Alanine,
Arginine,
Aspartic Acid,
Asparagine,
Cysteine-Cystine,
Glutamic Acid,
Glutamine,
Glycine,
Histidine,
Isoleucine,
Leucine,
Lysine,
Methionine,
Phenylalanine,
Proline,
Serine,
Threonine,
Tryptophan,
Tyrosine,
Valine,
GABA,
Taurine,
The 20 major amino acids, plus
hundreds of minor amino acids keep us alive, vibrant, and healthy. A
deficieny in a single amino acid will cause problems for us, and even
a single deficiency should be replaced.
In addition to making up all
protein, amino acids have numerous functions... far too many to
discuss within these pages.
Before each amino acid is
discussed, you will read how it is classified within the various
categories, such as essential versus non-essential, glycogenic versus
ketogenic, etcetera.
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ALANINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic
Main Functions:
Important source of energy for muscle.
The primary amino acid in sugar metabolism.
Boosts immune system by producing antibodies
Major part of connective tissue
Alanine Deficiencies Seen In:
hypoglycemia
muscle breakdown
fatigue
viral infections
elevated insulin and glucagon levels
Alanine Excess Seen In:
low insulin and glucagon levels
diabetes mellitus
kwashiorkor (starvation)
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ARGININE
Conditionally-Essential -
Proteogenic - Glycogenic - Basic Side
Chains
Main Functions:
Essential for normal immune system
activity.
Necessary for wound healing.
Assists with regeneration of damaged liver.
Necessary for production and release of growth hormone
Increases release of insulin and glucagon. Arginine is the most
potent amino acid in releasing insulin.
Assists in healing through collagen synthesis
Precursor to GABA, an important inhibitory neurotransmitter
Aids in wound healing
Decreases size of tumors.
Necessary for spermatogenesis.
Arginine Deficiencies Seen In:
AIDS
Immune deficiency syndromes, including CFS and Gulf War Syndrome
Candidiasis
Caution:
Because of arginine's powerful boost to the
immune system, people suffering from a great variety of ailments may
be tempted to experiment with it. Before doing so, make sure you do
not have an acute or chronic virus, such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV),
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Human Herpes Virus VI (HHV6), Herpes Simplex
I or II. Arginine will spped up the rate of viral growth, which can
prove to be dangerous. Theamino acid, Lysine, has the opposite effect
on viruses, slowing down their growth.
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ASPARTIC ACID
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Glycogenic - Acid Side Chain
Main Functions:
Aspartic Acid is interconvertible with
Asparagine, and therefore the two amino acids have many functions in
common.
Increases stamina.
One of the two main excitatory amino acids, the other being Glutamate
(Glutamic Acid).
Helps protect the liver by aiding the removal of ammonia.
Involved in DNA and RNA metabolism.
Involved in immune system function by enhancing immunoglobulin
production and anti- body formation.
Aspartic Acid Deficiency Seen In:
Calcium and magnesium deficiencies. Because of
this association, low aspartic acid levels should lead the clinician
to test for calcium and/or magnesium deficiencies.
Aspartic Acid Excess Seen In:
Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou
Gehrig's Disease)
Epilepsy, especially right after a seizure.
Stroke.
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ASPARAGINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Amidic
Main Functions:
Asparagine is made from Aspartic Acid plus ATP
(adenosine tri-phosphate).
One of the two main excitatory neurotransmitters. Glutamate, made
from glutamic acid, is the other. Among their functions as
neurotransmitters, of particular interest is the fact
that Aspartic Acid and Asparagine have high concentrations in the
hippocampus and the hypothalamus. The hippocampus is a part of the
brain that plays the main role in
short-term memory, while the hypothalamus is involved in the biology
of emotion, and serves as a neurological
gate between the brain and the rest of the nervous
system.
Aids in removing ammonia from the body.
May increase indurance and decrease fatigue.
Detoxifies harmful chemicals.
Involved in DNA synthesis.
Probably stimulates thymus gland.
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CYSTEINE-CYSTINE
Non-Essential - Glycogenic and
Ketogenic
Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Sulfur-Containing
Main Functions:
Cysteine and Cystine are interconvertible. Two
molecules of Cysteine make Cystine.
Antioxidant.
Protective against radiation, pollution, ultra-violet light and other
causes of increased free radical production.
Natural detoxifier.
Essential in growth, maintenance, and repair of skin.
Key ingredient in hair.
One of the 3 main sulfur-containing amino acids, along with Taurine
and Methionine.
