Geschatte leestijd: 3 minutenThere are three types of amino acids: essential amino acids, semi-essential amino acids, and non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids must be provided to the body through diet or supplements. Semi-essential amino acids are based on the body’s ability to potentially make them from other amino acids. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body from other amino acids.
The essential amino acids
Isoleucine
- A branched-chain (BCAA) amino acid easily absorbed and used for energy by muscle tissue
- Used to prevent breakdown of muscle tissue in weakened individuals
- Essential in hemoglobin production
Leucine
- A branched-chain (BCAA) amino acid used for energy
- Helps prevent breakdown of muscle protein
- Regulates the uptake of neurotransmitter precursors by the brain, and the release of enkephalins, which block the passage of pain signals to the nervous system
Lysine
- Low concentrations 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 product that helps muscle tissue use oxygen more efficiently, delaying muscle fatigue
- Helps bone growth by aiding in the formation of collagen (the fibrous protein that makes up bone), cartilage, and other connective tissue
Methionine
- Precursor to cysteine and creatine
- May raise antioxidant levels (glutathione) and lower blood cholesterol levels
- Assists in removing toxic wastes from the liver and helps build new liver and kidney tissue
Phenylalanine
- The major precursor to tyrosine
- Enhances learning, memory, mood, and alertness
- Used in the treatment of some forms of depression
- Is an important element in collagen production
- Suppresses appetite
Threonine
- One of the amino detoxifiers
- Helps prevent fat buildup in the liver
- Important component of collagen
- Often at a low level in vegetarians
Tryptophan
- Precursor to the important neurotransmitter serotonin, which has a calming effect
- Stimulates the release of growth hormones
- Only available in natural foods
Valine
- A branched-chain (BCAA) amino acid
- Not processed in the liver; easily taken up by muscles
- Affects the uptake of other neurotransmitter precursors in the brain (tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine)
The semi-essential amino acids
Arginine
- May increase the secretion of insulin, glucagon, and growth hormones
- Assists in rehabilitation after injury, in collagen formation, and in stimulating the immune system
- Precursor to creatine and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA: a neurotransmitter in the brain)
- May increase sperm count and enhance T-lymphocyte sensitivity
Cystine
- Neutralizes harmful substances in combination with asparagine and L-citrulline
- Helps prevent damage from alcohol and tobacco use
- Stimulates white blood cell activity
Histidine
- One of the main substances in the skin that absorb ultraviolet light
- Important in the production of red and white blood cells and used in the treatment of anemia
- Used in the treatment of allergy, rheumatoid arthritis, and gastric ulcers
Tyrosine
- Precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, as well as to thyroxine, growth hormones, and melanin (the pigment responsible for skin and hair color)
- Has antidepressant effects
The non-essential amino acids
Alanine
- Important component of connective tissue
- Key intermediary in the glucose-alanine cycle, which allows muscles and other tissues to derive energy from amino acids
- Helps build the immune system
Aspartic acid
- Helps convert carbohydrates into muscle energy
- Builds immunoglobulins and antibodies for the immune system
- Reduces ammonia levels after exercise
Cysteine
- Contributes to strong connective tissue and tissue antioxidant actions
- Helps with healing processes, stimulates white blood cell activity, and helps reduce inflammation pain
- Essential for skin and hair formation
Glutamic acid
- An important precursor to glutamine, proline, ornithine, arginine, glutathione, and GABA
- A potential energy source
- Important in brain metabolism and in processing other amino acids
Glutamine
- The most abundant amino acid
- Plays a major role in immune system function
- An importantenergy source, especially for the kidneys and intestines during calorie restriction (dieting)
- Brain food, aiding in memory and enhancing intelligence and concentration
Glycine
- Helps in the production of other amino acids and is part of hemoglobin and cytochromes (enzymes used in energy production)
- Has a calming effect and is sometimes used in the treatment of manic-depressive and aggressive individuals
- Produces glucagon, which mobilizes glycogen
- May reduce the need for sugar
Ornithine
- May help in the secretion of growth hormones in high doses
- Assists in immune and liver functions
- Helps in healing processes
Proline
- An important component in the formation of connective tissue and heart muscles
- Can be used immediately for muscle energy
- Key component of collagen
Serine
- Important in cellular energy production
- Aids in memory and nervous system functionality
- Helps build the immune system by producing immunoglobulins and antibodies
Taurine
- Helps in the absorption and breakdown of fats
- Probably acts as a neurotransmitter in certain parts of the brain and retina
