|
|
The 22 Amino Acids:
What They Are and How They Keep You Alive and Vibrant
The 20 major amino acids, plus hundreds of minor amino acids keep us
alive, vibrant, and healthy. A deficieny in a single amino acid will cause
problems for us, and even a single deficiency should be replaced.
In addition to making up all protein, amino acids have numerous functions...
far too many to discuss within these pages.
Before each amino acid is discussed, you will read how it is classified
within the various categories, such as essential versus non-essential,
glycogenic versus ketogenic, etcetera.
ALANINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Glycogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic |
Main Functions:
Important source of energy for muscle
The primary amino acid in sugar metabolism
Boosts immune system by producing antibodies
Major part of connective tissue |
Alanine Deficiencies Seen
In:
hypoglycemia
muscle breakdown
fatigue
viral infections
elevated insulin and glucagon levels |
Alanine Excess Seen In:
low insulin and glucagon levels
diabetes mellitus
kwashiorkor (starvation) |
|
|
ARGININE
Conditionally-Essential
- Proteogenic - Glycogenic - Basic Side Chains |
Main Functions:
Essential for normal immune system activity.
Necessary for wound healing.
Assists with regeneration of damaged liver.
Necessary for production and release of growth hormone
Increases release of insulin and glucagon. Arginine is the most
potent amino acid in releasing insulin.
Assists in healing through collagen synthesis
Precursor to GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter
Aids in wound healing
Decreases size of tumors.
Necessary for spermatogenesis. |
Arginine Deficiencies Seen In:
AIDS
Immune deficiency syndromes, including CFS and Gulf War Syndrome
Candidiasis |
Caution:
Because of arginine's powerful boost to the immune system, people
suffering from a great variety of ailments may be tempted to
experiment with it. Before doing so, make sure you do not have
an acute or chronic virus, such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV),
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Human Herpes Virus VI (HHV6), Herpes
Simplex I or II. Arginine will spped up the rate of viral growth,
which can prove to be dangerous. Theamino acid, Lysine, has
the opposite effect on viruses, slowing down their growth. |
|
ASPARTIC ACID
Non-Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic - Acid Side Chain |
Main Functions:
Aspartic Acid is interconvertible with Asparagine,
and therefore the two amino acids have many functions in common.
Increases stamina.
One of the two main excitatory amino acids, the other being Glutamate (Glutamic Acid).
Helps protect the liver by aiding the removal of ammonia.
Involved in DNA and RNA metabolism.
Involved in immune system function by enhancing immunoglobulin production and anti- body formation.
|
Aspartic Acid Deficiency Seen In:
Calcium and magnesium deficiencies. Because of this association, low aspartic acid levels should lead
the clinician to test for calcium and/or magnesium deficiencies.
|
Aspartic Acid Excess Seen In:
Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Epilepsy, especially right after a seizure.
Stroke.
|
|
ASPARAGINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic - Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Amidic |
Main Functions:
Asparagine is made from Aspartic Acid plus ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate).
One of the two main excitatory neurotransmitters. Glutamate, made from glutamic acid,
is the other. Among their functions as neurotransmitters, of particular interest
is the fact that Aspartic Acid and Asparagine have high concentrations in the
hippocampus and the hypothalamus. The hippocampus is a part of the brain that
plays the main role in short-term memory, while the hypothalamus is involved in
the biology of emotion, and serves as a neurological gate between the brain and
the rest of the nervous system.
Aids in removing ammonia from the body.
May increase indurance and decrease fatigue.
Detoxifies harmful chemicals.
Involved in DNA synthesis.
Probably stimulates thymus gland.
|
|
CYSTEINE-CYSTINE
Non-Essential - Glycogenic and Ketogenic Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Sulfur-Containing |
Main Functions:
Cysteine and Cystine are interconvertible. Two molecules of Cysteine make Cystine.
Antioxidant.
Protective against radiation, pollution, ultra-violet light and other causes of increased free radical production.
Natural detoxifier.
Essential in growth, maintenance, and repair of skin.
Key ingredient in hair.
One of the 3 main sulfur-containing amino acids, along with Taurine and Methionine.
Major constituent of Glutathione, an important tripeptide made up of Cystine, Glutamic Acid, and Glycine.
Precursor to the amino acid Taurine.
