Amino Acids...the building blocks of proteins.

Amino acids are the principal building blocks of proteins and enzymes. Your body needs amino acids to build proteins, which are complex organic compounds. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids.

The value in ingesting protein (either in the form of food or dietary supplements) is that it is broken down into polypeptides by hydrochloric acid in the stomach and then into amino acids by digestive enzymes in the small intestine. The aminos are then absorbed into the body through the small intestine's wall. If the wall of the small intestine is in a healthy condition, it will not allow anything larger than an individual molecule to pass through it and into the body. It acts as a barrier of sorts for undigested organic compounds.

Once the amino acid is inside of the body, the aminos will then dictate how they will be used to build new proteins. These new proteins will then do various functions inside of the body. We will discuss exactly what these functions are later in this article.

Essential Amino Acids

The body also has the ability to synthesize amino acids. That is to say, the body can make amino acids from scratch. Of the approximately 20 common amino acids, the body can synthesize all except for eight of these. These 8 aminos must be supplied from the outside and are referred to as essential amino acids, because they are essential to sustain life.

The 8 essential amino acids are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

There is a ninth amino acid considered to be essential, in that it is only required from infancy and throughout the childhood years. This amino acid is called histidine. After the body matures into adulthood it ceases to be essential, for the adult body will be able to synthesize histidine on it's own.

Although arginine is considered an essential amino acid, this is true only during the juvenile period in humans. Even so another amino acid, ornithine, can be converted to arginine in the body and therefore serves as a back up supply of arginine for the body to use to build new proteins. Arginine is a very complex amino acid that is often found at the active (or catalytic) site in proteins and enzymes.

Proteins in Your Diet

Protein is the main component of muscles, organs, and glands. Every living cell and all body fluids, except bile and urine, contain protein. The cells of muscles, tendons, and ligaments are maintained with protein. Children and adolescents require protein for growth and development.

Proteins can be broken down into two categories, complete and incomplete proteins. A food product that will supply enough of the essential amino acids is considered to be a complete protein. It is considered to be an incomplete protein if it does not supply enough of the essential amino acids.

In general, sources of complete proteins can be found in all meat and animal products such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, and other dairy products. Plant proteins on the other hand are either low, incomplete protein or lack one of the essential amino acids and are considered incomplete proteins. Although, plant proteins can be combined to include all of the essential amino acids and form a complete protein. One example of a complete plant protein would be rice and beans. Vegetarian diets are able to get enough protein if they have the proper combination of plant proteins to provide you with the essential amino acids.

A nutritionally balanced diet provides adequate protein. We should point out that there are also certain dangers in diets that are high in meat, as well as high-protein diets which could lead to high cholesterol or put undue strain on the kidneys. The amounts of recommended proteins depends upon numerous things such as age, weight, and other factors and is beyond the scope of this article. We recommend that you consult with a qualified dietician or your physician in regards to proteins in the diet.

  The medicinal value of Amino Acids as a supplement

Another aspect to consider is the medicinal value of amino acids in the form supplements. When taken in concentrated form, these substances can produce remarkably beneficial effects countering many of the effects of aging.

References:

http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/aminoacids/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002467.htm
http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.html
http://www.howstuffworks.com/cell2.htm
http://www.arginineresearch.com/
http://www.wisdom-health.com/pituitary.html
http://www.wisdom-health.com/arginine.html
http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands.jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcommonzSzdorlandszSzdorlandzSzdmd_h_23zPzhtm

L-tryptophan

L-tryptophan is used by the brain along with niacin (B₆) and magnesium to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter. L-tryptophan can help induce natural sleep, reduce pain sensitivity, act as an antidepressant, reduce anxiety and aid in the control of alcoholism. Unfortunately, as of this writing, the FDA has taken the excuse of a contaminated batch of L-tryptophan from Japan to ban this valuable nutrient from the U.S. market. This is a moral crime against your right to health.

L-phenylalanine

L-phenylalanine is an amino acid which is used by the body to produce the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which promote alertness. L-phenylalanine can reduce hunger, increase sexual interest, improve memory and mental alertness and alleviate depression.

