Amino Acid

Definition of Amino Acid:

An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body.  Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.

Also: Amino Acids

Topics Related to Amino Acid

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

...as a treatment
“...L-Carnitine has a chemical structure similar to the amino acids but is not truly an amino acid...”

Addictions / Addictive Tendencies

...the condition
“...Free Form Amino Acid Complex supplies body of needed proteins in an available format...”
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More topics Related to Amino Acid

Alfalfa

...as a treatment
“...Powdered Alfalfa contains vitamins A, B-1, B-6, B-12, C, E, & K-1, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid and many essential and nonessential amino acids.  The powdered form also contains high amounts of calcium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper...”

Alzheimer's Disease

...recommendation Folic Acid
“...Low folate levels can trigger a build-up of the amino acid homocysteine, which has been linked to higher risk of Alzheimer's and accelerated atrophy of the medial temporal lobe in Alzheimer's patients...”

Amino Acid Profile

...as a treatment
Amino acid analysis can be an important part of any thorough nutritional and metabolic analysis, especially in cases of chronic conditions that have been difficult to diagnose or have failed to...”

Aminoguanidine

...as a treatment
“...Glycosylation is the pathological binding of glucose to an amino acid that results in the formation of a non-functioning structure in the body...”

Anabolic

...related topic
“...Examples: making a starch out of sugars, a protein out of amino acids, or making triglycerides out of fatty acids are anabolic functions...”

Andropause/Male Menopause

...recommendation Acetyl-L-Carnitine
“The April 2004 issue of the journal Urology published the findings of Italian researchers that the amino acid carnitine was more active than testosterone in improving symptoms of aging in men, such as sexual dysfunction and depression, associated with the decline of androgenic hormones...”

Anorexia / Starvation Tendency

...recommendation High/Increased Protein Diet
“Protein supplements at 1 to 3 servings per day will help ensure sufficient amino acids and help prevent wasting.”

Antineoplaston Therapy

...as a treatment
“Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, who practices in Houston, Texas, has discovered that a group of peptides (short chains of amino acids) and amino acid derivatives normally are present in the body and serve to keep cells healthy and dividing normally...”

Antioxidant

...related topic
“...Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.”

Aspartame/Neotame Side-Effects

...the condition
“...Formaldehyde Exposure from Aspartame Aspartame breaks down into methanol, amino acids and several other chemicals...”

Brain Tumor

...recommendation Antineoplaston Therapy
“Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, who practices in Houston, Texas, has discovered that a group of peptides (short chains of amino acids) and amino acid derivatives normally are present in the body and serve to keep cells healthy and dividing normally...”

Calcium

...as a treatment
“...Calcium Aspartate: A salt form of Calcium (20%) with Aspartic acid, an amino acid.  Calcium Carbonate: One of the most common sources of Ca, this salt contains 35% Ca...”

Cancer, General

...recommendation Glutamine
“Individuals with cancer who may be incapable of manufacturing their own supply of glutamine, may benefit from glutamine supplementats taken along with other amino acids.  Recommendation: 1 scoopful (3-4gm) mixed with water 3-4 times daily; swish in mouth and swallow...”

Carcinoid Cancer

...recommendation High/Increased Protein Diet
“...An adequate intake of the amino acid tryptophan, along with niacin, can prevent the tendency towards pellagra, which may otherwise occur from the excessive use of tryptophan by carcinoid tumors.”

Carnosine

...as a treatment
“...Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) is a multifunctional dipeptide made up of a chemical combination of the amino acids beta-alanine and l-histidine...”

Chelation Therapy

...as a treatment
“...Chelation is a treatment by which a man-made amino acid called ethylene diamine tetraacetic (EDTA) is administered to a patient intravenously, prescribed by and under the supervision of a fully-licensed physician (MD or DO)...”

Chlorella

...as a treatment
“...Chlorella's broad spectrum health benefits, amply researched by Japanese scientists, include the impressive fact that it contains 60% protein, including all the essential amino acids, and high levels of beta carotene and chlorophyll...”

