5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is an amino acid regularly made by the body from tryptophan which is an essential amino acid and converts it to an important brain chemical called serotonin.
Hydroxytryptophan is readily manufactured by the body from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan found in most dietary proteins during periods of low serotonin levels. It is not present in large quantities in a normal diet but can usually be found in turkey, chicken, milk, potatoes, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, turnip, seaweed and collard greens. Supplemental hydroxytryptophan is naturally derived from the seeds of a West African herbal plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
Hydroxytryptophan is very useful in treating a variety of psychological conditions due to its effects of increasing serotonin levels in the brain. The neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for a lot of behavior and mood responses which is why hydroxytryptophan effectively treats depression, obesity, insomnia, fibromyalgia, migraine, headache, anxiety, aggression, pain sensation, abnormal sleep patterns and temperature, and sexual behavior. It also improves appetite, mood, and the overall mental state of the person.
In cases of fibromyalgia, which presents symptoms of tender joints and muscles and fatigue, hydroxytryptophan raises pain tolerance, as well as improve sleep quality, thereby relieving feelings of body weakness and malaise.
Depression is easily treated by raising serotonin levels, which will eventually relieve mood, anxiety and other physical symptoms like insomnia associated with the disorder. It also has significant effects in children experiencing migraines and headaches.
Low tryptophan levels may cause excess fat and carbohydrate intake and lead to weight gain, obesity, and other complications, like diabetes or heart conditions. Supplementation will alleviate risks and predisposing factors leading to these ailments. On the other hand, it helps improve appetite to a manageable level or probably temporarily suppress appetite, as well -- helping the person lose weight in the process.
Stress relief is another known effect of hydroxytryptophan by improving low serotonin levels and encouraging feelings of worth, confidence, relaxation, personal security and concentration.
Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that helps the body to build protein as well as convert glucose into energy and eliminate liver toxins. It is one of the simplest amino acids and is widely used in protein construction. It is an amino acid because of the carbon atom in its molecular structure and plays a major role in transferring nitrogen throughout the body.
Alanine is primarily found in poultry, beef, pork, fish, avocado, eggs and dairy products because it is a building block of protein. Almost all animal sources of protein are full of alanine. Inside the human body, muscle contraction results in increased alanine levels.
As a building block of protein, alanine is an amino acid which is effective in building strong and healthy muscles. It protects cells and muscle fibers from being damaged extensively during intense physical activity as the body tends to cannibalize muscle protein for energy. Alanine is primarily used by the body to draw sugar from as an energy source.
Alanine balances nitrogen and glucose levels in the body through the alanine cycle which is a series of chemical actions that aims to provide energy while preserving muscle protein.
As alanine maintains glucose levels in the body, energy supply is kept at manageable levels even in long and intense activity. Blood sugar level also is maintained which can be helpful for people with type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes. Aside from usual insulin shots, patients take an oral dose of L-alanine to prevent nighttime hypoglycemia or dawn phenomenon.
Sometimes the body cannot produce alanine effectively so supplements may have to be taken by people with low-protein diets, eating disorders, liver disease, diabetes or genetic conditions that cause Urea Cycle Disorders or UCDs.
Fluid in the prostate gland contains alanine which can treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, a condition of the prostate being enlarged with urination discomfort.
Arginine is an essential amino acid, meaning it is a building block of protein. Protein is the building block of all living cells so arginine effectively maintains and optimizes tissue growth and repair. It also boosts nitric oxide which is a vasodilating compound.
Arginine is found in high-protein food like milk, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, seafood and other meats. It also can be found in chocolate, wheat germ, flour, granola, oatmeal and cheese. As an essential amino acid, it cannot be manufactured readily by the body which is why supplementation or healthy diet is advised to avoid deficiency.
The amino acid arginine have been successfully used to prevent aging, heart disease, enhance memory and immunity, eliminate depression, control stress, improve sleep patterns, treat arthritis, herpes, alcoholism, allergies and promote hair growth.
As for its immunity-enhancing effects, it releases Human Growth Hormone or HGH which improves muscle mass and injury and wound healing. It increases thymus gland size by boosting T lymphocyte manufacturing which is very effective for people suffering from AIDS and other immunosuppressing disabilities.
