Amino Acids in human biology (snip)

[Guest guest]

This snip would be of interest to people taking amino acids, whey,

and so on.

Duncan

Essential Amino Acids

Isoleucine - provides ingredients for the manufacture of numerous

biochemical components in the body. It is involved in muscle

development, blood-sugar regulation, energy regulation and hemoglobin

development.

Deficiency can cause dizziness, headaches, fatigue, depression,

confusion and irritability.

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume a minimum of 22 mg/lb.

Leucine - and isoleucine are both involved in energy regulation,

blood-sugar regulation and muscle growth and repair. Leucine is

necessary for proper wound healing and in hormone production.

Deficiency can result in hypoglycemia in infants. In the adult,

deficiency can cause headaches, fatigue, depression and irritability.

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume approximately 31 mg/lb.

Lysine - Ensures the adequate absorption of calcium and helps with

the formation of collagen (which makes up bone, cartilage and

connective tissue). Lysine is involved in the formation of hormones

and enzymes. Recent studies indicate it may be effective against

herpes. Lysine works with tryptophan in helping to reduce cholesterol

levels.

Deficiency results in loss of energy, inability to concentrate,

irritability, hair loss, anemia, retarded growth and reproductive

disorders.

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume approximately 26 mg/lb.

Methionine - is an antioxidant and a principle supplier of sulfur,

which prevents disorders of the hair, skin, and nails. It is involved

in the lowering of cholesterol, reduction of liver fat and reduction

of heavy metals. It protects the kidneys and regulates the formation

of ammonia - creating ammonia-free urine, which reduces bladder

irritations.

Deficiency can cause slowed growth, weakness, edema, skin lesions and

liver damage.

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume approximately 29 mg/lb.

Phenylalanine - is used by the brain to produce norepinephrine, a

chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells and the brain. It

helps improve memory; it functions as an antidepressant and helps

with alertness and other mental functions.

Deficiency is rare.

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume approximately 31 mg/lb.

Threonine - helps the digestive and intestinal tracts function more

smoothly and assists metabolism and assimilation. It is an important

constituent of collagen, elastin and enamel proteins.

Deficiency causes skin disorders and weakness. Deficiency is rare.

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume approximately 15 mg/lb.

Tryptophan - is a precursor for serotonin, which aids in normal

sleep. It is a natural relaxant, which helps with anxiety, depression

and insomnia. It helps reduce the risk of artery and heart spasms and

works with lysine in reducing cholesterol levels.

Deficiency causes stunted growth.

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume approximately 8 mg/lb.

Valine - Promotes mental vigor, muscle coordination and emotional

stability.

Deficiency - none known

Daily-recommended intake is based on age and weight. Adults should

consume a minimum of 22 mg/lb.

Non-essential Amino Acids*

Alanine - is an important source of energy for muscle tissue, the

brain and central nervous system. It also helps in the metabolism of

sugars and organic acids.

Arginine - is glycogenic, which means that it helps the body burn

calories more efficiently. It is considered crucial for optimal

muscle growth and tissue repair. It stimulates the release of growth

hormones and promotes wound healing and regeneration of the liver.

Aspartic Acid - aids in the expulsion of ammonia from the circulatory

system. It is involved in RNA synthesis and recent studies show it to

be involved in endurance and resistance to fatigue.

Glycine - helps trigger the release of oxygen to the energy requiring

cell-making process. It is important in the manufacture of hormones

involved in immune function and in glycogen storage.

Glutamic Acid - is considered to be nature's " Brain Food. " It

improves mental capacities and transports potassium to the brain. It

helps with the healing of ulcers and is also involved in releasing

the craving for sugar and alcohol.

Histidine - is found abundantly in hemoglobin and has been used in

the treatment of anemia, ulcers and allergic diseases.

Proline - helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles. It is

important for the proper functioning of joints and tendons because of

its involvement in collagen synthesis.

Serine- is involved in the storage of glucose in the liver and

muscles. It is also important in the synthesis of a fatty acid sheath

around nerve fibers.

Tyrosine - transmits nerve impulses to the brain. It improves mental

functions like memory and alertness and helps overcome depression. It

promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal and

pituitary glands.

*Since the body can produce the non-essential amino acids,

deficiencies are rare and recommendations for daily intake are not

available.

Duncan

http://members.shaw.ca/duncancrow