Amino Acid Basics
What Are Amino Acid Basics?.. 20 Amino acids that are found in proteins, either essential or non-essential, make up 75% of human body and have important functions in the body.
• Building blocks of proteins.
• Responsible for the production of enzymes.
• Used to build cells and repair muscles, organ, hair, nails, skin or any part of your body.
• Preventing diseases and health problems.
Amino acids are not stored in the body for later use like in the case of fats and complex carbohydrates and 8 of these amino acids can not be produced by your body and you need to have them in your food. These are essential amino acids and you have to have them every day, as the deficiency could lead to not only protein degradation and muscle loss but also certain diseases such as strokes, high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Best known essential amino acid is tryptophan, which helps to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, control hyperactivity in children, to regulate sleep and normalize sleep patterns, reduce artery spasm risk and help produce a stronger immune system.
Valine for tissue repair, muscle metabolism and the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in your body.
Lysine is found in dairy, fish and whole grains and beneficial in treating and preventing herpes.
Leucine is found in cottage cheese, sesame seeds, peanuts, dry lentils, chicken and fish. Insulin deficiency is known to result in poor utilization of leucine; therefore, individuals who suffer from glucose intolerance may require higher levels of leucine intake.
Phenylalanine may help reduce chronic pain associated with certain health conditions by stimulating nerve pathways in the brain that control pain. It may improve rigidity, walking disabilities, speech difficulties and depression associated with Parkinson’s disease. Phenylalanine sources are dairy, almonds, avocados, lima beans, peanuts, and seeds.
Dietary sources of threonine include dairy, beef, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds. Without enough threonine in the body, fats could build up in the liver and ultimately cause liver failure. Threonine supports the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies, and because it is found largely in the central nervous system, may be helpful in treating some types of depression.
Isoleucine promotes muscle recovery after physical exercise and on its own it is needed for the formation of hemoglobin as well as assisting with regulation of blood sugar levels as well as energy levels. It is also involved in blood-clot formation.Isoleucine is found in eggs, fish, lentils, poultry, beef, seeds, soy, wheat, almonds and dairy.
Methionine helps the body process and eliminate fat, it is essential for the formation of healthy collagen used to form skin, nails, and connective tissue, and helps reduce the level of inflammatory histamines in the body. It is found in fish, whole grains, and dairy.
Amino Acid Supplements:
• L- forms are recommended as they are more acceptable by your body.
• You need all the essential amino acids in the right amounts.
• Amino acids work best when all of essential and non-essential ones are provided to the body.
• Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C are the vitamins needed for amino acid metabolism and to help with the absorption of amino acids. Include these vitamins with your amino acid supplements.
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References:
Young VR (August 1994). “Adult amino acid requirements: the case for a major revision in current recommendations”. The Journal of Nutrition 124 (8 Suppl): 1517S–1523S.
Reeds PJ (July 2000). “Dispensable and indispensable amino acids for humans”. The Journal of Nutrition 130 (7): 1835S–40S.
http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com/ amino acid basics .html.
http://www.vitamins-supplements.org/amino-acids.
http://ezinearticles.com/? amino acid basics —Why-Do-We-Need-Them?&id=58746