Chromium Deficiency

...the condition
“...All of the precursors to the active form of GTF are used in some formulas, but usually with chromium in lower doses, such as 50mcg, since it is thought to be better absorbed with niacin and the amino acids glycine, cysteine and glutamic acid...”

Colon Cancer

...our question about Grilled meat consumption
“...They form during grilling, broiling, or even searing meat in a very hot frying pan – when the very high temperatures break down the amino acid creatinine...”

Copper

...as a treatment
“...Various forms of copper (salts, amino acid chelates) are now available...”

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

...recommendation L-Lysine
“...The naturally-occurring amino acids lysine and proline assist Lp(a) in its deposition and binding to stressed or injured vascular wall sites...”

Cysteine

...related topic
“...Cysteine is a sulfur-bearing amino acid with antioxidant properties...”

Cysteine / N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

...as a treatment
“...Cysteine, the amino acid from which NAC is derived, is found in most high-protein foods...”

Dehydration

...the condition
“...Water ... Transports vitamins, minerals, amino acids, glucose, hormones, enzymes and other substances throughout your body...”

Depression

...recommendation Amino Acid Profile
Amino acid profiles done on blood can reveal imbalances seen in a variety of disorders including depression...”

Diabetes Type II

...recommendation Acetyl-L-Carnitine
“The amino acid L-carnitine improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.”

Elevated Homocysteine Levels

...recommendation Stress Management
“It was recently found that periods of stress increase serum homocysteine, an amino acid known to be a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease.”

Folic Acid

...as a treatment
“...Folic acid is a molecule made from Glutamic acid (an amino acid), para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) and Pteridine...”

Folic Acid Deficiency

...the condition
“...With B12, it assists in many amino acid conversions, such as the methylation of methionine, serine, histidine, and even the B vitamin choline...”

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

...as a treatment
“...GABA, or Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid, is a non-protein amino acid, that functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter...”

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

...related topic
“An amino acid derivative that is a calming substance...”

Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers

...recommendation Glutamine
“...The amino acid glutamine works over time in doses as low as 500mg three times daily (for one month) to heal stomach and small intestine lesions...”

Glutamic Acid

...as a treatment
“...Another "brain food" amino acid that helps in the treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, ulcers, hypoglycemia, diabetes and personality disorders.”

Glutamine

...as a treatment
“Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in the human body...”

Glutathione

...related topic
“A natural sulfur-bearing peptide formed from the linking of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine...”

Glycine

...as a treatment
“A "non-essential" amino acid, glycine is necessary for the synthesis of bile acids, nucleic acids and other amino acids...”
...related topic
“The simplest amino acid which is a constituent of normal protein and an inhibitory neurotransmitter, used as a dietary supplement...”

Gotu Kola

...as a treatment
“...The chemical composition of gotu kola is quite extensive including saponins, volatile oils, sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and carotenoids...”

Green Tea

...as a treatment
“...Tea also contains flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin, etc; as well as tannins, fats, amino acids and nearly 300 other components...”

Heavy Metal Toxicity

...recommendation L-Glutathione
“...The rate-limiting precursors are the amino acids cysteine (or N-acetyl-cysteine) and glutamine.”

Herpes Simplex Type I

...recommendation L-Lysine
“The amino acid lysine often controls herpes...”

Herpes Simplex Type II

...recommendation L-Lysine
“Researchers recently discovered that, in order to replicate, the herpes virus needs arginine, another common amino acid.  Lysine competes with arginine for absorption and entry into tissue cells...”

High/Increased Protein Diet

...as a treatment
“...Dietary protein is found in most foods and is the primary source of amino acids for the body...”

Histidine

...as a treatment
“Essential amino acid.  Necessary the growth and repair of tissues; found in hemoglobin; used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers and anemia.”
...related topic
“An amino acid.  Precursor to histamine, a vasodilator and gastric juice stimulant...”

