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Amino Acids
- The Building Blocks
Amino acids are the building
blocks of proteins. Put very
simplistically, our genes tell
our bodies which ones to put
into the proteins that we make,
and it is the proteins that make
up the significant constituents
of our bodies. Myelin Basic
Protein (MBP) is an example of
one such protein.
In
order to understand how they are
glued together to make proteins,
we must look at the DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) that is
present in almost all the cells
in our bodies.
DNA is built up of many
sub-units called neucleotides,
each of which contains a
chemical "base". There are only
four different bases and thus
only four different nucleotides.
The four bases are adenine (A),
thymine (T), cytosine (C) and
guanine (G).
Genes are sections of DNA, in
which the neucleotides are
viewed in groups of three called
"triplets" or "codons". Each
codon "codes" for a particular
amino acid. A gene is terminated
by a stop code or terminator
which is represented by one of
three codons that do not code
for amino acids.
There are 20 different amino
acids that are used in animals
(there are others that are used
in plants). There are 64
different codons and most of the
20 amino acids are coded by more
than one triplet.
The process of synthesizing
amino acids from genes is known
as transcription. During
transcription, a gene is echoed
from the DNA into a
complementary form called
ribonucleic acid (RNA).
From the RNA, they are produced
and are joined with one another
with a peptide bond. The
resulting sequence of aminos is
known as peptide string or
polypeptide. Proteins are
derived from these polypeptides.
Before taking any nutritional
supplement, please consult your
health care provider first.
AMINO ACIDS
- Facts and
Information
part from
water, the
next most
abundant
substance in
the body is
amino acids.
Building
Blocks of
Protein
Life without
protein is
not
possible,
and amino
acids are
the building
blocks of
protein. To
help you
enjoy the
best of life
and health,
you need to
have a
balance of
amino acids.
They
function in
areas that
are too
numerous for
us to
mention in
depth, but
are required
to build and
maintain all
body
tissues,
constitute
an important
part of
enzymes,
hormones and
body fluids,
and are also
responsible
for
regulating
body
functions
such as
growth and
digestion.
The central
nervous
system
cannot
function
properly
without
amino acids,
which are
necessary
for the
brain to
both send
and receive
information.
Amino acids
help form
antibodies
to fight
infection,
and serve in
a myriad of
other
life-giving
areas that
are
absolutely
essential in
your quest
for optimal
health.
Protein is
available in
both animal
and plant
sources.
This protein
(plant or
animal) is
broken down
during the
digestive
process into
amino acids.
Essential
Amino Acids
The body
requires
approximately
twenty-two
amino acids,
and can
acquire many
of these
amino acids
from your
daily food
intake – to
the point
that it is
possible
when our
food, plant
sources are
all being
grown in
vitamin and
mineral-depleted
soil. Eight
(for adults)
or nine (for
children)
amino acids
cannot be
synthesized
and are,
therefore,
essential to
be taken in
through
nutrition
(diet or
supplement).
Non-essential
Amino Acids
The
remaining
amino acids
can be
synthesized
from
nitrogen,
carbohydrates
and fats.
Each of the
amino acids
has its own
specific
purpose and
one can not
be
substituted
for another.
Do not be
confused by
the titles
of
non-essential
and
essential
amino acids.
The truth is
that you
need all
the amino
acids for
overall
superior
mental and
physical
health.
D or
L Forms of
Amino Acids
All
compounds in
nature come
in two
forms, the L
and the D
form. These
two
configurations
are mirror
images of
each other
biochemically.
The L form
is typically
the more
active form
in most
amino acids,
while only
phenylalanine
is available
in three
active
forms: L, D,
and D/L.
The D/L
form is a
50/50 mix of
the two. DPA
(d-phenylalanine)
is used as
an active
ingredient
particularly
for pain
management.
It works to
inhibit the
enzymes that
break down
the "opioids"
in the
brain;
therefore,
the opioid
activity
increases
and the
person has a
greater
sense of
internal
calm with
reduced
pain.
Amino Acids
as
Precursors
for
Neurotransmitters
Amino acids
are
precursors
to dopamine,
norepinephrine,
serotonin,
and many
other
substances
critical to
health and
well-being.
