ASSIGNMENT

ADVANCE NUTRITION
TOPIC-THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION OF AMINO ACIDS
•
Amino acids
• Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life.
• When proteins are digested or broken down, amino acids are left. The human body uses amino acids to make proteins to help
the body:
• Break down food
• Grow
• Repair body tissue
• Perform many other body functions
• Amino acids can also be used as a source of energy by the body.

• Amino acids are classified into three groups:

• Essential amino acids
• Nonessential amino acids
• Conditional amino acids

• ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

• Essential amino acids cannot be made by the body. As a result, they must come from food.
• The 9 essential amino acids are: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and
valine.

• NONESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

• Nonessential means that our bodies produce an amino acid, even if we do not get it from the food we eat.
• Nonessential amino acids include: alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid.

• CONDITIONAL AMINO ACIDS

• Conditional amino acids are usually not essential, except in times of illness and stress.
• Conditional amino acids include: arginine, cysteine, glutamine, tyrosine, glycine, ornithine, proline, and serine.
• You do not need to eat essential and nonessential amino acids at every meal, but getting a balance of them over the whole
day is important. A diet based on a single plant item will not be adequate, but we no longer worry about pairing proteins
(such as beans with rice) at a single meal. Instead we look at the adequacy of the diet overall throughout the day.
 Glutamine
• One of the most freely available amino acids in the body, glu-tamine
is derived mainly from skeletal muscles.

• The liver, kid-neys, GI tract, and immune system utilize glutamine

readily. Inside the organs, glutamine transports nitrogen and carbon.

• Regarded mainly as nonessential (the body can manufacture some

amount), glutamine is essential for proper immune system function
and GI integrity (adequate amounts are produced by the intestinal
mucosa, but not in amounts necessary in times of extreme physiologic
stress), and plays a role in maintaining over-all amino-acid balance in
the body. Because of these essential roles, glutamine should, more
appropriately, be considered aconditionally essential amino acid.
• Immune Function
• Similar to the cells of the GI system, certain
cells of the immune system also utilize
glutamine preferentially during times
of unusual stress. Even at times of relative
physiologic normalcy, lymphocytes and
macrophages consume glutamine at highrates.

• Low plasma levels of glutamine are associated

with overtraining as well.
 Glycine
• Glycine is a nonessential amino acid and is derived (in the body) from serine. Typically, a person may
consume roughly 2 g of glycine as part of a standard diet (rich in meat, fish, legumes,and dairy
products). Glycine is transported easily into the brain and acts primarily as an inhibitory
neurotransmitter. Brain con-centrations of glycine are mainly stable with an adequate diet ;however,
supplemental intake can bolster central nervous system concentrations.

• Glycine binds avidly with receptors in the locus ceruleus, a group of cell bodies located in the pons of
the midbrain. Thelocus ceruleus contains mainly norepinephrine neurons and isconsidered to be a key
brain center for anxiety, arousal, fear, andvigilance. Norepinephrine released from the locus ceruleus
affects other parts of the brain (namely the nucleus accumbens),which can then lead to more feelings of
anxiety and panic as well as an increased sense of energy. The locus ceruleus may be upregulated in
addictive states as well. Addictions, Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia
 Arginine
• Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid because it
can be synthesized from the amino acids
glutamine, glutamate, and proline. Despite this, dietary
intake remains the preferred means of obtaining this amino
acid because the rate of arginine synthe-sis in the body is not
altered in response to depletion or low sup-plies.