HIV/AIDS

...recommendation Glutamine
“...and immune-system related illnesses (such as cancer or AIDS) who may be incapable of manufacturing their own supply of glutamine, may benefit from glutamine supplements taken along with other amino acids.”
...recommendation Cysteine / N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
“Deficiencies of the related amino acid cysteine have been reported in HIV-infected patients.”

Homeopathic Growth Hormones

...as a treatment
“...The overwhelming majority of these products are amino acid supplements that have been around forever...”

Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

...as a treatment
“...First discovered in 1921, HGH was isolated in 1956 and over the ensuing three decades its 191 amino acid sequence has been worked out, first by Genentech in 1986 and later by several other drug companies using recombinant DNA techniques...”

Insomnia

...recommendation Tryptophan / 5HTP
“Due to the fact that the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin within the brain is dependent on the availability of the amino acid tryptophan, supplementing the diet with tryptophan before going to bed may produce good results in relieving insomnia...”

Insulin Therapy

...as a treatment
“...It is treated in the gastrointestinal tract precisely as any other protein; that is, reduced to its amino acid components, whereupon all 'insulin activity' is lost...”

Intermittent Claudication

...recommendation L-Arginine
“Intravenous injections of the amino acid arginine have been shown to be remarkably effective at improving intermittent claudication...”

Isoleucine

...as a treatment
“Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that increases energy output, is needed for hemoglobin formation, and regulates and stabilizes blood sugar...”
...related topic
“Essential amino acid.  Isoleucine is essential for proper growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults.”

Kidney Disease

...the condition
“...Most of the nephric filtrate is then recycled: hormones regulate the process in which water, glucose, amino acids, sodium and other important nutrients are resorbed into the bloodstream...”

Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis)

...the condition
“...They are the result of a hereditary disorder that causes your kidneys to excrete massive amounts of certain amino acids.  There is no cure for kidney stones as such, but once an acute episode has been resolved the solution is simple: prevent recurrence...”

Lactoferrin

...as a treatment
“...Lactoferrin contains 703 amino acids.  Lactoferrin can be purified from milk or produced recombinantly...”

L-Arginine

...as a treatment
“L-Arginine is a naturally-occurring "non-essential" amino acid.  L-Arginine is supplied in 500mg and 1,000mg capsules as well as a powder (1 teaspoon equals 4,000mg)...”

Leucine

...as a treatment
“Leucine is an essential amino acid.  One of three branched chain amino acids, it works together with Isoleucine and Valine to protect muscle, promote healing of bone, skin and muscle tissue...”
...related topic
“A white, crystalline amino acid essential for optimal growth in infants and nitrogen equilibrium in adults...”

Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement

...recommendation Alcohol Avoidance
“...Even though supplements of these nutrients, together with the amino acid cysteine, may help the liver detoxify acetaldehyde, it would be wiser to avoid alcohol, its primary source.”
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More topics Related to Amino Acid

Liver Detoxification Phase II Support

...as a treatment
“...There are essentially six phase II detoxification pathways ... Amino acid conjugation...”

L-Lysine

...as a treatment
“Lysine is one of numerous amino acids that the body needs for growth and tissue repair...”

Low Back Pain

...recommendation Molybdenum
“...Moss monitored 14 middle-aged people with symptoms of arthritis, low back pain, frozen shoulder, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as they took 400-500mcg daily (in 4-5 doses of 100mcg) of molybdenum amino acid chelate.”

Low Serotonin Level

...recommendation Tryptophan / 5HTP
“Tryptophan is the dietary amino acid precursor for production of serotonin in the body...”

L-Proline

...as a treatment
“...Proline is one of 20 amino acids used to make mammalian proteins and makes up a large part of the connective protein collagen...”

L-Tyrosine

...as a treatment
“A "non-essential" amino acid which acts as a mood elevator and appetite suppressant, and produces melanin in the body so it enhances natural hair color; also used as an anti-depressant and anxiety reliever...”

Lysine

...related topic
“Essential amino acid.  Important for growth, tissue repair, and the production of hormones, enzymes and antibodies...”

Maca

...as a treatment
“...It provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids.  Maca has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac...”