Besides
building
cells and
repairing
tissue, the
following is
true:
-
Amino
acids
form
antibodies
to
combat
invading
bacteria
and
viruses
-
Amino
acids
are part
of the
enzyme
and
hormonal
system
-
Amino
acids
carry
oxygen
throughout
the body
and
participate
in
muscle
activity
-
They are
found to
be
extremely
useful
in
weight
control,
depression
fighting,
muscle
building,
proper
hormonal
activity
-
They are
also
found to
be
useful
in
proper
function
of the
immune
system
-
Amino
acids
are
necessary
for
growth
and
cellular
replication
throughout
the body
Safety of
Amino Acids
Amino acids
are safe,
non-toxic,
non-addictive,
and the body
does not
build a
tolerance to
them.
However,
those with
sensitivities
should use
the same
caution they
require when
starting any
new product,
including
amino acids.
It is always
wise to
consult your
health care
physician if
you have any
questions
regarding
your health
and any
medications
or
nutritional
supplements
you may be
taking.
Precautions
While
vitamins,
minerals and
amino acids
are
considered
safe under
most
conditions,
there are
always
situations
when caution
should be
taken.
NeuroGenesis
shares the
concern of
many and
will always
try to stay
informed on
studies that
present a
legitimate
health
concern.
Here, we
have listed
the
precautions
we feel may
warrant your
attention.
MAOI's
(monoamine
oxidase
inhibitors)
are a type
of
antidepressant
medication (Marplan,
Parnate and
Nardil) that
can cause
serious
hypertensive
crisis if
taken with
over-the-counter
ingredients,
other drugs
[prescription
or
otherwise]
or amino
acids.
Persons
taking this
particular
type of
medication
must also be
very careful
with what
they eat. If
you have any
doubt, call
your doctor
or
pharmacist
for
clarification.
Persons
taking an
MAOI should
not use
any
product
without
consulting
their
physician.
All
medications
classified
as
antipsychotics
are dopamine
(and
sometimes
serotonin)
antagonists.
This means
that they
inhibit or
block the
building of
these
neurotransmitters.
Amino acids
such as
l-phenylalanine,
tryptophan
and 5-HTP
work to
build or
replenish
these same
neurotransmitters.
Do not take
an
antipsychotic
with any
product
containing
one of these
particular
amino acids.
Phenylketonuria
(PKU)
is a rare,
inherited
metabolic
disease
caused by a
defect that
prevents the
conversion
of the
essential
amino acid,
phenylalanine,
into a
useful form.
People with
PKU are very
aware of it
and have
severe diet
restrictions.
Those with
PKU should
not take any
product
containing
phenylalanine.
Because of
the small
risk of
carrying a
baby with
PKU,
pregnant
women
should not
take amino
acid
supplements
(or any
over-the-counter
supplement)
without
their
physicians
consent.
Women who
are
nursing a
baby
should
always
consult
their
pediatrician
before
taking any
supplement
or
medication
that can
pass through
the blood
brain
barrier and
effect the
baby's
continuing
development.
Although
phenylalanine
is a natural
build for
dopamine,
and those
with
Parkinson's
disease
are thought
to be
functionally
deplete of
dopamine,
always
consult your
physician
before
taking
anything
your doctor
has not
approved.
Most doctors
prescribe l-dopa,
which is
another
dopamine
building
"amino" --
he or she is
keeping a
close watch
on these
levels and
need to be
informed if
you make
additions or
changes to
their
prescribed
medication
routine.
Although
l-phenylalanine
is not known
to cause
hypertension
(high blood
pressure),
it can
sometimes
exacerbate
an already
existing
problem.
Those who
are
sensitive to
norepinephrine
(aka
adrenaline)
should not
take
l-phenylalanine.
Some recent
studies have
shown that
people who
have
pre-existing
pigmented
melanoma
should not
take
phenylalanine
or tyrosine
because they
may increase
the ability
of the
melanoma
cells to
spread.
People who
have
experienced
actual
panic
attacks
should not
take any
product that
will
significantly
increase
norepinephrine
(aka
adrenalin).