Major constituent of Glutathione, an important tripeptide made up of
Cystine, Glutamic Acid, and Glycine.
Precursor to the amino acid Taurine.
Precursor to Chondroitin Sulfate, the main component of
cartilage.
Cysteine/Cystine Deficiency Seen
In:
Chemical Sensitivity
Food Allergy
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GLUTAMIC ACID
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Glycogenic - Acid Side Chain
Main Functions:
Glutamic Acid is a precursor to Glutamine and
GABA (2 neurotransmitters).
One of two excitatory neurotransmitters, the other being aspartic
acid/asparagine.
Excesses in brain tissue can call cell damage. This is thought to be
one of the mechanisms by why strokes kill brain cells; that is
through the release of large amounts of Glutamic Acid.
Helps stop alcohol and sugar cravings.
Increases energy.
Accelerates wound healing and ulcer healing.
Detoxifies ammonia in the brain by forming glutamine, which can cross
the blood-brain barrier, which Glutamic Acid cannot do.
Plays major role in DNA synthesis.
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GLUTAMINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Glycogenic
Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Amidic
Main Functions:
Precursor to the neurotransmitter GABA. This is
a vital function, as GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that
produces serenity and relaxation.
Important glycogenic amino acid, meaning that it is essential for
helping to maintain normal and steady blood sugar levels.
Involved with muscle strength and indurance.
Essential to gastrointestinal function; provides energy to the small
intestines. The intestines are the only organ in the body that uses
Glutamine as its primary source of energy.
Glutamine has the highest blood concentration of all the amino
acids.
Precursor to the neurotransmitter amino acid Glutamate (Glutamic
Acid).
Involved in DNA synthesis.
Glutamine Deficiency Seen In:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Alcoholism
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Glutamine Excess Seen In:
Use of some anti-convulsant medications.
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GLYCINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Glycogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic
Main Functions:
Part of the stucture of hemoglobin.
One of the two main inhibitory neurotransmitters, the other being
GABA.
Part of cytochromes, which are enzymes involved in energy
production.
Inhibits sugar cravings.
One of the 3 critical glycogenic amino acids, along with serine and
alanine.
Involved in glucagon production, which assists in glycogen
metabolism.
Glycine Deficiency Seen In:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Hypoglycemia
Anemia
Viral Infections
Candidiasis
Glycine Excess Seen In:
Starvation
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HISTIDINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic - Basic Side Chains
Main Functions:
Found in high concentrations in hemoglobin.
Useful in treating anemia due to relationship to hemoglobin.
Has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Precursot to histamine.
Associated with allergic response and has been used to treat
allergy.
Assists in maintaining proper blood pH.
Histidine Deficiency Seen In:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Anemia
Dysbiosis (Imbalance of intestinal bacterial flora).
Histidine Excess In:
Pregnancy
Special Functions and Predictive
Value:
High Histidine levels are associated with low
zinc levels. Low Histidine levels are associated with high zinc
levels. Thus, abnormal Histidine levels are an indicator that zinc
levels should be tested.
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ISOLEUCINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic and Ketogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic
Main Functions:
One of the 3 major Branched-Chain Amino Acids
(BCAA), all of which are involved with muscle strength, endurance,
and muscle stamina.
Muscle tissue uses Isoleucine as an energy source.
Required in the formation of hemoglobin.
BCAA levels are significantly decreased by insulin. Translation: High
dietary sugar or glucose intake causes release of insulin, which, in
turn, causes a drop in BCAA levels. Therefore, right before exercise,
it is not wise to ingest foods high in glucose
or other sugars, as the BCAA's, including Isoleucine will not be
readily available to muscles.
Isoleucine Deficiency Seen In:
Obesity
Hyperinsulinemia
Panic Disorder
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Note: Deficiencies in BCAA in CFS, GWS, FM
are associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, and post-exertional
exhaustion).
Acute hunger
Kwashiorkor (starvation)
Isoleucine Excess Seen In:
Diabetes Mellitus with ketotic
hypoglycemia
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LEUCINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Ketogenic - Non-Polar, Hydrophobic -
Aliphatic
Main Functions:
As one of the 3 branched-chain amino acids (the
other 2 being Isoleucine and Valine), Leucine has all of the
properties discussed with Isoleucine, as it pertains specifically to
the branched-chain amino acid functions.
Potent stimulator of insulin.
Helps with bone healing.
Helps promote skin healing.
