IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF AMINO ACIDS
INTRODUCTION TO AMINO ACIDS:
The term “amino acids” dates to the middle of the 19th century. The idea that amino acids are “Bausteine” (building stones) came from the Nobel Prize winning German biochemist Albrecht Kossel (1853-1927).
An organic compound containing an amino group (NH2), a carboxylic acid group (COOH), and any of various side groups, especially any of the 20 compounds that have the basic formula NH2CHRCOOH, and that link together by peptide bonds to form proteins or that function as chemical messengers and as intermediates in metabolism.
Since the proteins that make our body are not directly obtained from the diet because dietary protein is broken down into amino acids. In the body these amino acids either rebuild into a specific protein which the body required or may perform other function within the body. Thus it is the amino acids not the protein that are required as essential nutrients.
IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF AMINO ACIDS:
v The basic function of amino acids is to form protein which is the very important component of body.
v Amino acids also enable the body to absorb & assimilate the vitamins & minerals. For example, low levels of the amino acid tyrosine may lead to iron deficiency.
v Some amino acids act as neurotransmitters or as precursors of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry information from one nerve cell to another.
v Certain amino acids when act as neurotransmitters they have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (defensive shield designed to protect the brain from toxins and foreign invaders that may be circulating in the bloodstream) so that they can be used by brain to communicate with nerve cells. Amino acids also protecting the body from viruses & bacteria.
TOXICITY & SIDE EFFECTS:
Side effects of amino acids depends on which amino acid is being used. Some are practically harmless, whereas others, such as tyrosine, can cause anxiety, restlessness, rapid heart beat, and even heart palpitations on high doses.
so the whole field of amino acid supplementation is very complicated and confusing and there is not enough human research to say much in confidence. Sometimes people focus too much on individual amino acids and miss the whole picture. For muscle building creatine and protein supplements in the form of soy or whey are the best options, and perhaps glutamine. We have not seen any convincing research that taking individual amino acids for the purpose of muscle building or health promotion is better than taking creatine or complete amino acid supplement from a protein source.
NOTE:
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