Some can
become too
excited or
agitated
because of
the
increased
energy and
drive it
produces.
The
essential
amino acid,
l-phenylalanine,
produces the
natural
protein
chemicals
that build
norepinephrine.
Those who
are
receiving
medical
treatment
for any
disease or
disorder
should
consult
their
treating
physician
before
changing
their intake
of any over
the counter
product.
Common
Amino
Acids
Phenylalanine
Amino Acid
Precursor to
Dopamine and
Norepinephrine
Phenylalanine
and
tyrosine
are
precursors
to the
body's
three
"fight
or
flight"
neurotransmitters,
dopamine,
epinephrine
(adrenaline)
and
norepinephrine.
Phenylalanine---converts
to--->Tyrosine---converts
to--->DOPA---converts
to--->Dopamine
Neurotransmitter |
Amino Acid (Building block) |
Deficiency |
Toxicity |
Genetics or Natural Depletion |
External/Chemical Source of Depletion |
Present in Foods |
Dopamine |
l-phenylalanine |
Reduced pleasure, reduced ability to feel attachment and love, lack of remorse about actions |
Schizophrenia like symptoms, voices “in your head” |
Depleted by trauma. If mother and/or father had diminished dopamine this level can be passed on via genetics. |
Depleted by all stimulant drugs, Rx or otherwise. If stimulants, including nicotine and caffeine, used during pregnancy this can lower available dopamine in fetus. |
Phenylalanine can be found in lean beef, shellfish, fowl, soy products |
What
is
Phenylalanine?
Phenylalanine
is an
essential
amino acid.
It exists in
two forms, a
D and an L
form.
D-phenylalanine
is the
enantiomer
(mirror
image) of
l-phenylalanine
and is one
of the few
"d" form
aminos that
is
pharmacologically
activity.
D-phenylalanine
works to
inhibit the
enzymes that
break down
the "opioids"
in the
brain.
Opioids are
like
endorphins
and produce
a sense of
well-being
and calm. If
the enzymes
that break
them down
are not as
active due
to the
action of
d-phenylalanine,
then the
opioids
activity
increases
and the
person has a
greater
sense of
internal
calm.
As a
Precursor
L-phenylalanine
is converted
into another
amino acid,
l-tyrosine.
L-tyrosine
is converted
into l-dopa
before being
further
converted
into the
neurotransmitters
dopamine,
norepinephrine
and
epinephrine.
D/L
phenylalanine
is a mixture
of 50%
l-phenylalanine
and 50%
d-phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine
Deficiency
Too little
phenylalanine
may cause
anhedonia
(an
inability to
experience
pleasure),
confusion,
emotional
agitation,
depression,
decreased
alertness
and memory,
inability to
feel remorse
for or
recognize
consequences
of behavior
and the lack
of sympathy
or
connection.
(See Amino
Acid Facts:
Precautions)
Before
taking any
nutritional
supplement,
including
amino acids,
please
consult your
health care
provider
first.
Glutamine
Amino Acid
Precursor to
GABA
Glutamine
is a
precursor
to
GABA
(Gamma-Amino
Butyric
Acid).
Glutamine---converts
to--->GABA
Neurotransmitter |
Amino Acid (Building block) |
Deficiency |
Toxicity |
Genetics or Natural Depletion |
External/Chemical Source of Depletion |
Present in Foods |
GABA |
l-glutamine |
Anxious, Racing thoughts, panic |
Excessive sedation |
Depleted by trauma. Reduced levels in parents can result in DNA/RNA reduction of GABA in child. |
Glutamine can be depleted by sedative drugs, including tranquilizers and alcohol |
Glutamine can be found in lean beef & pork, Sesame seeds, Fowl, Sunflower seeds |
Glutamine:
Precursor to
GABA
Glutamine in
an amino
acid that is
a major
precursor
for the
neurotransmitter,
GABA, or
gamma amino
butyric
acid, and is
especially
important
when the
body is
subjected to
stressful
situations.
It has been
stated that
when there
is no GABA,
there is no
calm and no
sleep
because the
brain will
not "turn
off".