Precursor to Chondroitin Sulfate, the main component of cartilage
|
Cysteine/Cystine Deficiency Seen In:
Chemical Sensitivity
Food Allergy
|
|
GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid)
Non-Essential - Non-Proteogenic |
Main Functions:
One of the two main inhibitory neurotransmitters, the other being Glycine.
Glutamic acid is the main precursor of GABA.
Does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, which has important
clinical implications. Although GABA supplementation is used widely for a
calming, sedative effect, there is mixed data indicating that GABA taken
orally has much clinical effect. Glutamine, a precursor of GABA, readily
passes through the blood-brain barrier and is, therefore, a better supplement
to take if one wants to increase brain levels of GABA, since Glutamine, once
it is in the brain, converts into GABA. The question of GABA's clinical
usefulness may be a function of its dosage. That is, it appears that only
mega doses of GABA have clinical effects.
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Librium, activate GABA neurons.
GABA activity found in glands controlled by the sympathetic nervous system,
namely: pancreas and thymus.
Mega-doses of GABA raise IQ.
Mega-doses may be helpful in treating seizure disorders.
|
GABA Deficiency Seen In:
Seizure disorders
|
GABA Excess Seen In:
Anxiety
Acute mania
Liver (hepatic) encephalopathy
Cirrhosis
|
|
GLUTAMIC ACID
Non-Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic - Acid Side Chain |
Main Functions:
Glutamic Acid is a precursor to Glutamine and GABA (2 neurotransmitters).
One of two excitatory neurotransmitters, the other being aspartic acid/asparagine.
Excesses in brain tissue can call cell damage. This is thought to be one of the
mechanisms by why strokes kill brain cells; that is through the release of
large amounts of Glutamic Acid.
Helps stop alcohol and sugar cravings.
Increases energy.
Accelerates wound healing and ulcer healing.
Detoxifies ammonia in the brain by forming glutamine, which can cross the
blood-brain barrier, which Glutamic Acid cannot do.
Plays major role in DNA synthesis.
|
|
GLUTAMINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Amidic |
Main Functions:
Precursor to the neurotransmitter GABA. This is a vital function,
as GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that produces serenity and relaxation.
Important glycogenic amino acid, meaning that it is essential for helping to maintain
normal and steady blood sugar levels.
Involved with muscle strength and indurance.
Essential to gastrointestinal function; provides energy to the small
intestines. The intestines are the only organ in the body that uses
Glutamine as its primary source of energy.
Glutamine has the highest blood concentration of all the amino acids.
Precursor to the neurotransmitter amino acid Glutamate (Glutamic Acid).
Involved in DNA synthesis.
|
Glutamine Deficiency Seen In:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Alcoholism
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
|
Glutamine Excess Seen In:
Use of some anti-convulsant medications.
|
|
GLYCINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic |
Main Functions:
Part of the stucture of hemoglobin.
One of the two main inhibitory neurotransmitters, the other being GABA.
Part of cytochromes, which are enzymes involved in energy production.
Inhibits sugar cravings.
One of the 3 critical glycogenic amino acids, along with serine and alanine.
Involved in glucagon production, which assists in glycogen metabolism.
|
Glycine Deficiency Seen In:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Hypoglycemia
Anemia
Viral Infections
Candidiasis
|
Glycine Excess Seen In:
Starvation
|
|
HISTIDINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic - Basic Side Chains |
Main Functions:
Found in high concentrations in hemoglobin.
Useful in treating anemia due to relationship to hemoglobin.
Has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Precursot to histamine.
Associated with allergic response and has been used to treat allergy.
Assists in maintaining proper blood pH.
|
Histidine Deficiency Seen In:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Anemia
Dysbiosis (Imbalance of intestinal bacterial flora).
|
Special Functions and Predictive Value:
High Histidine levels are associated with low zinc levels. Low
Histidine levels are associated with high zinc levels. Thus, abnormal
Histidine levels are an indicator that zinc levels should be tested.
|
Histidine Excess In:
Pregnancy
|
|
ISOLEUCINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic and Ketogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic |
Main Functions:
One of the 3 major Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA),
all of which are involved with muscle strength, endurance, and muscle stamina.
Muscle tissue uses Isoleucine as an energy source.