Furthermore, arginine can help reverse atherosclerosis due to its LDL lowering effects. It prevents heart and circulatory ailments, combats fatigue and fights cancer. As it boosts nitric oxide levels, the compound relaxes blood vessels relieving predisposition to clots, angina and heart problems.
As a sexual potency reactor, it stimulates insulin release by activating the pituitary gland which is a component of Human Growth Hormone. People report longer and intense orgasms with arginine intake. Arginine is found in seminal fluid while L-arginine is proven effective in male sexual health by treating sterility.
It is generally involved in skin and connective tissue processes. Human Growth Hormone boosting abilities of arginine heals and repairs damaged tissues and forms collagen which improves bone and tendon strength. Arginine is also equally important in pancreas and liver treatment, neutralizing ammonia in the liver.
Cysteine is a sulfur-containing non-essential amino acid closely related to cystine. Cystine itself consists of two cysteine molecules joined together and can easily break down as such because of its unstable characteristics. On the other hand, cysteine is also an unstable nutrient which can easily join to form cystine as needed by the body. Being a non-essential amino acid, the body can synthesize both nutrients if there is adequate methionine available.
Cysteine is synthesized by the body effectively from the amino acid methionine. It can also be found in most high-protein food sources like poultry, meat, eggs, vegetables, wheat products, wheat germ, oats, milk, whey protein as well as garlic, onions and red peppers.
It is generally known for its antioxidant properties. Detoxification is one important function of cysteine, ridding the body of harmful toxins and protecting brain and liver condition from alcohol, drugs and other destructive substances. By preventing damage caused by aspirin and other drugs, it keeps the protective lining of the stomach and intestines intact.
It is required in detoxification processes in some parts of your body such as the skin, nails and hair. It also enhances collagen production and improves skin elasticity and texture. It is mostly present in beta-keratin in hair which maintains smoothness and vibrant condition.
Cysteine aids in human metabolism because of its rich sulfur content. Sulfur is an important element for metabolism and other digestive processes by breaking down biochemicals. This non-essential amino acid can be indeed essential for treating metabolic diseases or malabsorption syndromes as it is commonly used in infants and elderly.
Manufacture of the amino acid taurine also requires cysteine which is a component of the antioxidant gluthione. Cysteine is also vital in the metabolism of certain essential biochemicals by breaking down coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, lipoid acid and glutathione.
Being the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream, glutamine is a major building block of protein. It is a conditionally essential amino acid meaning it is normally produced in the body but can exceed the body’s ability to synthesize it under certain physical conditions. In addition most dietary protein contains ample amounts of glutamine and healthy people usually obtain all the additional glutamine that they need in their diet.
Most glutamine is stored in muscles and the lungs where it is mostly manufactured. It can be found in many high-protein foods such as fish, meat, beans and dairy products and vegetables like raw parsley and spinach. Most dietary proteins already have ample amounts of glutamine which people obtain in their usual diet.
Glutamine effectively replenishes amino acid stores used up for exercise and daily activities which is why it is commonly used as a supplement by athletes. It is highly recommended for individuals suffering from physical trauma, immune deficiencies and cancer.
It alleviates most conditions pertaining to the gastrointestinal tract through its cleansing properties. It has a high intestinal extraction rate compared to other amino acids and effectively reduces septic morbidity and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Recent studies also indicate good intestinal effects by enhancing gut barrier function and maintaining intestinal cell proliferation and differentiation. The extent of glutamine clinical benefits is still unknown because of the varied concentrations present in food.
Parenteral nutrition regimens with glutamine have also been conducted to hasten healing in post-operative patients by improving nitrogen balances, generation of cysteinyl-leukotrienes from polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes, lymphocyte recovery and intestinal permeability.
Glutamine deficiency can predispose a lot of physiological stress in patients suffering from cancer and other physical stress or trauma which can be aggravated by chemotherapy or radiation therapy which is why it is oftentimes used as a supplement to provide relief. The conditionally essential amino acid then protects normal tissues from cancer treatments while sensitizing tumor cells to the agents. It has also been reported to reduce gastrointestinal, nervous system, and heart complications from cancer therapy.
Chemotherapeutic agents present several side effects which oral glutamine can help minimize such as diarrhea and other gastrointestinal syndromes, mucositosis and fungal and bacterial infection. It also seems to prevent toxicity of the cancer drug fluorouracil.