A
Conditionally
Essential
Amino Acid:
Glutamine
Glutamine is
considered a
"conditionally
essential
amino acid"
because,
although it
can be
manufactured
in the body,
under
extreme
physical or
emotional
stress the
demand for
glutamine
exceeds the
body's
ability to
synthesize
it.
Unlike
glutamic
acid,
glutamine
crosses the
blood-brain
barrier
easily,
readily
reaching the
central
nervous
system (CNS)
for use.
It is a
potent
energy
source and
is vital for
high energy
activities,
such as
exercise and
projects
requiring
concentrated
thinking and
memory.
Therefore,
it is
essential
for
supplying
both the
body and
brain with
energy.
Glutamine
and Excess
Ammonia
L-glutamine
is important
for removing
excess
ammonia (a
common waste
product in
the body).
It has been
shown to
enhance the
immune
system.
Also, people
who are
gluten
sensitive
can use
glutamine
without the
problems
often
associated
with
sensitivity
to
monosodium
glutamate.
Glutamine
and Anxiety
Glutamine is
an
all-natural,
anti-anxiety
supplement
that allows
the mind to
relax
without
causing the
side effects
sometimes
associated
with
tranquilizers.
It "tones
down"
unwanted
"mind
chatter,"
which
sharpens a
person's
ability to
focus and
concentrate
with more
clarity or
simply
relax.
Why
not use GABA
instead of
L-Glutamine?
While
l-glutamine
is an
all-natural
product, an
ingredient
by the name
of GABA is a
synthetic
product that
increases
calm in the
neurotransmitter
by the same
name.
The problem
with using
this
synthetic
product is
that your
body
responds to
it like it
would any
other
external
chemical
source; it
increases
the activity
of the
neurotransmitter
gamma amino
butyric
acid, but
does nothing
to actually
build or
replenish
it. The only
way to
naturally
build the
brain
chemical
GABA is
through
nutrition or
through the
use of the
amino acid
l-glutamine.
People who
are taking
the product
GABA will
get a
temporary
calm, but
will
eventually
need to
change to
l-glutamine
to rebuild
the GABA
levels
naturally.
Always
remember,
before any
nutritional
supplement,
including
amino acids,
consult your
health care
professional
first.
5-HTP
- 5-Hydroxy
Tryptophan
5-HTP
(5-hydroxytryptophan)
is a
precursor
to
serotonin.
And
serotonin
can
further
convert
to
melatonin.
5-HTP---converts
to--->Serotonin---converts
to--->Melatonin
Neurotransmitter |
Amino Acid (Building block) |
Deficiency |
Toxicity |
Genetics or Natural Depletion |
External/Chemical Source of Depletion |
Present in Foods |
Serotonin |
5-HTP |
Edgy, irritable, tearful, irrational emotions |
Can result in “serotonin syndrome” if multiple SSRI’s used together |
Females more susceptible to reduced availability during menstrual periods. Prolonged lack of direct sunlight reduces serotonin |
Drugs which prolong action of serotonin may result in excessive breakdown of the transmitter. All psychedelic drugs, LSD, PCP etc reduce serotonin. |
Turkey, Ham, Milk, Cheese |
What
is 5-HTP?
5-hydroxy
tryptophan
(5-HTP) is a
compound
produced by
the amino
acid
tryptophan.
The body
breaks down
tryptophan
to make
5-HTP, and
then changes
it into
serotonin: a
neurotransmitter
that helps
regulates
mood,
increases
calm,
provides a
greater
level of
concentration
and focus,
balances
sleep
patterns,
provides a
more
hopeful,
optimistic
outlook,
increases
energy
levels and
helps to
suppress or
regulate the
appetite.
Therefore,
5-HTP is a
precursor to
serotonin.
This means
that 5-HTP
is an amino
acid
building
block that
helps the
body
naturally
product
serotonin.
Serotonin is
absolutely
essential
for your
brain - and
thus your
body - to
function
properly. It
is a
neurotransmitter,
a chemical,
which
carries
vital
signals from
one cell to
the next.
Without
adequate
levels of
serotonin,
those
signals
cannot move
at the
proper speed
or
intensity.
People with
low levels
of serotonin
awaken
feeling
un-rested;
they drag
themselves
through the
day feeling
sluggish,
moody,
teary,
impatient,
impulsive,
anxious and
depressed.
