The Indispensable Amino acids |
Isoleucine
- A branched chain amino acid readily taken up and used for energy by muscle tissue.
- Used to prevent muscle wasting in debilitated individuals
- Essential in the formation of hemoglobin
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Leucine
- A branched chain amino acid used as a source of energy
- Helps reduce muscle protein breakdown
- Modulates uptake of neurotransmitter precursors by the brain as well as the release of enkephalins, which inhibit the passage of pain signals into the nervous system.
- Promotes healing of skin and broken bones.
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Valine
- A branched chain amino acid
- Not processed by the liver; rather actively taken up by muscle
- Influences brain uptake of other neurotransmitter precursors (trptophan, phenylalanine and tryosine).
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Histadine
- One of the major ultraviolet absorbing compounds in the skin
- Important in the production of red and white blood cells; used in the treatment of anemia
- Used in the treatment of allergic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and digestive ulcers.
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Lysine
- Low levels can slow protein synthesis, affecting muscle and connective tissue
- Inhibits viruses; used in the treatment of herpes simplex
- Lysine and Vitamin C together form L-carnitine, a biochemical that enables muscle tissue to use oxygen more efficiently, delaying fatigue
- Aids bone growth by helping form collagen, the fibrous protein that makes up bone, cartilage and other connective tissue.
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Methionine
- Precursor of cystine and creatine
- May increase antioxidant levels (glutathione) and reduce blood cholesterol levels.
- Helps remove toxic wastes from the liver and assists in the regeneration of liver and kidney tissue
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Phenylalanine
- The major precursor of tyrosine
- Enhances learning, memory, mood and alertness
- Used in the treatment of some types of depression
- Is a major element in the production of collagen
- Suppresses appetite
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Threonine
- One of the amino detoxifers
- Helps prevent fatty buildup in the liver
- Important component of collagen
- Generally low in vegetarians
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Tryptophan
- Precursor of key neurotransmitter serotonin, which exerts a calming effect
- Stimulates the release of growth hormones
- Free form of this amino acid is unavailable in the U.S.
- It is only available in natural food sources
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Conditionally Dispensable Amino Acids |
Arginine
- Can increase secretion of insulin, glucagon, growth hormones
- Aids in injury rehabilitation, formation of collagen and immune system stimulation.
- Precursor of creatine, gamma amino butric acid (GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain)
- May increase sperm count and T-lymphocyte response
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Cysteine
- Detoxifies harmful chemicals in combination with L-aspartic acid and L-citruline
- Helps prevent damage from alcohol and tobacco use
- Stimulates white blood cell activity
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Tyrosine
- Precursor of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, as well as thyroid and growth hormones and melanin (the pigment responsible for skin and hair color).
- Elevates mood
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Alanine
- Major component of connective tissue
- Key intermediate in the glucose alanine cycle, which allows muscles and other tissues to derive energy from amino acids
- Helps build up the immune system
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Aspartic Acid
- Helps convert carbohydrates into muscle energy
- Builds immune system immunoglobulins and antibodies
- Reduces ammonia levels after exercises
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Cystine
- Contributes to strong connective4e tissue and tissue antioxidant actions
- Aids in healing processes, stimulates white blood cell activity and helps diminish pain from inflammation
- Essential for the formation of skin and hair
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Glutamic Acid
- A major precursor of glutamine, proline, ornothine, arginine, glutathione, and GABA
- A potential source of energy
- Important in brain metabolism and metabolism of other amino acids.
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Glutamine
- Most abundant amino acid
- Plays a key role in immune system functions
- An important source of energy, especially for kidneys and intestines during caloric restrictions.
- A brain fuel that is an aid to memory and a stimulant to intelligence and concentration
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Glycine
- Aids in the manufacture of other amino acids and is a part of the structure of hemoglobin and cytochromes (enzymes involved in energy production)
- Has a calming effect and is sometimes used to treat manic depressive and aggressive individuals
- Produces glucagon, which mobilizes glycogen
- Can inhibit sugar cravings
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Ornithine
- May help increase growth hormone secretion in high doses
- Aids in immune and liver function
- Promotes healing
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Proline
- A major component in the formation of connective tissue and heart muscle
- Readily mobilized for muscular energy
- Major constituent of collagen
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Serine
- Important in cells' energy production
- Aids memory and nervous system function
- Helps builds up immune system by producing immuno-globulins and antibodies
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Taurine
- Aids in the absorption and elimination of fats
- May act as a neurotransmitter in some areas of the brain and retina
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