Natural amino acids are contained in many foods, but what can the individual protein building blocks do for you? Find out here what your body needs and why a food supplement could be useful for you.
What are natural amino acids?
The body cannot produce the
protein compounds itself and must therefore absorb them through food or suitable
amino acid supplements such as
amino4u .
These include:
- Methionine
- Lysine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
- Leucine
- Phenylalanine
- Tryptophan
- Threonine
Chemically speaking, they are
carboxylic acids called
COOH and an
amino group NH2 . Protein compounds can be recognized by the fact that the amino group is always directly connected to the carbon atom of the carboxylic acid. What makes them
special are the side chains , which give them certain characteristic properties.
You've probably already noticed names like L-lysine, L-valine or D-methionine. This little letter makes all the difference when you plan to buy a nutritional supplement. In short,
D-acids are dextrorotatory and L-acids are levorotatory , which is called the optical form. Your body is only able to properly utilize the
L-form because it only has the appropriate enzymes for this purpose.
By the way,
L-amino acids dominate on Earth, which has an interesting background.
Prof. Ronald Breslow from Columbia University has found that the
left-handed structures in the early days of the Earth were better able to assert themselves against the D-shape. If high-quality nutritional supplements like
amino4u only contain the L-forms, there is a very simple reason:
life turns left!
However, outside the chemistry laboratory, the classification into
essential amino acids and
non-essential amino acids is common. The amino acid content in food is often no longer sufficient to ensure optimal nutrition for the human body.
In this case, it is possible to produce them biotechnologically in the laboratory. Such synthesized protein compounds are found in food, feed and also in medicines.
Our tip : Only use natural protein compounds obtained from plant-based raw materials!
Natural protein compounds in portrait
In interaction, the
L-amino acids develop their complete effect on the organism. But what are the special advantages of these small power packs?
Methionine
Methionine provides the body with sulfur and is considered a precursor to cysteine and taurine. In its metabolically active form, methionine is referred to as SAM. This abbreviation stands for S-adenosyl-methionine and the substance is found in all body fluids and tissue.
SAM stimulates the production of adrenaline, creatine, melatonin, carnitine, choline and nucleic acids in the body.
An important
function of methionine is to prevent excessive fat deposits in the liver. The substance also helps the liver and kidneys regenerate. Methionine also has an antioxidant effect, meaning it can help detoxify the body of heavy metals, according to a
study from the University of Melbourne.
If your body has enough methionine available, the urine becomes acidic, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. This is the result
of research carried out by the University of Jena . Of the 23 participating patients with constantly recurring urinary tract infections, none suffered from a new illness during the 26 months of methionine administration.
An
Indian study has found that methionine improves the effectiveness of antibiotics and reduces the side effects of therapy. You can recognize a
methionine deficiency by brittle nails and hair as well as an increased susceptibility to infections. People in stressful phases of life, seniors, small children and competitive athletes are at particular risk. For example
, amino acids can have a positive effect on hair loss if they are also taken through dietary supplements.
Vegans can often be affected by a deficiency, which is because meat and fish are rich in methionine. When it comes to plant-based foods, however, there are only nuts and seeds as well as spinach and broccoli.
Lysine
A lysine
deficiency is often found in vegetarians and vegans. However, older people can also generally be affected by a deficiency, which manifests itself in
bone diseases . If the natural protein connection is missing, diseases of the skin and connective tissue or a restriction of joint functions can also occur.
Lysine is partly responsible for the formation of structural proteins. The best known of these is
collagen , which keeps skin, bones, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue healthy. The interaction between calcium and lysine is also interesting. Calcium in particular is partly responsible for the fact that bones deteriorate as we age, which can lead to osteoporosis.
A
study by the University of Siena has found that calcium supplements administered to support bone health have a significantly better effect when lysine levels are balanced at the same time.
What is interesting is the positive effect that a balanced lysine level has on herpes. After all, around 40% of the population suffers from recurring cold sores. A
study by the Broke Army Center in Texas showed that herpes symptoms are significantly milder and heal faster with lysine.
The
effect of lysine on anxiety is important. By combining it with arginine, a study in 108 healthy Japanese adults found that stress hormones and the anxiety associated with stress were significantly reduced after just one week.
Natural sources of lysine include pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, tofu, lentils, cheese, buckwheat, zest, walnuts and general whole grains.