Manganese

...as a treatment
“...There are also several stand-alone forms of supplementary manganese to choose from, including manganese gluconate, manganese sulfate, manganese ascorbate and manganese amino acid chelates.  Supplemental manganese levels vary from 5mg to 50mg...”

Methionine

...as a treatment
“Methionine is one of the essential amino acids, and as such is not synthesized by the human body...”
...related topic
“Essential amino acid.  Dietary source of sulfur and methyl groups...”

Mitral Valve Prolapse

...recommendation Acetyl-L-Carnitine
“L-carnitine is an amino acid that acts as a shuttle for fat that is required for cellular metabolism and also acts to strengthen the heart...”

Molybdenum Need

...the condition
“...A diet low in sulfur amino acids can be therapeutic...”

MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)

...as a treatment
“...It also contributes a sulfur to the body needed to make vitamins such as B1 and the antioxidant amino acid glutathione...”

Night Eating Syndrome

...the condition
“...Another key may involve the availability of tryptophan, an important amino acid, in the body...”

Nonessential Amino Acid

...related topic
“An amino acid which the body can create its own supply of if the diet is lacking in sources of it.”

Nutritional Yeast

...as a treatment
“...It is a rich source of the B-complex vitamins, all essential amino acids, and minerals, particularly chromium...”

Olive Leaf Extract

...as a treatment
“...main constituent of olive leaf is the phytochemical oleuropein, which has broken down to elenolic acid, which have a powerful anti-bacterial effect, and has the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses...”

Osteoporosis - Osteopenia

...recommendation Dairy Products Avoidance
“...Dr. Sellmeyer states: "Sulfur-containing amino acids in protein-containing foods are metabolized to sulfuric acid...”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“...Dr. Sellmeyer stated: "Sulfur-containing amino acids in protein-containing foods are metabolized to sulfuric acid...”

Overmedication

...the condition
“...Dietary supplements can also cause a variety of drug interactions, and with fifty percent of American adults using dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or botanicals) on a regular basis, the risk of negative drug interactions is high...”

Parkinson's Disease

...recommendation Conventional Drug Use
“...As L-dopa must compete with other amino acids in crossing both from the gut to the blood stream and from the blood stream to the brain, it is usually recommended that it be taken between meals rather than with meals...”

Pepsin

...as a treatment
“...The small fragments – amino acids and dipeptides – are then absorbed by cells for use as metabolic fuel or construction of new proteins.”

Phenylalanine

...related topic
“Essential amino acid needed for the normal growth of infants and children...”

Poor Small Intestine Health

...the condition
“...It also secretes peptidase to split peptides (from protein) into amino acids, and lipase to break down fat into glycerol and fatty acids...”

Poor/Slow Wound Healing

...recommendation Glutamine
“The amino acid glutamine is an important substrate for rapidly proliferating cells, including lymphocytes (white blood cells)...”
...recommendation L-Arginine
“Injury significantly increases the need for the amino acid arginine, which is essential for a variety of metabolic functions...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...the condition
“...Vitamin B6, a nutrient needed for amino acid metabolism, is also required for your growing baby...”

Protein

...related topic
“Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids.  Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair...”

Protein Deficiency

...the condition
“...Every protein molecule is composed of amino acids.  Twenty amino acids are used in different combinations to build the protein molecules found in food and in the body's structures...”

Psoriasis

...relationship to Dyspepsia / Poor Digestion
“Incomplete protein digestion or poor intestinal absorption of protein breakdown products can result in elevated levels of amino acids and polypeptides in the bowel...”

Reduced Protein Diet

...as a treatment
“...Protein supplies amino acids to build and maintain healthy body tissue...”

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

...as a treatment
“...SAMe is an important physiological agent formed in the body by combining the essential amino acid methionine with adenosyl-triphosphate (ATP)...”

Schizophrenia

...the condition
“...Serine excess Serine is an amino acid that is part of many proteins...”

Selenium

...as a treatment
“...Organic forms include selenomethionine, selenocysteine, amino acid chelates, yeast, and kelp-bound selenium...”

