A-Z amino acid Articles

Alanine is a called non-essential amino acid, because it is a component of protein that can be manufactured by the body from other amino acids. Just because it is non-essential does not mean that the body cannot benefit from alanine supplementation.

Health Benefits of Alanine Supplementation

Alanine supplementation helps nitrogen, a byproduct of cellular metabolism, get out of tissue and back to the liver for processing. It also helps muscle cells release toxins that buildup after aerobic exercise.

Alanine regulates blood sugar by positively affecting sugar metabolism. Studies show that oral alanine is more effective than a bedtime snack for preventing nighttime hypoglycemia in diabetics. Finally, a form of alanine, beta-alanine, is a part of two nutrients that increase energy, vitamin B5 and coenzyme A.

Alanine supplementation can be used to help low immune function, kidney stones, hypoglycemia and muscle recovery.

Alanine Supplements: Forms & How To Take Them

The biologically active forms of alanine are L-alanine and beta-alanine. They are found in capsules. L- alanine is more commonly used. Beta-alanine supplementation is used for energy production because it is a precursor to vitamin B5 and coenzyme A. Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, add an amino acid complex to the protocol to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

Cautions & Potential Side Effects

High alanine intake can cause low levels of phenylalanine and tyrosine. Individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia and those who use insulin or oral hypoglycemics should use alanine with caution. Alanine can decrease your need for blood sugar stabilizing medication.

Essential amino acids are ones that the body cannot produce, and need to be taken in through the diet. Phenylalanine is one of these amino acids. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is a precursor to the production of many brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine and hormones, including thyroid hormone and melanin (for skin pigmentation).

How Brain Chemicals Effect Your Health

Dopamine

Dopamine deficiency leads to Parkinson’s disease because the brain is unable to stop unwanted movement. Dopamine also regulates mood and appetite.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine promotes alertness.

Hormones: Thyroid & Melanin

Thyroid hormone sets the body’s metabolic rate thus influencing energy, mood, appetite, temperature and weight. Melanin deposits skin pigment and is deficient in the disease called vitiligo.

Phenylalanine is also involved in producing brain chemicals that regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, pain, and fat metabolism.

Key Health Benefits of Phenylalanine

This amino acid can be supplemented for the following conditions:

• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Pain
• Vitiligo
• Parkinson’s Disease
• PMS
• Obesity
• Arthritis
• Menstrual Cramps

Phenylalanine Supplement Options

The biologically active forms of phenylalanine are D (painkiller), L-phenylalanine (makes proteins and brain chemicals), and DL (does both). They are commonly found in capsules. Aspartame contains phenylalanine and aspartic acid.

Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, add an amino acid complex to the protocol to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

Cautions & Considerations

The amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine compete with phenylalanine for absorption. This amino acid shouldn't be used by people with hyperactivity, phenylketonuria, migraines, anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, pigmented melanoma, and pregnant women.