Required in the formation of hemoglobin.
BCAA levels are significantly decreased by insulin. Translation: High dietary
sugar or glucose intake causes release of insulin, which, in turn, causes
a drop in BCAA levels. Therefore, right before exercise, it is not wise
to ingest foods high in glucose or other sugars, as the BCAA's, including
Isoleucine will not be readily available to muscles.
|
Isoleucine Deficiency Seen In:
Obesity
Hyperinsulinemia
Panic Disorder
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Note: Deficiencies in BCAA in CFS, GWS, FM are
associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, and post-exertional exhaustion).
Acute hunger
Kwashiorkor (starvation)
|
Isoleucine Excess Seen In:
Diabetes Mellitus with ketotic hypoglycemia
|
|
LEUCINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Ketogenic - Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic |
Main Functions:
As one of the 3 branched-chain amino acids (the other
2 being Isoleucine and Valine), Leucine has all of the
properties discussed with Isoleucine, as it pertains specifically to
the branched-chain amino acid functions.
Potent stimulator of insulin.
Helps with bone healing.
Helps promote skin healing.
Modulates release of Enkephalins, which are natural pain-reducers.
|
Leucine Deficiency Seen In:
Hyperinsulinemia
Depression
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Note: Deficiencies in BCAA in CFS, GWS, FM are
associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, and post-exertional exhaustion).
Acute hunger
Kwashiorkor (starvation)
Vitamin B-12 deficiency in pernicious anemia
|
Leucine Excess Seen In:
Ketosis
|
|
LYSINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic and Ketogenic - Basic Side Chains |
Main Functions:
Inhibits viral growth and, as a result, is used in the treatment of Herpes
Simplex, as well as the viruses associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
such as: Epstein-Barr Virus, CytoMegalo Virus, and HHV6.
L-Carnitine is formed from Lysine and Vitamin C.
Helps form collagen, the connective tissue present in bones, ligaments, tendons,
and joints.
Assists in the absorption of calcium.
Essential for children, as it is critical for bone formation.
Involved in hormone production.
Lowers serum triglyceride levels.
|
Lysine Deficiency Seen In:
Herpes
Epstein-Barr Virus
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
AIDS
Anemia
Hair loss
Weight loss
Irritability
|
Lysine Exess Seen In:
Excess of ammonia in the blood
|
|
METHIONINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Sulfur-Containing |
Main Functions:
Assists in breakdown of fats.
Precursor of the amino acids Cysteine (and Cystine) and Taurine.
Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant.
Assists in the removal of toxic wastes from the liver.
One of the sulfur-containing aminos (the others being Cysteine and the
minor amino acid, Taurine). The sulfur-containing amino acids act as
anti-oxidants which neutralize free radicals.
Helps prevent disorder of hair, skin, and nails due to
sulfur and anti-oxidant activity.
Precursor to Carnitine,Melatonin (the natural sleep aid)
and Choline (part of the neurotransmitter, Acetylcholine).
Involved in the breakdown of Epinephrine, Histamine, and Nicotinic Acid.
Required for synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Natural chelating agent for heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.
|
Methionine Deficiency Seen In:
Chemical Exposure
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Vegan Vegetarians
|
Methionine Excess Seen In:
Severe liver disease
|
|
PHENYLALANINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic and Ketogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aromatic |
Main Functions:
Precursor to Tyrosine, which, in turn, is the
precursor to the neurotransmitters: Dopamine and the excitatory
neurotransmitters Norepinephrine and Epinephrine.
Precursor to the hormone, Thyroxine.
Enhances mood, clarity of thought, concentration, and memory.
Suppresses appetite.
Major part of collagen formation.
While the L-form of all of the other amino acids is the one that is beneficial
to people, the D and DL forms of Phenylalanine have been useful in treating pain.
DL-Phenylalanine is useful in reducing arthritic pain.
Powerful anti-depressant.
Used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease.
|
Phenylalanine Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
Obesity
Cancer
AIDS
Parkinson's Disease
|
Caution: Phenylalanine should be avoided in:
High blood pressure. Has hyptertensive properties and should be avoided with
people with high blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Pigmented melanoma
PKU (phenylketonuria)
Panic disorder/anxiety attacks
|
Note:
See Tyrosine. It is more powerful and safer in raising the level
of norepinephrine, and thereby treating depression.
|
|
PROLINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic |
Main Functions:
Critical component of cartilage , and hence health of joints, tendons and ligaments.
