acid. It is also known as a sleep-inducing amino acid.
Tryptophan is a precursor of key neurotransmitter serotonin, which exerts a calming effect. It stimulates the release of growth hormones. Tryptophan's free form is unavailable in the U.S. It is only available in natural food sources.
Benefits of Tryptophan
Tryptophan has two important functions. First, a small amount of the tryptophan we get in our diet (about 3%) is converted into niacin (vitamin B3) by the liver. This change can help stop the symptoms linked with niacin deficiency when dietary intake of this vitamin is low.
The major purpose of tryptophan is as a building block in protein synthesis.
Tryptophan has also been point to as an aid for schizophrenic patients.
Tryptophan helps the anxious agitated depressive to counterbalance.
Restoring a sense of well-being and behavioral self-control.
Tryptophan may be a useful adjunct to L-Dopa/ deprenyl treatment of Parkinson's.
Tryptophan serves as a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps the body control appetite,
sleep patterns, and mood.
Because of its capability to increase serotonin levels.
Tryptophan has been used therapeutically in the treatment of
insomnia, depression, and anxiety.
Tryptophan also helps to decrease the anger and aggression.
Deficiency Symptoms of Tryptophan
As an essential amino acid, dietary deficiency of tryptophan may cause the symptoms characteristic of protein deficiency, which include weight loss and impaired growth in infants and children.
Deficiency of Tryptophan
Depression
suicide
PMS
Anxiety
Alcoholism
Insomnia
Aggression
Compulsive gambling and violence.
Suicidal behavior, compulsive gambling, unreasonably dangerous thrill seeking behavior and pyromania have been shown to be correlated with low serotonin neural motion, combined with extreme dopaminergic or noradrenergic activity.
When accompanied by dietary niacin deficiency, be short of of tryptophan in the diet may also reason pellagra, the classic niacin deficiency disease that is characterize by the "4 Ds"
dermatitis
diarrhea
dementia
death.
This circumstance is very rare in the United States, however, and cannot take place simply because of a tryptophan deficiency.
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Tyrosine
Tyrosine is nonessential amino acid because it is synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. Tyrosine has a sparing action because if tyrosine is fed then phenylalanine require of the body is decreased. Tyrosine has got an immense metabolic position in the body. It is ketogenic as well as glycogenic.
Both phenylalanine and tyrosine are metabolized from end to end the ordinary pathways. Phenylalanine is at first but irreversibly hydroxylated to tyrosine. Tyrosine then undergoes series of metabolic changes leading to the creation of hormones and melanin.
Tyrosine was primary isolated from casein in 1849 and is plentiful in insulin as well as the enzyme papain and can be synthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine in the body.
It is a predecessor of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, nor epinephrine and dopamine, all of them tremendously important in the brain and transmits nerve impulses and prevents depression. Dopamine is also vital to mental function and seems to play a role in sex drive
L-Tyrosine is created by skin cells into melanin, the dark pigment that protects next to the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Thyroid hormones, which have a role in almost every procedure in the body, also include tyrosine as part of their structure.
Tyrosine and tryptophan have with been used with some achievement in the cure of cocaine abuse and in an additional study it was combined with the antidepressant Imipramine to treat chronic cocaine abuse where it was reported that the combination blocked the cocaine high and prevented the severe misery that accompanies withdrawal.
Benefits of Tyrosine
Helpful in suppressing the appetite and reducing body fat
Producing skin and hair pigment
Helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid as well as the pituitary and adrenal gland.
Proved effective in alleviating stress and maintenance them more attentive
Helps to calm the body, raise power and enhance libido.
Transformed into the skin pigment melanin that protects the skin from damaging UV light rays.
Deficiency of Tyrosine
Tyrosine, a parent amino acid for skin, hair, and eye pigments and is involved in syndromes, known generally as oculocutaneous albinism, that are characterized by the failure to form melanin pigments, resulting in partial or complete albinism.
It is also the precursor amino acid for the thyroid gland hormone thyroxin and an imperfection in this may outcome in hypothyroidism and rise of the thyroid gland (goiter), severe development failure and retardation of central nervous system growth.
A shortage may also have symptoms of low blood pressure, low body temperature and "restless leg syndrome".
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Valine
Valine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) that works with the other two BCAAs, isoleucine and leucine, to promote normal growth, repair tissues, regulate blood sugar, and provide the body with energy. Valine helps stimulate the central nervous system, and is needed for proper mental functioning.
Valine helps prevent the breakdown of muscle by supplying the muscles with extra glucose for energy production during intense physical activity. Valine also helps remove potentially toxic excess nitrogen from the liver, and is able to transport nitrogen to other tissues in the body as needed. Valine may help treat liver and gallbladder disease, as well as damage to these organs caused by alcoholism and drug abuse. Valine may help treat or even reverse hepatic encephalopathy, or alcohol-related brain damage.
Valine is an essential amino acid, which means that it cannot be manufactured in the body and must be obtained through dietary sources. Natural sources of valine include meats, dairy products, mushrooms, peanuts, and soy protein. Although most people get enough valine from their diet, there have been recorded cases of valine deficiency.
Valine is a member of the branched-chain amino acid family, along with leucine and isoleucine. The three branched-chain amino acids constitute approximately 70 percent of the amino acids in the body proteins. As such, their value in the formation and maintenance of structural and functional integrity in humans is unmeasured. Supplemental valine should always be combined with isoleucine and leucine at a respective milligram ratio of 2:1:2.
Valine also participates in the detoxification of ammonia and works along with alpha-ketoglutarate. It may be an important amino acid in the prevention of muscle wasting in diabetes and in the prevention of ammonia toxicity in older-aged individuals who are hospitalized.
Benefits of Valine
It is needed for muscle metabolism, tissue repair, and the maintenance
of a proper nitrogen balance in the body.
It may be helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease.
It is good for correcting the type of severe amino acid deficiencies
that can be caused by drug addiction.
It may also be beneficial in treating or reversing hepatic encephalopathy, or alcohol related brain damage, as well as
degenerative neurological conditions.
Deficiency of Valine
Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is caused by the inability to metabolize leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The disease is so named because urine from affected people smells like maple syrup. A deficiency may affect the myelin covering of the nerves.
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