• Arginine exerts many positive effects in the body, not all of

which are covered here. One area where arginine has signifi-
cant use and effect is on the endocrine system, specifically
adrenal and pituitary function. Arginine is well known for its
ability to stimulate catecholamine release, insulin
and glucagon, prolactin, and growth hormone.The
mechanism of action behind these effects is not well-
understood at present.
• Essential amino acids are organic
compounds, which are required in virtually all
biological processes. They are key structural
components of all the tissues in the body.
• Amino acids provide cellular structure and perform
essential functions in our bodies. They are involved
in the storage and transport for nutrients.
• Amino acids are also vital for assisting with healing
and the repairing of tissue, and critically support our
metabolism as a whole.
• Although the body can produce many amino
acids, it cannot synthesise these eight amino
acids and they must be sourced from diet.
They include: Phenylalanine, the
three Branched Chain Amino Acids Valine,
Leucine and Isoleucine, Lysine,
Threonine, Tryptophan, and
finally Methionine. Histidine is essential for
infants, but not for adults.
 Phenylalanine
• Role
• L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is converted into another
amino acid called tyrosine.
• This amino acid is needed to form important brain
chemicals (neurotransmitters and hormones) including
norepinephrine (aka noradrenaline), epinephrine (aka adrenaline), their
precursor L-dopa, and finally thyroid hormones, which are responsible for the
regulation of our metabolism.
• Benefit
• Without sufficient L-phenylalanine it’s possible to experience cognitive
dysfunction, depression, and appetite loss.
• Sources
• Some of the best natural sources of phenylalanine include poultry, beef, fish,
pork, eggs, yogurt, cheese, soy products, and certain seeds and nuts.
• Recommended Daily Dosage
• 33 mg of Phenylalanine (Female – 1,980 mg. Male – 1,640 mg) per kilo per
day. The figures in brackets are the daily totals in mg for a 60kg (132 lbs)
female and an 80kg (176 lbs) male.
 Valine
• Role
• Valine is one of three branch-chained amino acids (BCAAs) and
promotes the repair of tissues.
• Benefit
• Valine is often taken in supplement form with other BCAAs to
build muscle mass in athletes.
• Sources
• Some good natural sources of valine include meat, dairy products,
soy products, mushrooms and peanuts.
• Recommended Daily Dosage
• 24 mg of Valine (Female – 1,440 mg. Male – 1,920 mg) per kilo per
day. The figures in brackets are the daily totals in mg for a 60kg
(132 lbs) female and an 80kg (176 lbs) male.
•
 Leucine
• Role
• Another branch-chained amino acid (BCAA), leucine is the fourth most
concentrated amino acid found within muscle tissue.

• Benefit
• It helps to maintain nitrogen balance and energy supply.

• Sources
• It is also taken in supplement form with other BCAAs to support muscle
building.
• Foods rich in this amino acid include soybeans, beef, peanuts, pork, fish,
almonds, chicken, lentils, oats, chickpeas, corn, rice, and dairy products.

• Recommended Daily Dosage

• 43 mg of Leucine (Female – 2,580 mg. Male – 3,440 mg) per kilo per
day. The figures in brackets are the daily totals in mg for a 60kg (132 lbs)
female and an 80kg (176 lbs) male.
 Isoleucine
• Role
• The third branch-chained amino acid (BCAA), isoleucine is
also involved in muscle development and repair.
• It is broken down by the body to provide energy within
the muscle tissue and assist the body when recovering
from strenuous physical exercise.
• Sources
• Some of the best sources of isoleucine include seeds,
nuts, eggs, meat, fish, lentils, and soy protein.
• Recommended Daily Dosage
• 19 mg of Isoleucine (Female – 1,140 mg. Male – 1,520
mg) per kilo per day. The figures in brackets are the daily
totals in mg for a 60kg (132 lbs) female and an 80kg (176
 Lysine
• Role
• This is a key essential amino acid that helps to build a healthy immune system.
• It is involved in the development of antibodies and has important antiviral
properties.

• Benefit
• Studies show that this particular amino acid is especially beneficial for
safeguarding against herpes virus. Lysine also assists with the formation of
collagen and muscle tissue.

• Sources
• Good sources of this essential amino acid include fish, eggs, cheese, lima beans,
potatoes, red meat, milk, yeast, and soy products.

• Recommended Daily Dosage

• 38 mg of Lysine (Female – 2,280 mg. Male – 3,040 mg) per kilo per day The figures
in brackets are the daily totals in mg for a 60kg (132 lbs) female and an 80kg (176
lbs) male.
•
 Threonine
• Role
• This essential amino acid helps to maintain the balance of protein within the body
and therefore supports normal growth and development.
• It is also involved in supporting the central nervous system, cardiovascular system
immune function, and liver function.

