 The Basis of Protein
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein molecules. The body makes proteins from twenty amino acids, eight of which-isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine-are termed "essential" because they cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be obtained through diet or supplements. Amino acid products come in single and "branched-chain" (mixed) forms, as powders, capsules, and liquids.
Arginine is an amino acid that has become a popular muscle-building supplement due to its possible ability to increase the body's production of growth hormones. It may help in the treatment of male infertility by boosting sperm counts among men with low levels of active sperm. It may also have a positive effect on the immune system. Arginine has an antagonistic effect on the amino acid lysine. Supplements and foods rich in this nutrient, such as chocolate, peanuts and other nuts, various seeds, and peas, may promote the growth of the herpes virus and thus should be avoided by people with active cold sores or genital sores. It is sold in capsules.
BACK TO MENU
Branched chain amino acids - leucine, isoleucine, and valine - may help in recovery from hangover and are widely taken by bodybuilders for muscle bulking. (These three essential amino acids make up about one-third of the body's muscle tissue.) There is also some evidence that taking these amino acids has a positive effect on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative nerve disease. Over the long term, too much protein in the form of amino acid supplements may be toxic to the liver and kidneys.
BACK TO MENU
Lysine is an essential amino acid. As a supplement, nutritionists use it primarily to help prevent and treat conditions caused by viruses of the herpes family, including cold sores, shingles, and genital sores. Studies confirm that it reduces the severity of symptoms and frequency of outbreaks of cold sores. Dietary sources of lysine include beans, dairy products, potatoes, and brewer's yeast. Lysine may increase blood cholesterol levels. It comes in capsules.
BACK TO MENU
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that stimulates production in the brain of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which have an energy-boosting effect on the body. It is taken as a supplement (in the form of L-phenylalanine) to help treat depression and (as D-phenylalanine) to control chronic pain. It also seems to enhance the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture. Some studies show a beneficial effect on people with Parkinson's disease. The L-form should be avoided by people with high blood pressure. Phenylalanine may also cause stimulant-like side effects, including insomnia and anxiety. Both forms should be avoided by people with phenylketonuria, a genetic disorder of phenylalanine metabolism. A mixture of the two forms is sold as DL-phenylalanine or DLPA. It comes in capsules.
BACK TO MENU
Taurine is found in high levels in fish and e proteins. In the body, it is concentrated ill the brain, where it plays a central role in regulating the nervous system and coordinating electrical activity. Though not an amino acid that plays a role in protein synthesis, taurine is intimately connected with the minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, all of which also affect brain metabolism. Its main therapeutic use (at dosages of about 1,500 mg per day) is in epilepsy management, though it may also protect the eyes against cataracts, alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of gallstones. High levels may cause depression or other adverse effects. It comes in tablets and capsules.
BACK TO MENU
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is currently banned by the FDA as a food supplement. It was formerly taken as a sleeping aid. It is naturally found in a variety of foods, including whole grains, beans, legumes, and some nuts and seeds. Tryptophan is the precursor of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, which acts as a natural sedative, pain reliever, and mood enhancer. Serotonin elevates mood and boosts feelings of well-being. Deficiencies of serotonin have been tied to depression and sleep-related problems. Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have demonstrated that a single meal of whole grains, grain-flour products, and beans boost brain levels of serotonin within minutes of consuming the food. Consistent Consumption of these foods increases serotonin levels over time. Tryptophan supplements were removed from U.S. markets by the FDA in November 1989, when consumption was tied to a rare blood abnormality that caused thirty-eight deaths. The ill effects may have been caused by product contamination rather than tryptophan itself.
BACK TO MENU
Tyrosine is an amino acid taken to help relieve depression. Like phenylalanine, it helps the brain to produce the natural pain killing, energizing, and mood-boosting chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. It is taken to help relieve anxiety and emotional lows associated with PMS, and it may play a role in the treatment of drug detoxification and Parkinson's disease. It should be avoided by anyone who suffers from high blood pressure. It comes in capsules.
BACK TO MENU
Single amino acids include the essential ones as well as others such as taurine and arginine, which are taken for their effects on brain neurotransmitters and other cell functions. Taking single amino acid supplements for an extended period of time may cause all imbalance in the function of other amino acids.
PAGE TOP
Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™
Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™
All rights reserved. Terms of Use
|