Modulates release of Enkephalins, which are natural
pain-reducers.
Leucine Deficiency Seen In:
Hyperinsulinemia
Depression
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Note: Deficiencies in BCAA in CFS, GWS, FM
are associated with muscle weakness, fatigue, and post-exertional
exhaustion).
Acute hunger
Kwashiorkor (starvation)
Vitamin B-12 deficiency in pernicious anemia
Leucine Excess Seen In:
Ketosis
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LYSINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic and Ketogenic - Basic Side Chains
Main Functions:
Inhibits viral growth and, as a result, is used
in the treatment of Herpes Simplex, as well as the
viruses associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, such as:
Epstein-Barr Virus, CytoMegalo Virus, and HHV6.
L-Carnitine is formed from Lysine and Vitamin C.
Helps form collagen, the connective tissue present in bones,
ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Assists in the absorption of calcium.
Essential for children, as it is critical for bone formation.
Involved in hormone production.
Lowers serum triglyceride levels.
Lysine Deficiency Seen In:
Herpes
Epstein-Barr Virus
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
AIDS
Anemia
Hair loss
Weight loss
Irritability
Lysine Exess Seen In:
Excess of ammonia in the blood
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METHIONINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Sulfur-Containing
Main Functions:
Assists in breakdown of fats.
Precursor of the amino acids Cysteine (and Cystine) and Taurine.
Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Antioxidant.
Assists in the removal of toxic wastes from the liver.
One of the sulfur-containing aminos (the others being Cysteine and
the minor amino acid, Taurine). The sulfur-containing amino acids act
as anti-oxidants which neutralize free radicals.
Helps prevent disorder of hair, skin, and nails due to sulfur and
anti-oxidant activity.
Precursor to Carnitine,Melatonin (the natural sleep aid) and Choline
(part of the neurotransmitter, Acetylcholine).
Involved in the breakdown of Epinephrine, Histamine, and Nicotinic
Acid.
Required for synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Natural chelating agent for heavy metals, such as lead and
mercury.
Methionine Deficiency Seen In:
Chemical Exposure
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Vegan Vegetarians
Methionine Excess Seen In:
Severe liver disease
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PHENYLALANINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic and Ketogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aromatic
Main Functions:
Precursor to Tyrosine, which, in turn, is the
precursor to the neurotransmitters: Dopamine and the excitatory
neurotransmitters Norepinephrine and Epinephrine.
Precursor to the hormone, Thyroxine.
Enhances mood, clarity of thought, concentration, and memory.
Suppresses appetite.
Major part of collagen formation.
While the L-form of all of the other amino acids is the one that is
beneficial to people, the
D and DL forms of Phenylalanine have been useful in treating
pain.
DL-Phenylalanine is useful in reducing arthritic pain.
Powerful anti-depressant.
Used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease.
Phenylalanine Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
Obesity
Cancer
AIDS
Parkinson's Disease
Caution: Phenylalanine should be avoided
in:
High blood pressure. Has
hyptertensive properties and should be avoided with people with high
blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Pigmented melanoma
PKU (phenylketonuria)
Panic disorder/anxiety attacks
Note:
See Tyrosine.
It is more powerful and safer in raising the level of norepinephrine,
and thereby treating depression.
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PROLINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Glycogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic
Main Functions:
Critical component of cartilage , and hence
health of joints, tendons and ligaments.
Involved in keeping heart muscle strong.
The main precursor to Proline is Glutamate.
Secondary precursor to Proline is Ornithine (minor amino acid).
Works in conjunction with Vitamin C in keeping skin and joints
healthy.
Proline Excess Seen In:
Chronic Liver Disease
Sepsis (infection of the blood).
Acute alcohol intake.
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SERINE
Non-Essential - Proteogenic
- Glycogenic
Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Hydroxylic
Main Functions:
One of the 3 most important glycogenic amino
acids, the others being alanine and glycine.
Critical in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Boosts immune system by assisting in production of antibodies and
immunoglobulins.
Myelin sheath (the fatty acid complex that surrounds the axons of
nerves is derived from serine. One variation of Serine namely
Phosphotidyl Serine, a minor amino acid serves
several important functions within the central nervous system,
including development of the myelin sheath.
Multiple Sclerosis is one of the so-called "De-myelinating
Diseases."
Required for growth and maintenance of muscle.
The amino acid Glycine is a precursor to Serine and the two are
interconvertible.