Isoleucine
Isoleucine is a
branched-chain amino acid BCAA . The English abbreviation
BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) is often used for this structure. Athletes in particular appreciate isoleucine, as this protein compound can help to build targeted muscles. If you are under heavy physical strain, isoleucine steps in as an energy supplier as soon as your body's glucose stores are depleted.
A regular intake of isoleucine is recommended when there is little physical activity, as branch-chain proteins are required for the maintenance and regeneration of muscle tissue.
Isoleucine is involved in the formation of new glucose and the regulation of the hormonal system. By stimulating the release of insulin, isoleucine allows natural
amino acids and glucose to move more easily from the blood to the muscles.
In addition, isoleucine activates the growth hormone somatotropin. A sufficient supply of the triple group isoleucine, leucine and valine is important not only for athletes, but whenever you are physically and mentally challenged. Because during these times there is an increased breakdown of proteins.
You usually notice an
isoleucine deficiency due to
listlessness and muscle weakness . If the isoleucine level in your body is correct, you will find that wounds usually heal faster and your immune system usually recovers.
When dieting, it is always an advantage to ensure that you get enough isoleucine so that your muscle mass is not lost instead of fat. If the proportion of muscles decreases, the basal metabolic rate is automatically reduced. This means you need fewer calories and fat loss is significantly slower. Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, nuts and legumes.
Valine
Like isoleucine, valine is a
branched-chain BCAA , stimulates insulin release and ensures the absorption of all amino acids in the liver and muscles. During periods of hunger or heavy physical exertion, the body can rely on valine as an energy source. For example, if carbohydrate and fat stores are empty, valine takes care of the formation of glucose. Valine is absorbed most quickly into muscles and blood plasma after a meal and can therefore be used directly by the organism.
A
lack of valine impairs numerous important body functions such as muscle building. In young people, a deficiency causes growth problems. If too little valine is consumed, cramps and a particular sensitivity to touch stimuli can also occur. The immune system and cognitive performance can also suffer from a valine deficiency. The US. The National Library of Medicine has collected all
study results on valine, which impressively documents the importance of adequate supply.
Another
study from Toyama University in Japan intensively examined the
positive effects of all BCAAs on the liver ,
immune system and the entire organism. It turned out that essential amino acids are a basic requirement for the body's cells to be able to do their work effectively.
Valine is the precursor of a messenger substance in the brain and spinal cord that transmits stimuli and information from one nerve cell to another. This shows that some requirement for valine and the other BCAAs must be met to maintain this performance. Natural sources of valine are salmon, eggs, grains, legumes, beef and walnuts.
Leucine
Leucine is another representative of the BCCAs and, like isoleucine and valine, is not broken down in the liver but metabolized in the muscles. According to a study at the University of Vermont, leucine is said to regulate protein metabolism and, according to the results of research at the University of Pennsylvania, stimulate the formation of muscle protein.
During times when you have increased energy needs or are on a diet, you have the opportunity to use leucine to create new reserves. This prevents glucose levels from falling. This means your brain and muscles remain productive.
This is important not only for athletes, but also for seniors. A regular intake of leucine is recommended, especially when there is little physical activity, as branch-chain proteins are needed for the maintenance and regeneration of muscle tissue. This was proven in the
PROVIDE study with seniors over 330 weeks. During the study period, each participant gained an average of 170 grams of muscle mass.
In addition
, leucine regulates the hormonal balance . It stimulates the growth hormone somatropin and the release of insulin. In this way, the absorption of glucose and the other amino acids in the bloodstream into the muscle cells can be optimized, which can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, as a
study carried out in 2008 by an international team of researchers found.
In this way, the body is able to gain energy more quickly, which is important not only in competitive situations but also in everyday stress. Because psychological stress causes the organism to break down proteins more quickly and more intensively.
You can counteract this by consuming appropriate foods or a dietary supplement such as
Amino4U . The branched-chain structure promotes the release of insulin and thus the absorption of all other essential amino acids into the cells, where protein synthesis is stimulated. Natural sources of leucine include lentils, eggs, cashews, walnuts, cheese and all types of legumes.
Various studies also show that sufficient leucine intake is particularly recommended during a diet. A
study on rats published in the journal
Nutrients showed that animals that received isoleucine lost significantly more body fat. Apparently, this essential amino acid is even able to suppress appetite, which a
study from the US University of Cincinnati has found.
Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is a precursor to the non-essential amino acid tyrosine and at the same time
a building block for many proteins and messenger substances that the body produces.
