| |
Essential amino acids- how essential are they?More than a dozen amino acids are needed by the body
for growth, repair and maintenance. Each amino acid
serves important functions aside from fulfilling its
primary role of being protein's building blocks. Amino
acids combine with each other to form 3-dimensional
structures characteristic of proteins. As the primary
structures of protein, amino acids then participate in
a multitude of body processes such reproduction of
genes to digestion.
There are however, non-essential and essential amino
acids that one should be familiar with. The list
of
essential amino acids includes phenylalanine, valine,
trytophan, threonine, isoleucine, methionine,
histidine, arginine, leucine and lysine.
They are listed as essential amino acids as they are
neither manufactured nor stored by the body and thus
should be present in the daily diet. The human body
cannot make these amino acids using its own processes.
Also, any excess of essential amino acids are not
stored for later use, hence emphasizing the importance
of regular intake. Dangers arise as these essential
amino acids listed above become absent or no longer
regularly obtained. Degradation of tissues such as
those of muscle or nerve tissues commonly occurs.
Other body processes such as those involving enzymes
are slowed or if not, altogether stopped. Furthermore,
disease states are often attributed to complete or
partial absence of any of the essential amino acids
listed previously.
Phenylketonuria is caused by a lack of phenylalanine
and it constitutes a significant problem commonly
encountered among children. Mental retardation,
inability to walk or talk, seizures and failure to
grow are some of the common characteristics found in
children with the disease. Prenatal diagnosis and
screening programs now identify those at risk for this
disease. Maple syrup urine disease, so-called because
of the "sweet urine," is caused by a deficiency of
three listed essential amino acids, isoleucine,
leucine and valine. Histidine is the amino acid
precursor of histamine, an important chemical
messenger that is responsible for the body's reaction
during allergic or inflammatory processes.
It wouldn't be possible to mention all of the roles
essential amino acids listed above portray in the
processes of the body. Thus, it is vital to recall
that these essential amino acids are neither produced
nor kept by the body. It is then important to remember
the list of essential amino acids mentioned above when
purchasing foods. Essential amino acids are easily
obtained from fish, meat, poultry and dairy products.
These foods provide the most abundant sources. Plant
foods, particularly beans, supply other essential
amino acids like lysine which is less found in meat
products.
Amino Acids in Treatment for Diabetes
In a study made by the American Heart Journal, the effectiveness of amino acids in treatment for diabetes is great as it can improve the functions of the heart and can even lower heart- disease risk in people. A disorder of blood sugar...
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the "building blocks" of the body. They play a vital role both as intermediates in metabolism as well as constructing mass of proteins. They are the basic structural unit of proteins. They do not only build cells and repairs...
Amino Acid Therapy
Amino Acid Therapy for Cerebral Palsy The contribution in the development of cerebral palsy focuses on potentially modifiable factors during the neonatal period. Studies revealed that it has something to do with the excitable protein block-...
Allicin Amino Acid
Overview A powerful antibiotic, allicin amino acid is an anti- fungal compound that is found in garlic. However, it does not mean that it can be found in its natural state. When it is chopped or crushed, the enzyme alliinase performs chemically...
Amino Acid Metabolism
Overview Described for its complexity brought about by the large number involved, amino acid metabolism can actually be split into 20 protein block- builders that are significant for biosynthesis. Functioning as precursors for the...
|
|
|
|
|
