Amino Acid General Information
The first thing on your mind, “What is an Amino Acid?” There are over twenty of them and each one of them are a little different. Amino acids are used in every cell of your body and are used to build the proteins you need to survive. All organisms need some proteins, whether they are used in muscles or as simple structures in the cell membrane. Even though all organisms have differences, they still have one thing in common, the need for basic chemical “building blocks,” that make up proteins. They are also the end products of protein digestion, or hydrolysis. Amino acids contain about 16% nitrogen, this is what distinguishes them from the other two basic nutrients, sugars and fatty acids, which do not contain any nitrogen. The human body, minus water, is 75% Amino acids. All of the neurotransmitters (proteins) but one are composed of Amino acids and 95% or hormones are Amino acids. Amino acids are key to every human bodily function with every chemical reaction that occurs.
Essential and Non Essential Amino Acids
We have already presented the fact that there are over twenty Amino acids. The fact is scientists have discovered over 50 of them only 20 are used to make the proteins in your body. Of these 20 we have the 8 that are defined as essential and the 12 that are defined as non essential. It is not that they are not needed, it is because the human body already makes these twelve. Therefore, they are not needed in our diet, the other eight our body does not make. What they are and what our bodies use them for are listed below:
Tryptophan - This is considered a natural relaxant, helps to alleviate insomnia, helps in the treatment of migraine headaches and when taken with lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.
Lysine - Aids in proper absorption of calcium, assists in forming collagen for bone cartilage and connective tissues, aids in production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes.
Methionine - The primary source of sulfur that can prevent disorders of the hair, skin and nails. Lowers cholesterol by increasing the liver’s production of lecithin, reduces liver fat, protects kidneys, and promotes hair growth.
Phenylalanine - This serves the brain by producing norepinephrine, the chemical that is responsible for transmitting the signals between the nerve cells and the brain, can maintain alertness, reduces hunger pains, acts as an antidepressant and improves memory.
Threonine - Makes up a significant portion of the collagen, elastin and enamel protein, serves the liver by preventing buildup, aids the digestive and intestinal tracts to function better and acts as a trigger for metabolism.
Valine - Promotes mental energy, assists with muscle coordination and serves as a natural tranquilizer.
Leucine - Increases the stimulants to the upper brain for greater mental alertness.
Isoleucine - A protein involved in coagulation of the blood.
The twelve that are not needed are: Alanine, Asparagines, Aspartate, Cystine, Glutamate,
Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine and Tryptophan make ten. Now, Arginine and Histidine are not needed in adults but are essential in infants.
Just a note for fun, a helpful mnemonic for remembering essential amino acids is “Private Tim Hall” (PVT TIM HALL). Arginine and Histidine, although not required in normal adults is required for infants.
Amino Acid Uses & Scientific Evidence For
An Amino Acid deficiency is usually caused by a diet low in protein, although the level of certain acids can drop when the body suffers trauma, infection, medication effects, stress, aging, and chemical imbalances. Amino Acids can also help in treating cancer, building immunity, reducing sugar cravings, and protecting the body in various other ways. Amino acids are also present in hormones, chemicals that are essential to life. Among these hormones is insulin, which regulates sugar levels in the blood and without which a person would die. Another is adrenaline, which controls blood pressure and which can give you a sudden burst of energy. For example: facing a mugger in an alley or a bully on a playground. Biochemical studies of Amino acid sequences in hormones have made it possible for scientists to isolate and produce artificially these and other hormones, including the human growth hormone. Amino acids are used in many different types of treatments for medical conditions, too many to list here. For example: Tyrosine is employed in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Taurine is administered to control epileptic seizures, treat high blood pressure and diabetes, and support the function of the liver. There are times when the Amino acids in our body go wrong, here is an example of a very serious occurrence:
Sickle Cell Anemia
It is also possible for small mistakes to occur in the amino acid sequence within the body. While these mistakes sometimes can be tolerated in nature without serious problems, at other times a single misplaced amino acid in the polymer chain can bring about an extremely serious condition of protein malfunctioning. Sickle Cell Anemia is a fatal disease ultimately caused by a single mistake in the amino acid sequence. In the bodies of Sickle Cell Anemia sufferers, glutamic acids replaced by Valine . This small difference makes sickle cell hemoglobin molecules extremely sensitive to oxygen deficiencies. As a result, when the red blood cells release their oxygen to the tissues, as all red blood cells do, the fail to re-oxygenate in a normal fashion and instead twist into the shape that gives Sickle Cell Anemia its name. This causes obstruction of the blood vessels.
Amino Acid Dosage Information
Amino Acid supplements prefaced by the letter L, such as L-Arginine, are more similar to the Amino Acids in the body than are Amino Acid supplements beginning with the letter D, with the exception of D-L phenylalanine, which treats chronic pain. Amino Acid supplements are available in tablet, powder, liquid, and capsule form. Read product label directions for recommended dosage.
Amino Acid Safety & Interaction Information
Amino acid deficiency is usually caused by a diet low in protein. Taking more than the recommended doses of certain Amino Acids can be toxic and cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with a serious illness, should only take Amino Acid supplements after consulting with your doctor.
In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and
Education Act.
(Full Disclaimer - Privacy Policy)
View Cart
Secure Shopping Guaranteed
