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The Amino Acid Guide
There are three types of amino acids; the indispensable amino acids, the conditionally dispensable amino acids, and the dispensable amino acids. Indispensable amino acids, also called essential amino acids, must be supplied to the body from food or supplements. Conditionally dispensable amino acids are based on the body's ability to actually
synthesize them from other amino acids. Dispensable amino acids, also called nonessential amino acids, can be synthesized by the body from other amino acids. Here is the amino acid guide and their benefits.
The Indispensable Amino acids
Isoleucine
* A branched chain amino acid readily taken up and used for energy by muscle tissue.
* Used to prevent muscle wasting in debilitated individuals
* Essential in the formation of hemoglobin
Leucine
* A branched chain amino acid used as a source of energy
* Helps reduce muscle protein breakdown
* Modulates uptake of neurotransmitter precursors by the brain as well as the release of enkephalins, which inhibit the passage of pain signals into the nervous system.
* Promotes healing of skin and broken bones.
Valine
* A branched chain amino acid
* Not processed by the liver; rather actively taken up by muscle
* Influences brain uptake of other neurotransmitter precursors (trptophan, phenylalanine and tryosine).
Histadine
* One of the major ultraviolet absorbing compounds in the skin
* Important in the production of red and
white blood cells; used in the treatment of anemia
* Used in the treatment of allergic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and digestive ulcers.
Lysine
* Low levels can slow protein synthesis, affecting muscle and connective tissue
* Inhibits viruses; used in the treatment of herpes simplex
* Lysine and Vitamin C together form L-carnitine, a biochemical that enables muscle tissue to use oxygen more efficiently, delaying fatigue
* Aids bone growth by helping form collagen, the fibrous protein that makes up bone, cartilage and other connective tissue.
Methionine
* Precursor of cystine and creatine
* May increase antioxidant levels (glutathione) and reduce blood cholesterol levels.
* Helps remove toxic wastes from the liver and assists in the regeneration of liver and kidney tissue
Phenylalanine
* The major precursor of tyrosine
* Enhances learning, memory, mood and alertness
* Used in the treatment of some types of depression
* Is a major element in the production of collagen
* Suppresses appetite
Threonine
* One of the amino detoxifers
* Helps prevent fatty buildup in the liver
* Important component of collagen
* Generally low in vegetarians
Tryptophan
* Precursor of key neurotransmitter serotonin, which exerts a calming effect
* Stimulates the release of growth hormones
* Free form of this amino acid is unavailable in the U.S.
* It is only available in natural food sources
Conditionally Dispensable Amino Acids
Arginine
* Can increase secretion of insulin, glucagon, growth hormones
* Aids in injury rehabilitation, formation of collagen and immune system stimulation.
* Precursor of creatine, gamma amino butric acid (GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain)
* May increase sperm count and T-lymphocyte response
Cysteine
* Detoxifies harmful chemicals in combination with L-aspartic acid and L-citruline
* Helps prevent damage from alcohol and tobacco use
* Stimulates white blood cell activity
Tyrosine
* Precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, as well as thyroid and growth hormones and melanin (the pigment responsible for skin and hair color).
* Elevates mood
Dispensable Amino Acids
Alanine
* Major component of connective tissue
* Key intermediate in the glucose alanine cycle, which allows muscles and other tissues to derive energy from amino acids
* Helps build up the immune system
Aspartic Acid
* Helps convert carbohydrates into muscle energy
* Builds immune system immunoglobulins and antibodies
* Reduces ammonia levels after exercises
Cystine
* Contributes to strong connective4e tissue and tissue antioxidant actions
* Aids in healing processes, stimulates white blood cell activity and helps diminish pain from inflammation
* Essential for the formation of skin and hair
Glutamic Acid
* A major precursor of glutamine, proline, ornothine, arginine, glutathione, and GABA
* A potential source of energy
* Important in brain metabolism and metabolism of other amino acids.
Glutamine
* Most abundant amino acid
* Plays a key role in immune system functions
* An important source of energy, especially for kidneys and intestines during caloric restrictions.
* A brain fuel that is an aid to memory and a stimulant to intelligence and concentration
Glycine
* Aids in the manufacture of other amino acids and is a part of the structure of hemoglobin and cytochromes (enzymes involved in energy production)
* Has a calming effect and is sometimes used to treat manic depressive and aggressive individuals
* Produces glucagon, which mobilizes glycogen
* Can inhibit sugar cravings
Ornithine
* May help increase growth hormone secretion in high doses
* Aids in immune and liver function
* Promotes healing
Proline
* A major component in the formation of connective tissue and heart muscle
* Readily mobilized for muscular energy
* Major constituent of collagen
Serine
* Important in cells' energy production
* Aids memory and nervous system function
* Helps builds up immune system by producing immuno-globulins and antibodies
Taurine
* Aids in the absorption and elimination of fats
* May act as a neurotransmitter in some areas of the brain and retina
Start date 5/05/08
