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Knowledge Base :: Amino Acids
- The building blocks of life
Collectively amino acids are very effective in aiding repair, growth and the development of muscle tissue. In our diet, amino acids come from protein rich sources such as meat and fish. Upon consumption these long amino chains are broken down so that the body can use the individual amino acids around the body.
There are nine essential amino acids which must be obtained in the ideal diet. They are regarded as essential to the body because they are not produced within the body itself, so must be consumed as part of a diet. The nine essential amino acids are; Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine.
• Histidine is an amino acid that is important in the production of red and white blood cells. It can also be transferred into the neurotransmitter histamine which is effective in an immune response. • Isoleucine's main purpose as a single amino acid is to help dictate proteins and enzymes around the body. This particular amino acid effectively helps organise where proteins and enzymes need to go. Similar to Isoleucine is Leucine. Leucine and Lysine are amino acids that help with the regulation of blood-sugar levels. They also facilitate the growth and repair of muscle tissue (such as bones, skin and muscles) and wound healing. • Methionine and Valine are both important for muscle growth by helping to reform protein strands to aid protein synthesis. • Phenylalanine plays a key role in the production of collagen and can suppress appetite. Phenylalanine also helps enhance learning, memory and other brain functions. • Threonine promotes normal growth by helping to maintain the proper protein balance within the body. • Lastly, the amino acid Tryptophan is important in the production of the Neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is important in controlling anger and aggression as well as body temperature, mood, sleep, appetite and metabolism.
There are also a number of non-essential amino acids that should also be considered in a healthy diet. They are considered less important because they can be produced within the body, but supplementing can increase the number of amino acids and enhance body functions.
There are twelve main non-essential amino acids which are known as Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Carnitine, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine.
• Alanine is an amino acid that is involved with the metabolism of the more essential amino acid Tryptophan. Alanine is also important in the production of new proteins through protein synthesis. • Arginine is responsible for the secretion of Insulin (which controls blood-sugar levels) and Glucagon (the hormone involved in carbohydrate metabolism) as well as growth hormones. Arginine is also very effective in aiding injury rehabilitation because it is used by the body to produce new collagen fibres. Arginine is a more complex amino acid often found in protein and enzyme activities. • Asparagine is a derivative of Aspartic acid and plays a vital role in the synthesis of proteins to strengthen muscles around the body. Aspartic acid itself has a crucial role in the metabolism and construction of other amino acids. Aspartic acid can also play a role in treating fatigue and decreasing rates of depression. • Carnitine, in living cells is required for the transport of fatty acids from the Cytosol or Cytoplasm of cells to the Mitochondria for the breakdown of lipids to generate metabolic energy. Carnitine is an amino acid that is created from the more essential amino acids Lysine and Methionine. • Cysteine is an amino acid that prevents the body from damage by alcohol and tobacco use, by stimulating white blood cell activity. It is also important in detoxifying harmful chemicals. • Glutamic Acid can be used as a fuel in the brain and is used to produce Glutamine which has an important role in cellular metabolism and immune function. Glutamine also stimulates brain memory and concentration. Glutamic acid is also effective in the production of new proteins. • Glycine can control sugar cravings and also has a calming effect on the body. It can aid in the manufacturing of other amino acids and produces Glucagon which is used to mobilise Glycogen or energy which is being stored. Glycine is the simplest amino acid and is the second most common amino acid found in proteins. • Proline is an amino acid that is a major component in protein collagen. Protein collagen makes up the connective tissue that binds and supports other tissues within the body. • Serine has a similar role to the other amino acids. It is used by the body to aid in the metabolism of fat, to help with tissue growth and assist the immune system. • Lastly the amino acid Tyrosine is needed to make epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which work to regulate mood. Deficiencies in tyrosine, therefore, have been associated with depression. Tyrosine also aids in the production of melanin (pigment responsible for hair and skin color) and in the function of organs in the body responsible for making and regulating hormones, including the adrenal, thryroid, and pituitary glands. Tyrosine is also involved in the synthesis of enkephalins, substances that have pain-relieving effects in the body.
Research suggests that the human body has evolved to utilise amino acids which are in Dipeptide and Tripeptide form, which simply means two or three amino acids joined together. The chained amino acids are simpler for the body to absorb and retain, rather than whole food proteins.