Glutamine may sometimes be called an immunonutrient because of its function of protecting and filtering the body of foreign entities.
Glycine is a sweet tasting protein amino acid that was first isolated in 1820 from gelatin. It is a non-essential amino acid which the body cells synthesize normally to meet physiologic requirements. It can be manufactured from serine and threonine which makes dietary intake unneeded. The amino acid serine can easily be converted from glycine if needed by the body. It is the simplest form of amino acid and does not have chirality.
Glycine can be found in most high-protein foods like fish, meat, beans, and dairy products. It is also present in high quantities of silk fibroin. It is also available in the prostate fluid in fairly large amounts.
All life form proteins contain glycine. Most of it is found in proteins while free glycine is found in body fluids and plants. A normal daily diet consists of approximately two grams of glycine.
Glycine is required in the building of body proteins and the synthesis of nucleic acids. DNA, RNA, bile and other amino acid formation in the body also requires it.
It is also proven to be very useful in its effects of enhancing calcium absorption, supplying extra creatine which in turn prevents muscle atrophy and maintaining prostate health.
Glycine along with gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA is also used as a major inhibitory neurotransmitter which helps prevent epileptic seizures and in the treatment of manic-depressive and hyperactive patients. It is commonly used by the nervous system in the body.
It is a major component required in the synthesis of proteins, peptides, purines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nucleic acids, porphyrins, hemoglobin, glutathione, creatine, bile salts, one-carbon fragments, glucose, glycogen, L-serine and other amino acids.
The antioxidant qualities of glycine also suffice high intracellular calcium ions and diminish oxidant damage caused by white blood cell components called neutrophils.
Histidine is a basic essential amino acid due to its aromatic nitrogen-heterocyclic imidazole side chain. Histamine is the neurotransmitter formed from metabolized histidine that produces the enzymes responsible for histidine synthesis. It is sufficient in adults but children need to be supplemented. Being a precursor of histamine, histidine is formed during an allergic reaction. Histidinemia is an inborn histidine metabolism error due to histidase deficiency.
Histidine is manufactured by the body to produce histamine during allergic reactions as an anti-inflammatory. Like many amino acids, it is present in most high-protein food like meat, eggs and wheat and dairy products. Although the body naturally produces histidine, shortage can come easily during periods of illness. It is also readily available in capsule and powder forms along with other amino acid products.
It is generally useful for tissue growth and repair and maintains myelin sheaths that act as protectors for nerve cells. As it manufactures red and white blood cells, it further protects the body from damage caused by radiation.
It also has proven effects on the central nervous system and generous histamine production therefore manic-depressive patients, those with kidney and liver complaints and pregnant women must consult a physician first before supplementing as any one amino acid may disrupt nitrogen levels and cause an imbalance in the body’s detoxification processes.
Histidine is also a natural detoxifier and prevents the onset of AIDS due to its function as red and white blood cell manufacturer. It is helpful to the immune system by informing the body of an impending or current allergic attack. Furthermore, it aids in digestion by producing gastric juices in the stomach. As for joint care, histidine supplements relieve rheumatoid arthritis and nerve damage.
It is important in normal sexual functioning because its conversion into histamine is a prerequisite to sexual arousal. It then increases sexual pleasure by boosting histamine levels when coming into contact with vitamin B6 and B3.
Optimum mental and physical health have been linked to appropriate levels of histidine but be cautious about excessive doses as it may cause anxiety or schizophrenia.
Histidine levels in the body must be balanced to ensure good mental and physical health. High levels of this amino acid have been linked to the presence of psychological disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia while low levels may result to deafness or rheumatoid arthritis.
Isoleucine can be obtained through dietary sources. Foods such as almonds, cashews, chicken, eggs, fish, lentils, peas, liver, and meat are rich in Isoleucide. Pork, mutton, pulses, soya beans, cottage cheese, milk, piyal seeds, and cereal grains are also rich in Isoleucide.
Isoleucine (together with leucine and valine) promotes the muscle tissue recovery of the body and boosts body energy after physical exercise. It serves as a great supplement for people involved with extreme and strenuous athletic activity under extreme pressure and also high altitude. It has the ability to increase the body’s endurance and helps the body to recover from strenuous physical activity.