Low
serotonin
levels can
also promote
carbohydrate
cravings and
overeating.
Importantly,
serotonin is
the
filtering
system for
all sensory
input.
Without the
proper
balance of
this
neurochemical,
the brain
misinterprets
everything
as a threat
and sends
the body
into
"survival
mode".
Sights,
sounds,
smells,
touch and
even taste
can be
perceived as
frightening
and life
threatening.
With optimal
levels of
serotonin,
the brain
does not
become
overloaded
or
overwhelmed
by excessive
sensory
input.
5-HTP and
Serotonin
If you are
one who is
dealing with
the effects
of low
serotonin
levels, you
can provide
your body
with the raw
material it
needs to
produce its
own
serotonin --
5-HTP.
5-HTP - The
Alternative
to
Tryptophan
In 1989 an
outbreak of
a serious
medical
condition
was
attributed
to a
contaminated
batch of
tryptophan
supplements
imported
from Japan.
The FDA
immediately
banned all
over-the-counter
sales of
tryptophan
(not just
that
imported
from Japan)
and made it
available
only with a
prescription.
This
dramatically
increased
the price
and made it
unavailable
for
nutritional
supplements.
When
tryptophan
was banned
in l989,
many
companies
began
extensive
research to
find a
non-prescription
alternative
to
tryptophan.
The
alternative
turned out
to be 5-HTP.
And 5-HTP is
one step
closer to
serotonin in
the body
than
tryptophan
is. Taking
5-HTP
actually
gives your
body a
jump-start
in its
efforts to
maintain
healthy
levels of
serotonin.
Benefits of
5-HTP
Even though
tryptophan
is again
available
for
over-the-counter
use, there
have been
many
benefits
discovered
that
encourage
the
continuing
use of
5-HTP.
According to
many, 5-HTP
is far
superior to
tryptophan.
Here are
some of the
reasons
taken from
5-HTP, The
Natural Way
to Overcome
Depression,
Obesity, and
Insomnia by
Michael T.
Murray, N.D.
Fact
About 5-HTP:
-
5-HTP is
not a
synthetic
drug,
but is
extracted
from a
natural
source,
the seed
of the
Griffonia
plant,
and is
therefore
not
vulnerable
to the
processing
contamination
that
caused
the
tryptophan
scare in
1989.
-
5-HTP
passes
into the
brain
immediately
without
the
difficult
wait
that
tryptophan
has,
giving a
more
rapid
absorption.
-
5-HTP
has been
found to
exert
significant
protection
against
free-radical
formation
and
oxidative
damage.
-
5-HTP is
estimated
to be 25
times
more
effective
for
improving
brain
function
than
tryptophan.
-
5-HTP
improves
sleep
quality
without
causing
daytime
drowsiness.
-
5-HTP
has been
shown to
relieve
the pain
and
suffering
for many
who
suffer
with
migraine
headaches.
-
5-HTP
regulates
several
vital
processes
in the
body,
including
sleep,
emotional
stability,
pain
sensitivity
and
addictive
cravings.
5-HTP is
widely
available,
without
prescription,
as a
nutritional
supplement.
5-HTP is a
safe,
natural way
to boost
brain
serotonin
levels.
Glycine
Amino Acid and
Neurotransmitter
Neurotransmitter |
Amino Acid (Building block) |
Deficiency |
Toxicity |
Genetics or Natural Depletion |
External/Chemical Source of Depletion |
Present in Foods |
Enkephalin (Opioids) |
l-phenylalanine, glycine, methionine |
A deficiency of glycine can result in: A deep sense of inadequacy, incompleteness. Reduced ability to combat physical pain |
Excessive sedation, can be fatal if combined with other sedating agents. |
Opioid levels passed from parents to offspring. Trauma reduces availability |
All drugs effecting opioid system will eventually reduce natural supply if used for prolonged periods. |
Glycine can be found in seafood, fowl, lima beans, ham |
What
is Glycine?
Glycine is
both a
protein
amino acid
and a
neurotransmitter
in the
central
nervous
system.
