Perhaps you have already had positive experiences with supplementary intake of amino acids. You may have discovered that the protein building blocks help you lose weight. As an athlete, you subjectively associate the feeling of a performance-enhancing effect with more protein. But even if you want to use a dietary supplement with the protein building blocks for the first time, ask at this point about potential EAA side effects (Essential Amino Acids). In this article we will introduce you to
amino acids and their effects. You will also receive information about possible interactions and
side effects of the proteins .
Amino acids: What exactly are aminocarboxylic acids?
Amino acids are also known as protein or protein building blocks. Around 20 of them form the group of
proteinogenic protein building blocks. They are the basis for building the body's own protein. They form chains of different lengths, which are referred to as either proteins or peptides, depending on their length. The
proteinogenic protein building blocks are further subdivided. The body cannot produce eight of them itself. They are called essential amino acids and must be supplied to the human organism through food. Our body makes up
non-essential amino acids from other substances.
Semi-essential amino acids are only produced by the human organism itself in certain phases of life.
Amino acids Proteins are generally not only the basis for building the body's own tissue. The body also produces hormones, enzymes and important messenger substances from them. These are essential for signal transmission between nerves.
Different shapes
Important to know: Protein building blocks can also be differentiated according to whether they are left-handed or right-handed. The
left-handed amino acids are usable by the human organism. You can recognize this form in the name from the preceding L- as in L-tryptophan. Right-handed forms of amino acids primarily have a rather harmful and sometimes even toxic effect. Each protein building block can be assigned additional properties and the resulting potential
interactions and side effects . Some differ in pH, so they are either
basic amino acids or
acidic amino acids . Some contain sulfur. Some are water soluble, others are not. Different protein building blocks can be converted into carbohydrates, others cannot. The protein building blocks differ not only in their effect, but also in their biochemical structure. For example, leucine, isoleucine and valine have a special branched structure and are therefore referred to as
branched-chain amino acids (
BCAAs ).
How and where do the protein building blocks work?
In addition to the 20 or so proteinogenic protein building blocks mentioned, there are well over 100 other amino acids. Their effect is diverse. Protein building blocks and therefore proteins are
the basis for
- Muscles and tendons.
- Skin.
- Organs.
- Hormones.
- Neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
- Substances that determine the function of our immune system.
- Enzymes and thus for a wide variety of metabolic processes.
- Parts of thyroid function.
This list is not exhaustive. At this point it has not yet been taken into account that the building blocks interact with each other in a variety of ways. That's why it's often important that the essential protein building blocks in particular are absorbed by the body at the same time. They can be almost completely converted into the body's own protein, but only if they are all available at the same time.
Important to know: Protein building blocks are converted into a variety of other substances in the human organism. This is what makes this group of substances effective and important for our performance, health and vitality. An
amino acid deficiency can be noticeable in many parts of the organism. Then there are often very unspecific symptoms at first.
Providing the body with sufficient protein is particularly important. Perhaps you have experienced that your body has broken down its own protein when you were on a strict calorie-reduced diet. Such a breakdown is a sure sign that not enough protein has been consumed. As a result, diet efforts usually end up in vain due to muscle loss. This potential side effect of a low-protein diet can attack the body's own tissue.
Amino acid interactions
Some amino acids
compete for certain receptors in the human nervous system. In some cases they have to be in a certain proportion to one another. This makes them ideal as building materials for other substances and tissue. For example, if an amino acid is taken in isolation in high doses, this can have an effect. Because then the other protein building blocks are not given enough attention. At this point, the complexity of the tasks involved in the protein building blocks plays a role again. They complement each other in their effect and interact with each other.
Interesting for you: It should be noted that different protein building blocks are supplied to the organism in a certain proportion, if possible. Be careful not to consume too much total protein. However, an oversupply of protein is rare, as you need more protein in many life situations. If certain organs have been previously damaged, such as the kidneys, there may be increased side effects when consuming protein. In these rare cases, you should seek advice from your doctor about protein building blocks and protein in your diet.
A specific example - lysine, arginine and herpes
Do you often suffer from annoying cold sores, also known as cold sores (
herpes simplex ). Then you probably know the amino acid lysine. The viruses of the herpes family have developed a very successful survival strategy in the human organism. Once infected, they lie dormant in human nerve cells until a weak immune system provides an opportunity for the disease to flare up again. To date, it has not been possible to finally remove the herpes viruses from the nerve cells after the initial infection. Treatment for
cold sores is usually symptomatic with appropriate ointments, and in more severe outbreaks also with tablets. The active ingredient acyclovir is usually used.