Isoleucine is also an essential component for the formation of hemoglobin, it also assists with the regulation of the body’s blood sugar level, and it also has the ability to stabilize the body’s energy level. It is also involved in the blood-clot formation promoting clot formation at the site of injury. Isoleucine can be also used to promote tissue repair on patients who are suffering from trauma and wounds caused by an operation.
There is substantial evidence that isoleucine has the ability to support the anabolic effects of branched-chain amino acids on muscle protein synthesis. This means that Isoleucine is responsible for improved protein synthesis and can be used to people who are suffering from muscle protein loss. Proteins are the basic building blocks of the body. It is responsible for the development of the muscles, blood, skin, nails, hairs and internal organs.
There are 20 kinds of amino acids that are required for the growth of the human body and all except eight can be produced in an adult body. Isoleucine is an essential amino acid and cannot be manufactured in the body. Isoleucine is actually broken down for energy within the muscle tissue. Deficiency of isoleucine produces symptoms similar to those of hypoglycemia, and may include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, confusion, and irritability.
Leucine is an essential amino acid which generally helps in muscle repair and recovery. It does not produce significant body composition changes despite its extensive function in tissue growth and production. Being an essential amino acid, it cannot be manufactured in the body and is part of the three branched-chain amino acids.
Leucine is present naturally in most food sources such as brown rice, beans, meat, nuts, soy flour and whole grains and wheats. This essential amino acid cannot be readily produced in the body which is why it must be obtained through healthy diet. Some supplements contain leucine and others are even available in stand-alone form. Being a part of the three-branched-chain amino acids, it should always be taken together with isoleucine and valine for optimum results.
Muscle growth, repair and recovery are the primary uses of leucine as an amino acid. It is commonly used for trauma, stress or intense activity and to enhance tissue growth, energy regulation and wound healing. It assists in growth hormone production which prevents muscle protein breakdown and helps burn visceral fat (which is very hard to lose with diet and exercise). Its effects become more significant combined with the other two amino acids isoleucine and valine in regulating blood sugar, energy and muscle maintenance.
Leucine converts to glucose faster than isoleucine and valine making it the most effective branched-chain amino acid or BCAA for maintaining muscle mass and is popularly used by bodybuilders and athletes. Leucine converting to glucose will increase supply for energy thereby preventing the body from cannibalizing its own muscle tissues. This glucose-converting action also regulates blood sugar which can prevent hypoglycemia, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, confusion and irritability.
Furthermore, its relative effects in bone, skin and muscle tissue healing makes it a very good recommendation for post-traumatic injury and surgery.
Good sources of lysine are foods rich in protein including meat (specifically poultry, pork, and red meat), cheese (parmesan), certain fish such as sardines and cod, eggs, nuts, soybeans particularly isolated soy protein, tofu, and defatted soybean flour), fenugreek seed, and spirulina.
Lysine is an essential amino acid and it is the basic building block of proteins. This nutrient was first isolated in 1889 from casein.
Lysine plays an important role for the proper growth of the body. It plays an essential role in the production of carnitine. Carnitine is a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and lower cholesterol.
Lysine is necessary for growth and bone development in children. It appears to help the body absorb and conserve calcium. It plays an important role for the formation of collagen. Collagen is important for the bones and connective tissues including skin, cartilage, and tendon. L-lysine may help prevent bone loss associated with osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass and bone density).
Lysine is needed by the body to produce hormones, antibodies, collagen, enzyme formation as well as tissue repair.
Certain forms of lysine (bound to anti-inflammatory medications) may help ease pain following an episiotomy (a procedure performed during labor by cutting the lower vaginal area to enlarge the vaginal opening facilitating delivery). These forms of lysine may also alleviate migraine headaches and dysmenorrhea.
It is useful for patients recovering from injuries and recovery after an operation. Lysine is used to help maintain healthy blood vessels. It also seems to assist in combating herpes and cold sores. L-lysine can be used to treat shingles caused by herpes zoster viruses as well as mouth and genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus. Taking lysine supplements can decrease recovery time and it reduces the chance of recurrent breakouts of the herpes infection.