Glycine as a
Supplement
Supplemental
glycine has
anti-spastic
activity, as
well as
antioxidant
and
anti-inflammatory
activities.
Supplemental
glycine
works by
inhibiting
the messages
from the
spinal cord
that cause
abnormal
responses
such as
jerky,
exaggerated,
spastic, or
uncoordinated
muscular
movements,
especially
those that
are often
magnified
during
intense
anxiety or
in
association
with some
withdrawal
situations.
Glycine
readily
crosses the
blood-brain
barrier.
Always
remember,
before
taking
glycine or
any other
nutritional
supplement,
consult your
health care
professional
first.
What
is Taurine?
Taurine is a
sulfur
containing
amino acid;
it also
functions
with glycine
and GABA as
an
inhibitory
neurotransmitter.
Taurine is
one of the
most
abundant
amino acids
in the body.
Taurine is
found in
many areas
of our body,
including
our central
nervous
system,
skeletal
muscle, and
in even
greater
concentration,
in our heart
and brain.
Taurine as a
Neurotransmitter
As a
powerful
inhibitory
neurotransmitter,
one of
taurine's
uses has
been that of
an anti-convulsant.
These anti-convulsant
effects come
from its
ability to
stabilize
nerve cell
membranes,
which
prevents the
erratic
firing of
nerve cells.
Therefore,
it is also
used to calm
excitable
tissues such
as the
heart,
skeletal
muscles and
central
nervous
system.
Antioxidant
Qualities of
Taurine
Research
also shows
taurine to
have
antioxidant
qualities
and to have
a protective
effect upon
the human
brain. It is
used to help
absorb fats
and
fat-soluble
vitamins and
has become a
common
ingredient
in energy
drinks.
The benefits
of Taurine
are wide
ranging and
can be a
productive
part of a
total
supplement
program. But
before
taking amino
acids,
including
taurine,
first
consult your
health care
provider.
Tyrosine
One of the
Non-Essential
Amino Acids
What
is Tyrosine?
Tyrosine is
a
nonessential
amino acid
that is
synthesized
in the body
from
phenylalanine.
As a
precursor or
building
block for
several
important
neurochemicals,
tyrosine
builds
dopamine,
epinephrine,
and
norepinephrine,
all of which
work to
regulate
mood. These
neurotransmitters
are commonly
depleted in
those who
have used
stimulant
drugs for an
extended
period of
time. (See
"Neurotransmitters"
for more
information
on the
individual
neurotransmitters
and how
neurochemical
deficiencies
affect the
individual.)
Benefits of
Tyrosine
Because
tyrosine is
also
involved in
the
synthesis of
enkephalins
(opioids),
substances
that have
pain-relieving
effects in
the body, it
appears to
have some
added pain
relief
benefits.
Tyrosine
seems to be
especially
beneficial
when used in
conjunction
with 5-HTP.
Tyrosine is
considered a
mild
antioxidant
as well as
having
putative
antidepressant
effects.
Precaution
Tyrosine
aids in the
production
of melanin
(pigment
responsible
for hair and
skin color).
Those with
pre-existing
pigmented
melanoma
should avoid
tyrosine
supplements,
as it is
suggested
that
tyrosine may
increase the
ability of
the melanoma
cells to
spread.
Before
taking any
nutritional
supplement,
including
amino acids,
please first
consult your
health care
provider.
Arginine
A Semi-Essential
Amino Acid
The
amino acid,
arginine,
has several
roles in the
body:
-
Arginine
aids in
liver
detoxification
-
Arginine
assists
in the
release
of human
growth
hormones
-
Arginine
assists
in the
maintenance
of a
healthy
immune
system
-
It
increases
muscle
tone
while
decreasing
fat,
curbs
the
appetite,
and aids
in
metabolizing
fats for
weight
loss
-
It
increases
the
production
of
collagen,
and
promotes
wound
healing
-
It has
been
shown to
combat
mental
and
physical
fatigue
Arginine:
The
Semi-essential
Amino Acid
Arginine is
considered a
semi-essential
amino acid,
because
although it
is normally
synthesized
in
sufficient
amounts by
the body,
supplementation
is sometimes
required.