Involved in keeping heart muscle strong.
The main precursor to Proline is Glutamate.
Secondary precursor to Proline is Ornithine (minor amino acid).
Works in conjunction with Vitamin C in keeping skin and joints healthy.
|
Proline Excess Seen In:
Chronic Liver Disease
Sepsis (infection of the blood).
Acute alcohol intake.
|
|
SERINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Hydroxylic |
Main Functions:
One of the 3 most important glycogenic amino acids, the others being
alanine and glycine.
Critical in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Boosts immune system by assisting in production of antibodies and immunoglobulins.
Myelin sheath (the fatty acid complex that surrounds the axons of
nerves is derived from serine. One variation of Serine namely Phosphotidyl
Serine, a minor amino acid serves several important functions within the
central nervous system, including development of the myelin sheath. Multiple
Sclerosis is one of the so-called "De-myelinating Diseases."
Required for growth and maintenance of muscle.
The amino acid Glycine is a precursor to Serine and the two are interconvertible.
|
Serine Deficiency Seen In:
Total body gamma and neutron irradiation
Hypoglycemia
Candidiasis
|
Note:
Phosphoserine, a minor amino acid, a modification of Serine, is a good predictor
of Vitamin B-6 deficiency, in particular the form of Vitamin B-6 called
Pryidoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P). If plasma Phosphoserine levels are abnormally high,
that is a clear indication of P5P deficiency. P5P is critical in amino acid processes.
Tyrosine, for example, cannot be converted into the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine
if there is not enough P5P. Likewise, Tryptophan cannot be converted into the
neurotransmitter Serotonin if there is not enough P5P.
|
Serine Excess Seen In:
Vitamin B-6 Deficiency
|
|
TAURINE
Conditionally-Essential - Non-Proteogenic - Sulfur-Containing |
Main Functions:
In the nervous system, stabilizes cell membranes, which raises the seizure
threshhold, and helps treat epileptic seizures.
Acts as inhibitory neurotransmitter and is as potent as Glycine and GABA.
Anti-convulsant effect is long-lasting and can be confirmed both clinically
and by repeat EEG's (electroencephalograms).
Anti-oxidant. Slows down the aging process by neutralizing free radicals.
Highest concentration of Taurine is in the heart.
Reduces risk of gall stones by combining with bile acids to make them water soluble.
Involved in stabilization of heart rhythm. Loss of intracellular Taurine in the
heart leads to arrhythmias.
Useful in treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
Strenghtens neutrophils (white blood cells/part of immune system) in their
ability to kill bacteria.
Useful in brain injury
Decreases cholesterol levels (along with Lysine, Carnitine, and Tryptophan).
Highly concentrated in the eye.
|
Taurine Deficiency Seen In:
Parkinson's Disease
Anxiety
Candida
AIDS
Cardiac insufficiency
Hyptertension
Depression
Kidney failure
|
Predictive Value:
Taurine levels, whether high or low, indicate whether further lab work is needed.
For example, if Taurine levels are low and the clinical picture is suggestive of
candidiasis, one should test for candida through comprehensive stool analysis
and/or anti-candida antibodies.
If Taurine levels are high, zinc and Vitamin B6 levels should be tested. P5P,
an important form of Vitamin B6 is necessary for many amino acid reactions to
take place
|
Taurine Excess Seen In:
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Rheumatoid arthritis
Zinc deficiency
Liver disease
|
|
THREONINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Hydroxylic |
Main Functions:
Required for formation of collagen.
Helps prevent fatty deposits in the liver.
Aids in production of antibodies.
Can be converted to Glycine (a neurotransmitter) in the central nervous system.
Acts as detoxifier.
Needed by the GI (gastrointensinal) tract for normal functioning.
Provides symptomatic relife in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease).
In laboratory experiments with animals, Threonine increases thymus weight.