If there is too little lysine in the diet, kidney stones and other health related problems may develop. This includes fatigue, dizziness, nausea, appetite loss, bloodshot eyes, agitation, slow growth, reproductive disorders, and anemia.
Methionine is an essential amino acid that contains sulfur first isolated from casein and belongs to a group of compounds called lipotropics. Other compounds included in lipotropics are choline, inositol and betaine which are important in the methylation process as a precursor to the amino acids cystine and cysteine when methyl is added. It is one of the three essential amino acids required to manufacture creatine monohydrate (which is needed in the body for energy production and muscle building).
Methionine is generally found in foods like meat, fish, beans, eggs, garlic, lentils, onions, yogurt, milk and seeds.
Methionine assists in fat breakdown thereby preventing build-up of fat in the arteries, or arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis. It then lowers cholesterol levels by boosting low-density lipoproteins or LDL which are good cholesterol that eliminate the harmful fats in the body that may cause cardiovascular and heart diseases.
It removes heavy metals in the body, assists in digestion processes and detoxifies the liver with its cysteine-converting action – an important precursor to gluthione.
The sulfur in methionine deactivates free radicals, making it an excellent antioxidant. Other uses are treating liver problems by alleviating damaging effects of toxic compounds and preventing glutathione depletion during toxic liver overload. It further promotes estrogen excretion in women and treats pancreatitis and immunosuppresing diseases like HIV or AIDS.
As for its mental benefits, it can treat depression, anxiety, dementia, blues, Parkinson’s disease and improve memory recall. Schizophrenics may take additional amounts of methionine based on its suggested effects in reducing histidine levels in the body. It boosts certain brain chemicals, such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, which can help maintain a vibrant mood.
Methionine may also be used to prevent liver damage in occasions of acetaminophen overdose and poisoning. It treats arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain with lesser side effects, as well as protects the joints and cartilage.
Phenylalanine is contained in foods rich in protein. Foods such as dairy products (milk, curd, and cottage cheese), soy products (including soy protein isolate, soybean flour, and tofu), pulses, avocados, and legumes (particularly peanuts and lima beans), nuts (peanuts, pistachios, almonds), seeds (piyal seeds), leafy vegetables, whole grains, poultry, and seafood.
Before Phenylalanine was actually discovered, the genetic codon for phenylalanine was the discovered first. According to Marshall W. Nirenberg, he discovered that, when he inserted m-RNA made up of multiple uracil repeats into E. coli, the bacterium produced a new protein, made up solely of repeated phenylalanine amino acids.
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid as well as to human health.
A symptom of phenylalanine deficiency includes confusion, lack of energy, decreased alertness, decreased memory, and diminished appetite.
The nutrient is used in elevating the mood since it is so closely involved with the nervous system. It also helps with memory and learning and it has been used as an appetite suppressant.
Phenylalanine can be beneficial to people suffering from Parkinson's disease. D- Phenylalanine may be helpful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
This nutrient could prove of benefit to people suffering from, tiredness, depression, busy with alcohol withdrawal, and vitiligo.
D- Phenylalanine or L- Phenylalanine can be used to treat depression. They can also be used to treat chronic pain in both osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with mixed results. Phenylalanine Increases blood levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine - all three are required for neurotransmission.
Amino acid is the basic building block of protein. It is available in three chemical forms: L-phenylalanine, the natural form of phenylalanine found in proteins throughout the body; D-phenylalanine, a mirror image of L-phenylalanine that is synthesized in a laboratory; and DL-phenylalanine, a combination of the both L- and D- phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine is an aromatic amino acid that exhibit ultraviolet radiation absorption properties.
Phenylalanine cannot be manufactured by the body. For this reason, phenylalanine must be obtained from food.
Phenylalanine can be converted inside the body into tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize two important neurotransmitters; dopamine and norepinephrine. It is available in three different forms - L-, D- and DL-. The L- form is the most common and the type in which it is incorporated into the body's proteins. The D- form acts as a painkiller and the DL- a combination of the two.
Serine is a non-essential amino acid and one of the twenty amino acids found in animal proteins. As a constituent of proteins, its side chain can undergo O-linked glycosylation. It is one of the three amino acid residues which is phosphorylated by kinases during cell signaling in eukaryotes making them known as phosphoserine. Serine proteases are derived from protease and are a component of brain proteins and nerve coverings.