Interaction between lysine and arginine
Researchers discovered some time ago that herpes viruses require the amino acid arginine to spread. Lysine and arginine compete with each other when it comes to occupying certain transmitter and receptor sites. Experience suggests that lysine can have a preventive effect in the event of a herpes recurrence. It can also help an acute infection site heal more quickly. Lysine appears to displace arginine in the virus's metabolism. On the other hand
, many positive effects have been described for arginine in the human organism. Arginine affects nitrogen metabolism. Nitrogen, for its part, is a decisive factor for vascular tension. Sufficient nitrogen can dilate blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. Many men also report a positive effect on their potency through taking arginine. Strength athletes associate an increased pumping effect with this amino acid. Lysine, on the other hand, partially causes the blood vessels to constrict. If you want to take
arginine and lysine as
a dietary supplement , a certain ratio of the two amino acids to each other has proven to be effective. They should also not be taken in isolation but together to avoid side effects. Another interesting amino acid in this compound is ornithine. The three amino acids arginine, ornithine and lysine are considered ideal in a ratio of 4:3:4. This is also intended to prevent herpes viruses from being activated by too much arginine. Nevertheless, all the positive effects of the amino acids involved can come into play.
Side effects and drug interactions
Amino acids are natural substances. If the metabolism is normal and consumed through food, no side effects or side effects are usually to be expected. Protein building blocks take on a variety of functions in the organism. Interactions and side effects can therefore occur in connection with the intake of medicines. Medicines have
a more intense effect or their effect is weakened . In addition, some protein building blocks influence the effects of others.
When people talk about protein building blocks and interactions with drugs, it is usually not about the structural effect of the proteinogenic building blocks. We have already learned that the protein building blocks also form the basis of various messenger substances, for example in the brain. Protein building blocks are involved in a variety of conversion and formation processes for other substances in the human organism. Side effects and interactions can therefore occur if certain drugs also influence the formation of these other substances. The same applies when certain protein building blocks occupy receptors during
signal transmission in the nervous system , which in turn are addressed by synthetic drugs.
L-tryptophan and serotonergic antidepressants
Some illnesses, such as various forms of depression, are associated with serotonin metabolism in the brain. The messenger serotonin is formed from the
amino acid L-tryptophan . Serotonin has a decisive influence on our mood, calmness and sleep. In some forms of depression it is assumed that not enough serotonin is produced or that existing serotonin is broken down too quickly. So-called
serotonergic drugs, for example, slow down the breakdown of serotonin in the brain and are intended to improve the mood of the person affected. If these medicines are taken with the amino acid L-tryptophan, an excess of serotonin may occur. The result is side effects that occur. The life-threatening serotonin syndrome threatens with
hyperactivity, increased blood pressure, muscle cramps and, in severe cases, circulatory collapse. The amino acid L-tryptophan must therefore not be taken with these specific antidepressants.
MAO inhibitors and L-tyrosine
A certain group of drugs - the MAO inhibitors (
monoamine oxidase inhibitors ) - are also used as antidepressants and for Parkinson's disease. They not only affect the messenger serotonin, but also norepinephrine and dopamine. They block a certain enzyme that breaks down the messenger substances mentioned. MAO inhibitors interact with a substance called tyramine. Tyramine is a breakdown product of the amino acid L-tyrosine. Tyramine in particular ensures the increased release of norepinephrine. Already
common foods like
- Salami,
- avocados,
- Cheese,
- Quark,
- Red wine and chocolate
can be very rich in tyramine. If you have to take MAO inhibitors, you should be careful with the additional intake of the amino acid L-tyrosine. An excess of norepinephrine can lead to a significant increase in blood pressure with potentially life-threatening consequences.
Important: The interactions and side effects described are examples of
possible interactions between a drug and an amino acid. Get advice from a doctor in advance. Then you are always on the safe side with the additional supply of amino acids. This certainly applies if you have to take various medications regularly. In most cases, protein building blocks have no effect here. However, if in doubt, you should not rely on your own experience, but rather ensure clarity in advance. Side effects do not come from the amino acid as such, but rather result from the combination with a synthetic drug.
The dosage of amino acids
The question of side effects is related to the dosage when
taking amino acids . The overall need for protein varies in humans. Stress, illness, age and physical activity can lead to a significant additional need. There are also certain empirical values for daily requirements for
essential amino acids . Here too,
the need varies somewhat:
- Leucine 10 to 50 mg
- Valine 26 mg
- Isoleucine 20 mg
- Lysine 30 to 64 mg
- Phenylalanine 38 to 52 mg
- Threonine 16 mg
- Methionine 21 mg
- Tryptophan 4 mg
The World Health Organization (WHO) has looked into the need and
set certain minimum values . Within the framework of these recommendations, there should be no side effects caused by excessive protein intake. Unless other circumstances apply.
High-quality dietary supplements with protein building blocks
High-quality, standardized dietary supplements are based on the corresponding recommendations when it comes to the dosage of amino acids. Choose a preparation that contains all the essential protein building blocks or several well-combined amino acids - such as our
amino4u made in Germany . Then the likelihood of side effects is very low. The
amino acids and their effects are coordinated here. Something different only applies if you have to take certain medicines as described above or if you have previous organic damage. Food supplements in the premium range are based on the latest scientific findings for the optimal interaction of the protein building blocks. They are designed in such a way that there are usually
no side effects . Therefore, have your own potentially positive experience with amino acids and their effects. The risk is rather low due to the side effects described. Read here whether
amino acids are harmful to the liver .