Shiitake Mushrooms

...as a treatment
“...The proteins contain all of the essential amino acids, and most commonly occurring non-essential amino acids and amides...”

Sulfite Sensitivity

...recommendation Molybdenum
“...Sulfite oxidase catalyzes the last step (sulfites to sulfates) in the breakdown of sulfur amino acids.  Sulfite oxidase in this way helps to detoxify sulfurs in the body – particularly sulfites – which are used to preserve food...”

Sulfur Requirement

...the condition
“...Most of the body's sulfur is found in the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine, cystine, and cysteine...”

Threonine

...as a treatment
“An essential amino acid, Threonine is anti-aging, helps form Elastin and Collagen, supports the immune system, produces antibodies, helps digestive and intestinal tract function, and boosts metabolism.”
...related topic
“An essential amino acid needed for proper growth in infants and maintenance of nitrogen balance in adults.”

Thymic Factors

...as a treatment
“...Other nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B-6 and certain amino acids are important because they are required for the production of thymic hormones...”

TMG (Trimethylglycine)

...as a treatment
“...Homocysteine is a toxic end product of the metabolism (methylation) of methionine (an essential amino acid) and is now known to be a leading cause of heart and artery disease...”

Tryptophan

...related topic
“Essential amino acid.  Natural relaxant and sleep aid due to its precursor role in serotonin (a neurotransmitter) synthesis...”

Tryptophan / 5HTP

...as a treatment
“...An essential amino acid, tryptophan is the least abundant amino acid found in foods...”

Tryptophan Need

...the condition
“This amino acid is required for the production of niacin (vitamin B3)...”
...recommendation Chromium
“...It accomplishes this by facilitating absorption into muscle tissue of the amino acids that compete with tryptophan for access to the brain.”

Tyramine

...related topic
“An amino acid synthesized in the body from the essential amino acid tyrosine that has a sympathomimetic action and is derived from tyrosine.”

Uric Acid

...related topic
“...Unlike the much smaller nitrogenous waste product urea, which is mostly recycled to form many amino acids, uric acid is an unrecyclable metabolite that must be excreted: nucleoprotein to purine to uric acid to the outside in the urine or the sweat...”

Valine

...as a treatment
“An essential amino acid, Valine is anti-aging, has a stimulant effect, promotes mental vigor and muscle coordination, and calms emotions...”
...related topic
“An essential amino acid needed for optimal growth in infants and for nitrogen equilibrium in adults.”

Vinegar

...as a treatment
“...Cider vinegar contains many key vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes, as well as valuable fruit acids...”

Vitamin B12 Requirement

...the condition
“...It is needed for ... Fatty acid and amino acid metabolism...”
...our question about Vegetarian, vegan or raw-food diet
“...In addition, people consuming vegan and vegetarian diets were in general also not getting adequate amounts of the essential amino acid methionine, due to the lower methionine content in plant proteins versus animal proteins...”

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

...as a treatment
“...In an absolute sense, niacin is not a vitamin; as the body can synthesize it starting with the amino acid tryptophan...”

Vitamin B3 Requirement

...the condition
“...Niacin can be made in the body from the essential amino acid tryptophan...”

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

...as a treatment
“...CoA plays a major role in the metabolism of fatty acids, cholesterol, amino acids, vitamins A and D, steroid hormones and much more...”

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

...as a treatment
“...Vitamin B-6 is very important for the metabolism of amino acids – most people should be taking some of this nutrient as a supplement anyway...”

Vitamin B6 Requirement

...the condition
“...Caramel coloring is produced by the heating up of certain sugars; Other foods that contain lysine (an essential amino acid found in many foods) that have been processed with heat have been found to antagonize B6; Other causes include...”

Vitiligo

...recommendation Test Copper Levels
“Melanin, the normal body pigment, is synthesized from the essential amino acid L-phenylalanine by an enzyme system dependent on copper, vitamin B6, vitamin C...”

Zinc

...as a treatment
“...This is where the zinc is combined with an amino acid, which assists in its absorption...”
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