It was first obtained from silk protein but is normally synthesized by the body from other metabolites, including glycine, making it unessential to be regularly obtained from the usual diet. Food sources of serine include meat, soy foods, dairy products, wheat gluten and peanuts; but beware of processed goods, as they may contain very little or no amount of the compound. Supplementation may be a better option in reaching optimum levels of serine.
Serine serves an important function in metabolism by supporting the biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines, cysteine, tryptophan in bacteria and other metabolites. It is needed to maintain overall good physical and mental health and especially important for the proper functioning of the brain and central nervous system.
The catalytic function of serine is useful in inhibiting enzyme formation that can be harmful to the body and result in convulsions or death. Dangerously high levels of acetylcholine can cause destructive effects on the body; therefore acetylcholine esterase formation is maintained by normal serine production (which binds in the active sites of the neurotransmitter).
The metabolic importance of serine is also helpful in a way that it is an essential component needed to metabolize fat, purines, pyrimidines, muscle synthesis, tissue growth and the immune system. It further assists in immunoglobulin and antibody production boosting the immune system and useful in patients with AIDS or HIV.
The amino acid helps in the formation of phospholipids needed in making body cells. It also protects and preserves DNA, RNA, the brain and the myelin sheaths that cover the nerves which in turn fully deliver impulses between the brain and nerve endings enhancing overall mental function. Further, it treats depression, insomnia, confusion, and anxiety by helping manufacture tryptophan and serotonin.
Serine also has cosmetic uses as skin moisturizer and nail and hair conditioner.
Taurine is mostly found in meat and fish
Taurine is found in high concentrations in the skeletal muscles, white blood cells, central nervous system as well as the heart muscles. Taurine is present in adults, but it is not present in children.
Taurine can be manufactured from methionine in the body and from cysteine in the liver. Besides methionine and cysteine, it is also important that vitamin B6 must be present for the body to produce it own taurine.
Tiedemann F., & Gmelin L., made a research and have discovered that the bile of an ox contains high concentrations of taurine. In 1827, taurine was first isolated from the bile of the ox.
Taurine is not part of our muscle protein yet is important in our metabolism. It is important especially in the brain.
Taurine is essential in newborns, as they cannot make it. It is used to utilize the proper use of calcium, potassium as well as sodium in the body. Taurine is also responsible for maintaining the integrity of the cell membranes.
Children suffering from Down's syndrome may benefit from taurine. Taurine can also be used on women being treated for breast cancer as well as people with metabolic disorders. Since metabolic disorders can cause loss of this nutrient via urine. People with diabetes can also benefit from this nutrient, since this disease increase the need for this nutrient.
Taurine functions in electrically active tissues such as the heart and brain to help stabilize cell membranes. It also has functions in the eyes, gallbladder, and blood vessels and appears to have some antioxidant and detoxifying activity.
Taurine aids the movement of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in and out of cells and thus helps generate nerve impulses. Zinc seems to support this effect of taurine.
Taurine is thought to be helpful in dealing with hyperactivity, anxiety, epilepsy and poor brain function. It also has the ability to supply essential fluids in the brain hydrating it in the process. Taurine (together with zinc) is also necessary to keep the eyes health and avoid impairment of vision.
Threonine is an amino acid that is primarily found in the body's central nervous system, the skeletal muscles, and the heart. The suggested dose for threonine supplements is between 103 milligrams to 500mg a day. Doctors caution against taking too much of this amino acid, as it can lead to ammonia toxicity, liver dysfunctions, and excessive urea production.
Threonine is not naturally produced by the body and can only be obtained through a diet of dairy products, mushrooms, nuts, eggs, green leafy vegetables, grains, and meats. Strict vegetarians are advised to get their recommended daily threonine requirements via supplementation.
Amino acids serine and glycine, which are responsible for muscle tissue, collagen, and elastin production, will not be created if there is an absence or shortage of threonine. It is what strengthens the body's connective tissues and enables them to recover from injuries and wounds more easily. It also contributes to stronger tooth enamel and bones.
When it combines with methione and aspartic acid, it helps the liver properly digest fats and fatty acids. In the case of a deficiency, the liver could be so saturated with harmful fats and succumb to collapse and failure.
