Amino Acids

Explain Isoleucine

Function: It is a branched amino acid found in high concentrations in our muscle tissues. It is used in the body to form biochemical compounds that that help in energy production. Source: It is very high in meats and cheeses. Clinical: Experimentally found to reduce muscle tremors and twitches. Used in bodybuilding (protein, muscles)

What are the 9 essential amino acids?

Phenylalanine, Valine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Isoleucine, Methionine, Leucine, Lysine, Histidine

What is a complete protein?

a food that contains all 9 essential amino acids

What are the non-essential amino acids?

alanine, aspartic acid, glutamine acid, homocysteine, serine, Asparagine

Define hemoglobin

an iron-bearing protein that is the key component of a red blood cell. It carries oxygen to tissues of the body.

Define Enzyme

are protein catalysts that stimulate biochemical reactions.

Explain antibodies

are proteins formed as a response to antigens (or foreign bodies like viruses or bacteria). The body will produce a specific antibody to bind with the antigen and inactivate it.

What are conditionally essential amino acids?

arginine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, proline, tyrosine

What are the amino acids not found in body proteins?

carnitine, citrulline, glutathione, ornithine, taurine

Explain hormones

they have a dynamic effect on metabolism. The primary protein hormones are insulin and thyroid hormone.

What percentage of available amino acids are recycled from old tissue proteins?

60-70%

Why is the cysteine-glutathione connection so important?

Because glutathione is a critical regulator of cell health and essential for maintaining electrochemical balance in many cells. It functions as a detoxifying agent in the kidneys and is required for the elimination of many environmental toxins. It is also required for the synthesis and repair of DNA, as well as the neutralization of free radicals that damage healthy cells. When glutathione is not available, the cause of often lack of cysteine.

Explain Leucine

Function: It is essential for growth since it stimulates protein synthesis in muscle. It can be used as a fuel source to produce energy. Source: Good concentrations in poultry, red meat and dairy products. Research: It is helpful in healing wounds of the skin and bones. A leucine deficiency can cause a biochemical malfunction producing hypoglycemia in infants.

Explain Phenylalanine

Source: Found in most food sources, particularly in meats and milk products. Function: It is the precursor of the amino acid tyrosine and cannot be reconverted which makes phenylalanine is essential to the diet. As a precursor of tyrosine, phenylalanine can form norepinephrine (an important neurotransmitter) in the brain along with epinephrine and dopamine. Research: It has been used in the treatment of depression in the D-, L- DL- forms. For example, L-phenylalanine works best in bipolar disorders (with manic and depressive states) whereas D- and L- forms best for affective depression. It is better absorbed that tyrosine and produces fewer headaches so may be more useful in depression. Also used for pain relief in certain musculoskeletal problems and is the primary use.

Explain Valine

Source: Found in substantial quantities in most foods. Function: An essential part of many proteins. Research: Most commonly associated with nutritional biochemistry and its appearance in sickle-cell disease. In this disease the hemoglobin protein glutamic acid is replaced with valine in the protein chain. This alters the shape of the hemoglobin protein and prevents the red blood cells that have it from carrying oxygen. Although there is no evidence yet valine substitution may be a process at work in other genetic alterations including in cancer causing genes.

Explain Threonine

Source: Good amounts in animal foods, dairy products, and eggs. Moderate levels in wheat germ, nuts, beans and seeds. Function: It is an important part in many body proteins and is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel protein, elastin, and collagen. It is a precursor for the amino acids glycine and serine. It is one of the immune-stimulating nutrients (such as cysteine, lysine and alanine) as it promotes thymus growth and activity. Research: Studies with rats have shown associated with a weaken cellular response and antibody formation.

Explain Methionine

Source: It is the least abundant amino acid found in food. There are some concentrations in dairy foods, eggs, and meats. Function: It is one of the sulfur containing amino acids and is important for many functions. Including preventing problems with skin and nails, preventing excess fat buildup in the body, and works an an antioxidant through conversion to L-cysteine. Research: L-cysteine is used more often than methionine because it is better tolerated and has a wider range of protection.

Explain Tryptophan

Source: It is the least plentiful essential amino acid in corn, cereal grains and legumes. The dietary intake of tryptophan is lower than most other amino acids. Its concentrations are not high but found in animal foods, eggs and dairy products. Function: Vitamin C, B6, folic acid and magnesium are needed to metabolize it. It is the precursor to the vital neurotransmitter, serotonin which influences moods and sleep. Serotonin levels are directly related to tryptophan intake. Other amino acids compete for absorption with it and therefore it must often be taken as a supplement to increase its blood levels.

Explain Lysine

Source: Very high in fish, meats, and dairy products. Higher than other amino acids in legumes and many fruits and vegetables. Function: Found in the muscle tissue. It helps absorb calcium from the intestinal tract, promotes bone growth and the formation of collagen. Research: A deficiency may contribute to reduced growth and immunity. Lysine may help prevent osteoporosis through better absorption of calcium. Also popular in the prevention and treatment of Herpes Simplex infections.