• Benefit
• Threonine is required to produce the amino acids serine and glycine that produce
elastin, collagen and muscle tissue. Combined with methione and aspatic acid,
thronine also helps to process fatty acids and prevent liver failure.

Sources
• Good sources of this essential amino acid include meat, grains, dairy, leafy
vegetables, and mushrooms.

Recommended Daily Dosage

• 20 mg of Threonine (Female – 1,200 mg. Male – 1,600 mg) per kilo per day. The
figures in brackets are the daily totals in mg for a 60kg (132 lbs) female and an
80kg (176 lbs) male.
 Tryptophan
• Role
• This essential amino acid is required to produce the important neurotransmitter
serotonin.
• Benefit
• The level of serotonin in the body has a direct influence on emotions and mood.
• Low levels of this neurotransmitter can lead to insomnia, depression, and
weight gain; among other problems.
• Tryptophan is also needed for the manufacture of vitamin B3 (niacin).
• This nutrient assists with the regulation of blood sugar, stop free radical
damage, and prevent cholesterol build up.
• Sources
• The best sources of Tryptophan can be found in turkey, chicken, beef, fish,
brown rice, peanuts, cottage cheese, and soy protein.
• Recommended Daily Dosage
• 5 mg of Tryptophan(Female – 300 mg. Male – 400 mg) per kilo per day. The
figures in brackets are the daily totals in mg for a 60kg (132 lbs) female and an
80kg (176 lbs) male.
 Methionine
• Role
• Methionine, like the important Arginine, is a sulphur-containing essential
amino acid.
• It helps the body to effectively process and remove fat.

• Benefit
• The body needs high levels of methionine to produce the amino
acids taurine and cysteine, as well as the powerful amino acid glutathione.

• Sources
• Good natural sources of this amino acid include lentils, meat, fish, garlic,
onions, seeds, yogurt, soybeans, and eggs.

• Recommended Daily Dosage

• 19 mg of Methionine (Female – 1,140 mg. Male – 1,520 mg) per kilo per
day. The figures in brackets are the daily totals in mg for a 60kg (132 lbs)
female and an 80kg (176 lbs) male.
 What is L-alanine?
• L-alanine is a non-essential amino acid and plays a crucial role as a building block of
important proteins.
• Mostly synthesised by the muscle cells from lactic acid it is considered the most important
nutrient for the amino acid metabolism in the blood together with L-Glutamine. Once
synthesised L-alanine is absorbed via the liver and converted to a pyruvate. This compound is
critical for the production of glucose and and hence blood sugar management.
• L-alanine supplements are therefore often used in cases of hypoglycaemia to prevent the
organism from suffering low blood sugar or insuline shocks. They enable rapid energy
delivery by stimulating the immediate release of glucose into the blood stream.
• Other important functions of this amino acid are the support of the immune system and
prevention of kidney stones. L-alanine is thus often as a remedy in orthomolecular medicine.
• Poor nutrition, a low protein diet, as well as stress and environmental can all cause an
insufficiency of L-alanine. Such shortfalls should be compensated with dietary supplements
with a level of urgency.
• Muscle endurance and strength may otherwise adversely affected and ongoing muscle
atrophy (shrinkage), fatigue or faintness may result. When dosed appropriately however, L-
alanine can be an effective nutrient supporting an intensive training regime and
achieve effective muscle growth.
• Foods with large amounts of L-alanine
• L-alanine is easily washed away and lost in foods due to its strong hydrophilic (water soluble)
properties. Foods with large amounts of L-alanine should therefore not be cooked or soaked
for too long. Protein rich sources from animals are well suited as sources, in particular:
• beef (approximately 3.9 g per 100g) and fish (approximately 2.6 g per 100g),are
recommended, because they can cover a large amount of the recommended minimum daily
dose of L-alanine. Yeast (approximately 2.3g per 100g) and partridge (approximately 2,2g per
100g) are also high in L-alanine, although the latter a.
• Athletes in particular have a much larger need to supplement amino acids in order to rapidly
build muscle mass.
They usually consume protein powder before and after training in order to make the protein
rapidly available in the blood stream enabling the body to repair and grow its muscles.
They should also include certain foods in their diet, which have high concentrations of L-
alanine and other amino acids in order to guarantee an ample supply of these for them vital
nutrients.
 Arginine / L-Arginine
• L-arginine (often simply shortened to “Arginine“) is a very important semi-
essential amino acid.
• That means can be produced by the body, but is often needed in larger
quantities so the body relies on extra supplementation via the diet.
• The most important characteristic of Arginine is that it is the only reactant
for the molecule NO (nitric oxide), which is a vasodilator. One of the
characteristics of NO is to regulate vascular tone, ensuring, so to say, the
flexibility of blood vessels and a healthy cardiovascular system.
• One of the most well-known properties of Arginine is improving
the erections of men, who suffer from vascular erectile dysfunction
• Arginine is needed for the pituitary gland (in the brain) to
function properly and works together with some other
amino acids, such as L-Ornithine and phenylalanine, to synthesise
and distribute growth hormones. These contribute not only to
the prompt regeneration of tissue such as nerves and muscle, but
also help to maintain the health of many organs and epithelia.