DL-phenylalanine (DLPA)

DL-phenylalanine (DLPA), not to be confused with plain phenylalanine, is a mixture of equal parts of the "D-" (synthetic) and "L-" (natural) phenylalanine. DL-phenylalanine inhibits the enzymes systems which destroy endorphans, and the resulting increased level of endorphans accounts for the effects of DLPA: pain relief and strong antidepressant action. DLPA is very useful in conditions of chronic pain such as arthritis, low back pain, neuralgia, etc. Some people, who do not respond to ordinary pain relievers, such as Empirin, do respond to DLPA. The analgesic effect of DLPA may require from four days to two weeks to manifest but once it does appear it is long lasting.

L-lysine

L-lysine is used to treat herpes simplex infections (cold sores), enhance concentration, aid in fat metabolism and alleviate some infertility problems. L-lysine inhibits the replication of the herpes virus and, while it does not kill the virus and wipe it out, it will suppress the symptoms in some people.

L-arginine & L-ornithine

L-arginine and L-ornithine are best discussed together as they usually are prepared and sold in combination. L-ornithine is converted to arginine in the body and therefore serves as a back up supply of L-arginine. L-arginine is converted to nitric oxide by an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide serves to keep pathogens out of the digestive tract; it serves to dilate blood vessels, and it is a potent source of energy and a sexual stimulant as well.

Upper back tension responds particularly well to L-arginine/L-ornithine. Other effects of this dynamic duo are muscle building and fat burning (especially when combined with exercise) with overall weight loss, accelerated wound healing, tissue repair and strengthened tendons and ligaments. L-arginine/L-ornithine should be taken with vitamin C, vitamin B₆ and a good mineral supplement for maximum effect.

L-glutamine

L-glutamine is the precursor of glutamic acid, which serves the brain by neutralizing excess ammonia (a byproduct of brain metabolism), thus creating a clearer space for brain activity. L-glutamine has been shown to improve IQ, alleviate fatigue, depression and impotence, as well as speed healing. It also is well-known to decrease the craving for alcohol and is a valuable adjunct in the treatment of alcoholism. These effects may be due to the HGH- releasing (human growth hormone-releasing) properties of the L- form of glutamine, which is, of course, popular with body-builders.

L-aspartic acid

L-aspartic acid helps expel ammonia from the body. Ammonia is the major waste product of cell metabolism and is eliminated through the kidneys. The faster it is eliminated from the body the better you feel. Aspartic acid results in increased stamina (studies have proven this in athletes) and decreases fatigue. It is sold as L-aspartic Acid (the natural, non-synthetic form).

L-cysteine

L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and aids in detoxification by boosting the biosynthesis of the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione. Cysteine can chelate, and protect the body from, excess copper and other harmful metals. It also binds free radicals and serves as an antioxidant. It is best supplied as N-acetyl-L-cysteine (or NAC), because a portion of straight cysteine is converted to cystine, which is not bio-available.

L-methionine

L-methionine is another sulfur-containing amino and protects against certain tumors. It also helps in the treatment of some schizophrenics.

L-glycine

L-glycine aids in treatment of low pituitary gland function and is useful in the treatment of muscular dystrophy. It also is used in the treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperacidity of the stomach, as well as a biochemical disorder in which there is a Leucine imbalance, causing an offensive body and breath odor. L-glycine also has HGH-releasing properties similar to L-arginine.

L-tyrosine

L-tyrosine is effective as a mood elevator. It too has HGH-releasing properties similar to L- arginine.

L-taurine

L-taurine is useful in the treatment and prevention of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the slow wearing out of the retina of the eye, including the focal point on the retina, which is called the "macula," eventually leading to blindness. There are two types of macular degeneration: the accelerated type and the age-related type. We all have age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and if you live long enough you will go blind! That is the bad news. The good news is that you can slow down macular degeneration with taurine, perhaps to the point that something else gets you before you go blind.

I have not given you the recommended dosages of amino acids. For this information, consult the label. In general, four grams per day is a top dose of any individual amino acid, although there are exceptions. Consult your doctor of nutritional medicine for further advice.

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