Symptoms of
arginine
deficiency
include poor
wound
healing,
muscle
weakness,
hair loss or
breakage,
skin rash,
and
constipation.
The body's
ability to
synthesize
the
nonessential
amino acids
such as
arginine,
and to
utilize all
amino acids,
can be
adversely
affected by
an
individual's
advancing
age, overall
health, the
presence of
infection,
physical
trauma such
as injury,
effects of
stress, and
imbalances
of other
nutrients.
Found in
high
concentrations
in the
connective
tissues,
arginine is
a component
of collagen
that plays a
vital role
in the
production
and repair
of new (or
damaged)
tissue and
bone cells.
Surgical or
traumatic
injury
greatly
increases
the body's
need for L-arginine.
Arginine
Precautions
People with
genital
herpes
should not
take L-arginine
because it
may
aggravate
their
symptoms. It
also may
counteract
the benefits
of lysine to
treat
herpes.
While
arginine is
a precursor
to nitric
oxide, which
the body
uses to keep
blood
vessels
dilated,
allowing the
heart to
receive
adequate
oxygen, it
should not
be used
following a
heart
attack. If
you have a
history of
heart
disease,
consult your
doctor
before
taking
arginine or
any
nutritional
supplement.
Other
Benefits
Arginine,
ornithine
and
carnitine
work
together to
release a
growth
hormone that
metabolizes
excess body
fat.
Ornithine
An Anti-Aging Amino Acid
What is Ornithine?L-ornithine is an important anti-aging amino acid that promotes growth. It is also a precursor of arginine. Arginine and ornithine are closely related. While arginine is incorporated into body proteins, ornithine is a tool used to make those proteins. The body converts arginine supplements into ornithine, and can convert ornithine into arginine if needed.
The amino acid ornithine works together with arginine and carnitine to promote natural growth hormone release from the pituitary gland.
Ornithine is also thought to metabolize excess body fat. It is required for a properly functioning immune system and assists in ammonia detoxification. It is a central part of the urea cycle, which allows for the disposal of excess nitrogen.
Before taking any nutritional supplement, including amino acids, consult your health care provider first.
Carnitine
Benefits and
Deficiency
What
is Carnitine?
L-carnitine
is a
coenzyme, a
water-soluble
vitamin-like
compound
that is
classified
as an amino
acid, whose
supplementation
could
potentially
be
beneficial
under
several
conditions.
One of the
most
relevant is
that
carnitine
facilitates
the
transport of
fatty acid
to the
mitochondria
for
oxidation.
Because of
this role,
it is
possible
that weight
loss could
be improved
because
fatty
build-up
would be
converted
into energy
(primarily
for muscular
activities).
It is also
suggested
that
supplemental
carnitine
could have a
positive
effect on
energy
levels,
especially
during
exercise or
any activity
requiring
high energy
levels.
Carnitine
Deficiency
Carnitine is
stored in
the skeletal
muscles,
heart,
brain, and
sperm. Any
number of
reasons can
cause some
people to
have dietary
deficiencies
of carnitine
or an
inability to
properly
absorb this
nutrient
from the
foods they
eat. This
deficiency
of carnitine
may cause
symptoms
such as
fatigue,
chest pain,
muscle pain,
weakness,
low blood
pressure,
and/or
confusion.
Heart muscle
tissue,
because of
its
high-energy
requirements,
is
particularly
vulnerable
to carnitine
deficiency.
Any such
symptoms
should be
reported to
your health
care
provider.
Also, you
should
consult your
health care
provider
before
taking any
nutritional
supplements,
including
carnitine.
Benefits of
Carnitine
Carnitine,
along with
ornithine
and arginine,
is a growth
hormone
releaser. It
is used to
improve
mental
performance.
It is also
used to
improve
resistance
to muscle
fatigue.
Studies have
also shown
carnitine to
be
beneficial
in some by
lowering
blood
triglyceride
levels.
Someone has
stated that
energy is
the greatest
anti-aging
force there
is. The
hypothesis
is that the
more energy
your cells
have, the
slower they
(the cells)
age.
Therefore,
giving your
cells the
fuel they
need to make
optimal
levels of
energy is a
wise
decision.
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