Phenylalanine is directly involved in the production of adrenaline, beta-endorphin, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin as well as thyroid hormones. This happens in the liver, where phenylalanine is first converted into tyrosine and then into adrenaline and norepinephrine. Phenylalanine also contributes to the production of phenylethylamine in the brain, which is thought to help improve mood.
The
natural phenylalanine is needed for protein synthesis and is therefore particularly important for muscle tissue. If phenylalanine is contained in a dietary supplement, not only athletes but also older people benefit, as a
study with seniors at the University of Texas shows. With increasing age, muscle tissue and functionality decline, which is supported by an incorrect diet and long-term sedentary work.
Phenylalanine could therefore be the key to promoting protein formation and therefore muscle health.
The mood-enhancing effect of phenylalanine was discovered in 1966 and has been the subject of numerous studies since then. A dietary supplement with phenylalanine can therefore produce a better mood in patients with depression, as a
German study from 1977 shows. The background is that dopamine is produced by the starting substances tyrosine and phenylalanine and it is precisely this messenger substance that controls well-being. The 20 depressed patients who took part in the University of Cambridge study published in the journal
Neuropsychopharmacology in 2005 suffered from either a phenylalanine or tyrosine deficiency.
Apparently phenylalanine also has an effect on the sensation of pain. The levels of dopamine, phenylalanine and tyrosine were temporarily reduced in 22 healthy patients. The
research team from the University of Munich found that the test subjects with a deficiency in phenylalanine or tyrosine found pain stimuli to be more pronounced and unpleasant.
Phenylalanine is present in almost all protein-rich foods. The concentration is particularly high in tomatoes and carrots, but also in soy, wheat germ and nuts. Significant amounts are also found in dairy products, meat and fish. A phenylalanine deficiency can sneak up on you unnoticed due to constant stress or poor nutrition, which you may notice in an increased susceptibility to infections.
Tryptophan
There is a close connection between
tryptophan and turkey , as this type of meat is particularly rich in it. In addition, soy, seeds, nuts, mozzarella, cocoa powder, oatmeal and beef have a high tryptophan content.
Tryptophan fulfills many functions in the body. It is contained in the muscles, but also in various enzymes. The
natural amino acid is the starting material for the formation of the
happiness hormone serotonin, which not only improves mood but also regulates tissue and blood pressure. In the kidneys and lungs, serotonin expands the muscles by constricting the blood vessels. It also accelerates wound healing and ensures good intestinal movement.
Since the sleep hormone melatonin is made from serotonin, tryptophan is involved in a good night's sleep. Melatonin production is inhibited by daylight and can only be produced sufficiently during bedtime. A study has also demonstrated the interaction of tryptophan with the group of B vitamins. Consuming
amino acids if you have sleep disorders can improve your sleep quality.
Tryptophan is considered a provitamin, a precursor of vitamin B3, which is also known as nicotinic acid. Vitamin B3 is significantly involved in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Vitamin B3 also plays an important role in the formation of new hair and muscle tissue.
Threonine
Threonine also has a direct connection to the group of B vitamins. In order for threonine to develop its effect in the body, vitamin B3 and B6 as well as the magnesium balance must be balanced. As
the basic building block of many natural proteins, threonine is found in the collagen of connective tissue. Collagen is also an important component of bones, ligaments, tendons and teeth. The so-called mucins, a subtype of proteins, are found in the mucous membranes and have a high proportion of threonine. The job of mucins is to protect the mucous membranes from too much acid.
If
threonine deficiency occurs in childhood, bone growth could be delayed in severe cases. In adults, the deficiency symptoms are fatigue and tiredness. The immune system relies on threonine because it combines the proportion of proteins and carbohydrates in the so-called glycoproteins.
Glycoproteins are extremely small molecules made up of different groups of sugars. The vast majority of receptors on immune cells are glycoproteins. This structure ensures that the antibodies work in the event of pathogens. A deficiency can therefore be partly responsible for a weak immune system.
What does an optimal supply of natural protein compounds look like?
Amino acids are a complex system in which the individual protein compounds cooperate with each other. Food is certainly a natural way of intake. However, in everyday life it is rarely possible to coordinate the individual foods so that your needs are completely met. Your needs may increase with stress, physical activity, certain illnesses, diets and advanced age.
Supplementing
with natural L-amino acids may then be able to help you sustainably support your body and its functionality. A nutritional supplement with tablets from
amino4U in combination with a balanced diet is one way to increase your well-being and performance - this is documented by the experiences of various users who regularly take
natural amino acids as a supplement .