Serine Deficiency Seen In:
Total body gamma and neutron irradiation
Hypoglycemia
Candidiasis
Serine Excess Seen In:
Vitamin B-6 Deficiency
Note:
Phosphoserine, a minor amino acid, a
modification of Serine, is a good predictor of Vitamin B-6
deficiency, in particular the form of Vitamin B-6 called
Pryidoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P). If plasma Phosphoserine levels are
abnormally high, that is a clear indication of P5P deficiency. P5P is
critical in amino acid processes. Tyrosine, for example, cannot be
converted into the neurotransmitter Norepinephrine if there is not
enough P5P. Likewise, Tryptophan cannot be converted into the
neurotransmitter Serotonin if there is not enough P5P.
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THREONINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic
Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Hydroxylic
Main Functions:
Required for formation of collagen.
Helps prevent fatty deposits in the liver.
Aids in production of antibodies.
Can be converted to Glycine (a neurotransmitter) in the central
nervous system.
Acts as detoxifier.
Needed by the GI (gastrointensinal) tract for normal functioning.
Provides symptomatic relife in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease).
In laboratory experiments with animals, Threonine increases thymus
weight.
Threonine is often low in depressed patients. In that group of
patients, Threonine is helpful in treating the depression.
Threonine Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
AIDS
Muscle Spasticity
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
Vegetarianism
Epilepsy
Threonine Excess Seen In:
Alcohol ingestion
Those treated with sedative anti-convulsant medication (animal
studies)
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Pregnancy
Liver cirrhosis
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TRYPTOPHAN
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic and Ketogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aromatic
Main Functions:
Precursor to the key neurotransmitter,
serotonin, which exerts a calming effect.
Effective sleep aid, due to conversion to serotonin.
Reduces anxiety.
Effective in some forms of depression.
Treatment for migraine headaches.
Stimulates growth hormone.
Along with Lysine, Carnitine, and Taurine is effective in lowering
cholesterol levels.
Can be converted into niacin (Vitamin B3).
Lowers risk of arterial spasms.
The only plasma amino acid that is bound to protein.
Tryptophan must compete with 5 other amino acids to pass through the
blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. Those 5 are: tyrosine,
phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine and are called Large
Neutral Amino Acids (LNAA).
Requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) a form of vitamin B6 to be
converted into serotonin. P5P deficiency will lower serotonin levels,
even if Tryptophan levels are normal.
Tryptophan Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
Insomnia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
ALS
FDA ban of Tryptophan
Tryptophan Excess Seen In:
Increased intake of salicylates (aspirin).
Increased blood levels of free fatty acids.
Sleep deprivation.
Niacin intake.
Caution:
Simultaneous treatment with Tryptophan and
Prozac (and other SSRI anti-depressants, such as Paxil and Zoloft)
can produce an irreversible brain disorder called Serotonin Syndrome.
This treatment combination is to be avoided.
Note:
Standard AMA, APA (American Psychiatric
Association), FDA, and pharmaceutical industry position has been that
Tryptophan is not an effective treatment of serotonin-depletion
depressions, when compared to Prozac and other SSRI's.
Clinical experience has shown that some people
respond well to Prozac while others respond well to Tryptophan in
treating serotonin-depleted depressions. When the FDA banned
Tryptophan, thousands of people who only had a positive response to
Tryptophan (and not to Prozac) decompensated psychologically and
never recovered.
Tryptophan is again available, but only through
prescription and compounding pharmacies.
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TYROSINE
Conditionally Essential -
Proteogenic - Glycogenic and Ketogenic
Un-charged, Hydrophilic - Aromatic
Main Functions:
Precursor to neurotransmitters dopamine,
norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and melanin.
Effective anti-depressant for norepinephrine-deficient depressions.
Tyrosine is preferred over Phenylalanine,
which is also a precursor to all of the above neurotransmitters.
Phenylalanine is one step removed from the metabolic
process, and can aggravate high blood
pressure.
Precursor to thyroxine and growth hormone.
Increases energy, improves mental clarity and concentration.
Requires pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) a form of vitamin B6 to be
converted into norepinephrine. P5P deficiency will lower
norepinephrine levels, even if Tyrosine levels are normal.
Tyrosine Deficiency Seen In:
Depression
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Gulf War Syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Parkinson's Disease
Drug addiction and dependency
Tyrosine Excess Seen In:
Hypertthyroidism
Chronic liver disease; cirrhosis
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VALINE
Essential - Proteogenic -
Glycogenic
Non-Polar, Hydrophobic - Aliphatic
Main Functions:
One of the 3 major Branched-Chain Amino Acids
(BCAA) . . .the other 2 being leucine and isoleucine . . . all of
which are involved with muscle strength, endurance, and muscle
stamina.