Threonine is often low in depressed patients. In that group of patients, Threonine
is helpful in treating the depression.
|
Threonine Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
AIDS
Muscle Spasticity
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Vegetarianism
Epilepsy
|
Threonine Excess Seen In:
Alcohol ingestion
Those treated with sedative anti-convulsant medication (animal studies)
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Pregnancy
Liver cirrhosis
|
|
TRYPTOPHAN
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic and Ketogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aromatic |
Main Functions:
Precursor to the key neurotransmitter, serotonin, which exerts a calming effect.
Effective sleep aid, due to conversion to serotonin.
Reduces anxiety.
Effective in some forms of depression.
Treatment for migraine headaches.
Stimulates growth hormone.
Along with Lysine, Carnitine, and Taurine is effective in lowering cholesterol levels.
Can be converted into niacin (Vitamin B3).
Lowers risk of arterial spasms.
The only plasma amino acid that is bound to protein.
Tryptophan must compete with 5 other amino acids to pass through
the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. Those 5 are: tyrosine, phenylalanine,
leucine, isoleucine, and valine and are called Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAA).
Requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) a form of vitamin B6 to be converted into
serotonin. P5P deficiency will lower serotonin levels, even if Tryptophan levels
are normal.
|
Tryptophan Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
Insomnia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
ALS
FDA ban of Tryptophan
|
Caution:
Simultaneous treatment with Tryptophan and Prozac (and other SSRI anti-depressants,
such as Paxil and Zoloft) can produce an irreversible brain disorder called Serotonin
Syndrome. This treatment combination is to be avoided.
|
Tryptophan Excess Seen In:
Increased intake of salicylates (aspirin).
Increased blood levels of free fatty acids.
Sleep deprivation.
Niacin intake.
|
Note:
Standard AMA, APA (American Psychiatric Association), FDA,
and pharmaceutical industry position has been that Tryptophan is not an
effective treatment of serotonin-depletion depressions, when compared to
Prozac and other SSRI's.
Clinical experience has shown that some people respond well to Prozac while
others respond well to Tryptophan in treating serotonin-depleted depressions.
When the FDA banned Tryptophan, thousands of people who only had a positive
response to Tryptophan (and not to Prozac) decompensated psychologically and
never recovered.
Tryptophan is again available, but only through prescription and compounding
pharmacies.
|
|
TYROSINE
Conditionally Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic and Ketogenic Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Aromatic |
Main Functions:
Precursor to neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine
(adrenaline) and melanin.
Effective anti-depressant for norepinephrine-deficient depressions. Tyrosine
is preferred over Phenylalanine, which is also a precursor to all of the above
neurotransmitters. Phenylalanine is one step removed from the metabolic process,
and can aggravate high blood pressure.
Precursor to thyroxine and growth hormone.
Increases energy, improves mental clarity and concentration.
Requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) a form of vitamin B6 to be converted into
norepinephrine. P5P deficiency will lower norepinephrine levels, even if Tyrosine
levels are normal.
|
Tyrosine Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Gulf War Syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Parkinson's Disease
Drug addiction and dependency
|
Tyrosine Excess Seen In:
Hypertthyroidism
Chronic liver disease; cirrhosis
|
|
VALINE
Essential - Proteogenic - Glycogenic Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic |
Main Functions:
One of the 3 major Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) . . .the other 2 being
leucine and isoleucine . . . all of which are involved with muscle strength,
endurance, and muscle stamina.
BCAA levels are significantly decreased by insulin. High dietary sugar or
glucose intake causes release of insulin, which, in turn, causes a drop in BCAA levels.
Competes with Tyrosine and Tryptophan in crossing the blood-brain barrier.
The higher the Valine level, the lower the brain levels of Tyrosine and
Tryptophan. One of the implications of this competition is that Tyrosine
and Tryptophan nutritional supplements need to be taken at least an hour
before or after meals or supplements that are high in branched chain amino acids.
Actively absorbed and used directly by muscle as an energy source.
Not processed by the liver before entering the blood stream.
Any acute physical stress (including surgery, sepsis, fever, trauma, starvation)
requires higher amounts of Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine that any of the other
amino acids.
During period of Valine deficiency, all of the other amino acids (and protein)
are less well absorbed by the GI tract.
|
Valine Deficiency Seen In:
Kwashiorkor
Hunger
Obesity
Neurological deficit
Elevated insulin levels
|
Valine Excess Seen In:
Ketotic Hypoglycemia
Visual and tactile hallucinations
|
|
|
 |