As it is also found in high amounts in the central nervous system, it plays a big hand in keeping the immune system well-functioning and alert. A study conducted in 1992 actually found that subjects who had taken 7.5 grams of threonine everyday reduced their exposure to spasticity, which is a nerve and muscle condition.
Other related illness that may be treated by a regulated increase in threonine include Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more popularly known as the Lou Gherigs Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. Threonine can also sometimes be taken along with anti-depressant therapies and medications, depending on the advice of the doctor.
Aside from promoting good mental health, threonine also aids in the faster absorption nutrients from food.
Tyrosine is found in different kind of food sources. Some examples are animal meat like chicken and turkey. Sea foods such as tuna and fish are also abundant in tyrosine. Dairy products, wheat products, oat meal, eggs, almonds, beans, avocados, and bananas are another good source of this amino acid. Legumes are also rich in tyrosine.
Tyrosine was first isolated from casein in 1849.
In a study, tyrosine was used in a number of soldiers, tyrosine proved to be effective in alleviating stress and it keeps the soldiers more alert.
Tyrosine is abundant in insulin. It serves as a precursor of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. All of this is extremely important in the brain and for the transmission of nerve impulses.
Tyrosine also serves as an anti-depressant. The action of this amino acid in brain functions is clear with its relationship to dopamine as well as the norepinephrine. It is also helpful in the suppression of appetite; it helps reduce body fat buildup, reduce the production of skin and hair pigment, promotes the proper functioning of the thyroid as well as the pituitary and adrenal gland.
Dopamine is also vital to the brain’s mental function and it seems to play a role in improving ones sex drive. Tyrosine is also used to reduce stress, increase the level of alertness, and it may be beneficial in treating narcolepsy, fatigue, anxiety, depression, allergies, headaches as well as drug withdrawal.
Tyrosine (and tryptophan) has been used to test if it was able to treat cocaine abuse. The result of the test was promising; it shows that tyrosine has some success in the treatment.
In another study, tyrosine was combined with the antidepressant (Imipramine) to treat chronic cocaine abuse. It was reported that the combination of both tyrosine and imipramine blocked the “high” effect of cocaine and it prevented severe depression that accompanies withdrawal.
Tyrosine is a nonessential organic amino acid which means that our body can fabricate or our body can produce its own tyrosine. The body is able to produce tyrosine from the amino acid phenylalanine.
As an amino acid, its serves as a basic building block of protein. It is considered an organic amino acid due to the presence of a carbon atom in its makeup.
Tyrosine is a precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine, as well as a precursor to the adrenal hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Valine is an essential amino acid which is part of the branched-chain amino acids or BCAA and constantly works with the other two amino acids leucine and isoleucine to provide significant effects.
Valine can be obtained by hydrolyzing proteins and isolating it from casein, similar with leucine and isoleucine. As an essential amino acid, it cannot be manufactured in the body and must be obtained by the individual through healthy diet or supplementation. Food sources rich in valine are dairy, meat, grain, mushrooms, soy and peanuts. Stand-alone valine supplements are also available although products with all three BCAAs are more recommended.
The indispensable positive effects of amino acids are often used by bodybuilders and athletes to promote muscle growth, tissue repair and energize as well as prevent muscle cannibalization and tissue breakdown. It restores muscle mass in people with liver diseases and those experiencing post-traumatic injuries and undergoing post-surgery recovery.
Valine supplies glucose or blood sugar to the muscles, which serves as fuel for energy during intense physical activity. It also removes toxic wastes and excess nitrogen from liver and transports the excess nitrogen to other tissues that need it. As a detoxifier valine treats liver and gallbladder diseases organ damage caused by alchoholism.
The amino acid also detoxifies ammonia and works with alpha-ketoglutarate in preventing muscle wasting in diabetes and ammonia toxicity in older individuals.
Valine supplementation may be needed by individuals undergoing severe physical activity, with low-protein diet and those prone to losing muscle mass. Consult your physician before valine intake as overdose may cause hallucination, tingling sensation and disrupt kidney and liver function by increasing ammonia levels in the body.
Being a part of the three branched-chain amino acid family, BCAAs constitute around seventy percent of the amino acids present in body proteins thereby impressing their value in the formation and maintenance of structural and functional integrity in humans.