• Additionally, Arginine has a positive effect on the human immune

system by supporting the production of disease-fighting
antibodies and stimulating the thymus gland (an organ which
processes these antibodies).
 Foods Containing Large Amounts of Arginine
• In the bodily process of urea exchange, a certain amount of Arginine is naturally synthesised; this amount
is, however, insufficient to cover the minimum daily requirement of around 2 to 5g completely. Especially
during adolescence, in cases of severe injuries or after serious operations, the body requires a continuous
supply of amino acids through food or relevant supplements, as the body will not produce enough amino
acids for its own needs by a long way.
• Stress and a wide range of other conditions, such as arteriosclerosis or high blood pressure, can increase
an individual’s requirements, which is why Arginine is now seen as one of the essential amino acids by
leading nutritionists.
• Some conditions are seen automatically as a sign that supplements of this valuable amino acid are
needed, for example heart and liver failure, coronary diseases, angina pectoris (chest pains) and growth
hormone deficiency. In cases such as these, a doctor should be consulted to discuss the possibility of
complementing the diet with nutritional supplements.
• Raw pork and chicken breasts contain a particularly large amount of Arginine (both around 1.4g per
100g), but these foods have to be cooked thoroughly before consumption to kill any possible germs.
During this process, the original concentration of essential amino acids decreases, which is why other
foods need to be consumed as well to meet the daily requirement. Nuts, above all walnuts and cashew
nuts, are particularly rich in Arginine.
• For women who are not pregnant and all other people not undergoing treatment with
immunosuppressives for an existing condition, the consumption of raw salmon is suitable for a high
supply of Arginine, as it contains around 1.2g per 100g, and is very healthy in other respects too. Chicken
eggs and cow’s milk (0.8 and 0.1g per 100g respectively) can also be used as sources, although it must be
noted that it is relatively difficult for the body to extract amino acids from animal products. For this
reason, pine nuts (around 2.4g per 100g) and walnuts (around 2.2g per 100g) can also be adopted into
the dietary plan.
• Changes to the diet are, however, nowhere near as effective as using specially-designed products which
contain plenty of Arginine.
• Not only the production of growth hormones, but also the
formation of insulin and antibodies are heavily dependent on
Arginine.

• This means that an insufficient intake of Arginine can lead to

severe symptoms of deficiency. To counter this before any serious
damage is done, it is recommended that, alongside a well-
balanced diet, specially designed nutritional supplements are
used. These can be especially helpful in the recovery process after
operations or accidents.