BCAA levels are significantly decreased by insulin. High dietary
sugar or glucose intake causes release of insulin, which, in turn,
causes a drop in BCAA levels.
Competes with Tyrosine and Tryptophan in crossing the blood-brain
barrier. The higher the Valine level, the
lower the brain levels of Tyrosine and Tryptophan. One of the
implications of this competition is that Tyrosine
and Tryptophan nutritional supplements need to be taken at least an
hour before or after meals or supplements that are high in branched
chain amino acids.
Actively absorbed and used directly by muscle as an energy
source.
Not processed by the liver before entering the blood stream.
Any acute physical stress (including surgery, sepsis, fever, trauma,
starvation) requires higher amounts of Valine, Leucine and Isoleucine
that any of the other amino acids.
During period of Valine deficiency, all of the other amino acids (and
protein) are less well absorbed by the GI
tract.
Valine Deficiency Seen In:
Kwashiorkor
Hunger
Obesity
Neurological deficit
Elevated insulin levels
Valine Excess Seen In:
Ketotic Hypoglycemia
Visual and tactile hallucinations
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Minor Amino
Acids
There are easily 100 identifiable
amino acids, beyond the 20 described within these pages. Being a
minor amino acid does not mean their functions are unimportant. In fact,
the two minor amino acids you'll read about, Taurine and GABA, are,
in fact, extraordinarily important.
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GABA
(Gamma Amino Butyric Acid)
Non-Essential -
Non-Proteogenic
Main Functions:
One of the two main inhibitory
neurotransmitters, the other being Glycine.
Glutamic acid is the main precursor of GABA.
Does not easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, which has
important clinical implications. Although GABA supplementation is
used widely for a calming, sedative effect,
there is mixed data indicating that GABA taken orally has
much clinical effect. Glutamine, a precursor of
GABA, readily passes through the
blood-brain barrier and is, therefore, a better supplement to
take if one wants to increase brain levels
of GABA, since Glutamine, once it is in the
brain, converts into GABA. The question of GABA's clinical
usefulness may be a function of its dosage.
That is, it appears that only mega doses of GABA
have clinical effects.
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Librium, activate GABA
neurons.
GABA activity found in glands controlled by the sympathetic nervous
system, namely: pancreas and thymus.
Mega-doses of GABA raise IQ.
Mega-doses may be helpful in treating seizure disorders.
GABA Deficiency Seen In:
Seizure disorders
GABA Excess Seen In:
Anxiety
Acute mania
Liver (hepatic) encephalopathy
Cirrhosis
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TAURINE
Conditionally-Essential -
Non-Proteogenic - Sulfur-Containing
Main Functions:
In the nervous system, stabilizes cell
membranes, which raises the seizure threshhold, and helps treat
epileptic seizures.
Acts as inhibitory neurotransmitter and is as potent as Glycine and
GABA.
Anti-convulsant effect is long-lasting and can be confirmed both
clinically and by repeat EEG's (electroencephalograms).
Anti-oxidant. Slows down the aging process by neutralizing free
radicals.
Highest concentration of Taurine is in the heart.
Reduces risk of gall stones by combining with bile acids to make them
water soluble.
Involved in stabilization of heart rhythm. Loss of intracellular
Taurine in the heart leads to arrhythmias.
Useful in treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
Strenghtens neutrophils (white blood cells/part of immune system) in
their ability to kill bacteria.
Useful in brain injury
Decreases cholesterol levels (along with Lysine, Carnitine, and
Tryptophan).
Highly concentrated in the eye.
Taurine Deficiency Seen In:
Parkinson's Disease
Anxiety
Candida
AIDS
Cardiac insufficiency
Hyptertension
Depression
Kidney failure
Taurine Excess Seen In:
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Rheumatoid arthritis
Zinc deficiency
Liver disease
Predictive Value:
Taurine levels, whether high or low, indicate
whether further lab work is needed. For example, if Taurine levels
are low and the clinical picture is suggestive of candidiasis, one
should test for candida through comprehensive stool analysis and/or
anti-candida antibodies.
If Taurine levels are high, zinc and Vitamin B6
levels should be tested. P5P, an important form of Vitamin B6 is
necessary for many amino acid reactions to take place.
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