• Today, various symptoms can be reduced with the help

of Arginine, which is why it is no longer possible to imagine
orthomolecular medicine without this vital substance and it is
increasingly finding its way into modern medical practices.
 Asparagine
• Asparagine was the first amino acid to be isolated from its
natural source, which is asparagus. It is a non essential amino
acid. This means the body can produce it without you needing
to include it in your diet.
• Asparagine is closely related to aspartic acid (also known as
aspartate). Asparagine is the beta-amido derivative of aspartic
acid. This term describes the structure of the amino acid.
• The acidic side chain carboxyl group in aspartic acid is coupled
with ammonia to form asparagine1. This reaction happens due
to an enzyme called asparagine synthetase2:
• Asparagine synthesis on the human body
• Sources of Asparagine
• To supplement your natural asparagine levels, there are some
foods rich in the amino acid which you can try. These include
poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, meat, nuts, seafood, seeds, and
potatoes5.
• There are also many asparagine supplements available in the
market, and these can come as part of protein powders mixed
with other supplements. These are generally safe to use
provided you do not have any other medical conditions and
you follow the dosage specified by the manufacturer. If you
are unsure whether asparagine is safe for you it is best to
check with your doctor.
 BCAAs
• BCAAs are a popular and widely available fitness supplement. They are particularly well known in body-
building and other sports requiring growth of strong muscle tissue. They cannot be synthesised by the
body and therefore have to be supplemented via foods containing protein and are therefore classed
as essential amino acids.
• BCAAs play a pivotal role in human metabolism and are actively used in the treatment against cirrhosis of
the liver and in intensive care with great success.
• L-ValineThe branched-chain amino acid L-Valine has industrial applications in the fermentation of alcoholic
beverages and is a central building block of many important enzymes. It assists in the human body’s
energy provisioning processes and therefore plays an important role in building physical strength and
muscle mass. Foods containing large amounts of L-Valine are very popular with athletes and especially
body builders, who attempt to accelerate muscle hypertrophy (growth) in order to gain strength, power
and speed.
• L-Leucine
• L-Leucine plays a central role in the metabolism of muscle tissue therefore contributing to both its
generation and preservation. It is an important building block for many proteins and therefore supports
various healing processes. Adults should consume 10 to 50 mg L-Leucine per kilo body weight. A
deficiency, however, can also be caused by an undersupply of Vitamin B6.
• L-Isoleucine
• In a similar fashion, the BCAA L-Isoleucine plays a pivotal role in the energy supply of muscle tissue, which
is particularly critical during periods of extensive exercise or in acute hunger periods.
• Unless present in sufficient quantity in the blood, the body will access its storage reserves, which will
inevitably lead to a reduction of L-Leucine and muscle mass. This effect must be avoided by athletes trying
to build muscle mass.
•
• Foods with large amounts of BCAAs
• Branched chain amino acids are contained mainly in protein rich foods and make up three out of
the eight essential amino acids. With a balanced and healthy diet it should be no problem to
cover the body’s daily minimum requirements. Certain factors, however, can radically increase
this minimum requirement to the extend that supplementation becomes necessary.
• The Flash Diet for example drastically reduces the body’s BCAA depots and the body will require
urgent replenishment to avoid the breaking down of muscle tissue to source BCAAs for
maintenance or muscle repair elsewhere.
• Liver conditions and high intensity exercise will also increase the requirement
of Leucine, Valine und Isoleucine. Athletes and patients should therefore consumer extra amounts
regularly.

• Which meats?
• Foods particularly rich in L-Leucine are beef (approx. 1690 mg / 100 g), raw salmon (approx. 1615
mg / 100 g), eggs (approx. 1090 mg / 100 g) and wheat products (approx. 920 mg / 100 g).
• L-Valine und L-Isoleucine are also included in significant amounts in meat and other animal
produce. Dried peas (approx. 1160 mg / 100 g) and walnuts (approx. 750 mg / 100 g) are
particularly suited for vegetarians with their high BCAA concentration.
• read the review
• Meat eaters will get large amounts of their minimum daily requirement from chicken breast
(approx. 1220 mg / 100 g) and rice (approx. 330 mg / 100 g). A healthy adults needs about 10g
per day, but this amount will vary between individuals of course.
• If you exercise regularly it is worth considering taking either a dedicated BCAA supplement or
consuming them with whey protein powder.
• The aminoacid studies team has compared the top 7 whey protein powders to help you find
 Glutamic Acid
• Glutamic acid, abbreviated as E or Glu, is an important amino acid for
the synthesis of proteins. The salts and carboxylate anions associated
with glutamic acid are referred to as glutamates. Glutamic acid
contributes to the health of the immune and digestive systems, as well
as energy production. Muscle tissues are an important site for storing
and producing this amino acid. Each day approximately 80g of glutamic
acid is released from the muscles into circulation to be used throughout
the body.

• Glutamic acid is in the same amino acid family group as glutamine and
they can alter their structure to transform into each other. Glutamine is
required by the muscles more than any other amino acid. Body builders
and other athletes that rely on muscle mass, endurance and strength
often have a higher demand for glutamine. Glutamine is rapidly used by
muscles during exercise. Consequently, having an adequate supply of
glutamine/glutamic acid is important to support a healthy, active body.
 Sources of Glutamic Acid
• Glutamic acid can be sourced from high protein foods such as fish, meat, eggs, poultry,
and dairy products. Protein rich vegetables are also a good source of this amino acid.
Certain legumes, like lentils and beans, have particularly high concentrations of
glutamic acid. In addition to occurring naturally in foods, this amino acid is frequently
used as an additive to enhance the flavour of certain products. Often is added in the
form or monosodium glutamate (MSG).

• Glutamic acid can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Many supplements contain
glutamine, which is closely associated to glutamic acid. The recommended daily dose of
these supplements can vary from between 500 and 2,000 mg. It’s important that
individuals consult their doctor before taking glutamic acid supplements, especially if
suffering from liver or kidney diseases, as well as any neurological disease. Although a
safe amino acid, there can be some side effects from supplementation, such as
headaches and fatigue.

• In most cases, supplementation isn’t necessary. Most people are able to obtain enough
glutamic acid from their diet. Deficiencies can occur in malnourished individuals or
those that have problems with their immune system. In the case of a deficiency,
symptoms include lethargy, fatigue, insomnia and the inability to concentrate. These
symptoms are characteristic of excessive ammonia build-up. Body builders and other
athletes may find supplements helpful to better support the body during exercise
regimes and sporting competitions.
 L-carnitine
• L-carnitine is synthesised from the amino acids lysine
and methionine, and it performs essential functions in human
metabolism. The naturally occurring protein compound does this by
acting as a receptor molecule for different fatty acids.
• It therefore contributes towards providing an effective supply of
nutrients and energy generation in the body.
• The importance of L-carnitine is particularly clear in the transport of
fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids are only able to be transported into
the mitochondria, which generate energy in the cells of the body,
with the help of L-carnitine. Therefore carnitine is particularly well
known as a fat burner.
• Because the human body can build L-carnitine itself, only part of the
daily requirement for the substance must come from the intake of
food. The fact that human cells mostly absorb the protein-like
substance through eating meat must also be taken into account
when considering the required daily intake. This is because larger
amounts of L-carnitine are present in mutton and lamb, so the intake
requirements can be met more easily with suitable consumption of
• How does L-carnitine work?
• The physiological process of how L-carnitine is used on the body to
transport fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy generation is
described in this excellent video (from 1:20).

Foods that are rich in L-carnitie

• L-carnitine is a water-soluble molecule and it can therefore be naturally
excreted through the production of urine. Because of this property, the
amount of L-carnitine present in patients undergoing dialysis treatment
is frequently too low. As a result of this, the patients must take additional
supplements or be supplied with L-carnitine intravenously. During the
dialysis treatment, the nutrient is removed from the body alongside
other compounds usually eliminated in the urine. Consequently, this can
lead to the development of a deficiency.
• Furthermore, the high solubility of L-carnitinein water can have a
negative effect on the contents of certain food products after cooking.
This is because after prolonged contact with water, a leaching effect can
occur and the quantities present can become considerably reduced.