Amino acids

The smallest units of proteins are amino acids. Amino acids are been built up according to a general formula by which the rest group per amino acid is different. Below is the general formula of an amino acid, the R stands for the rest group.


Amino acids have an acid group (COO^-) as well as a basic group (NH₃⁺). In the body, the amino acids are present especially in the form as described here, with a positive and a negative charge. Each amino acid has an own (trivial) name and an abbreviation of 3 letters. Also each amino acid can be indicated with one letter.

Proteins are long chains formed by coupled amino acids. The bond between two amino acids is called a peptide bond. The NH3 group reacts with the COO- group under separation of water (H₂O).


People use 20 different amino acids when synthesising (making) proteins. Some of these amino acids cannot be made by the human body, or not sufficiently. These amino acids have to enter the body by means of diet. These amino acids are called"essentially" (below in the list indicated with "*"). There are 8 different essential amino acids(being: Lys, Thr, Val, Leu, Ile, Met, Phe and Trp). Arg and His are essential for children and fast growth. If essential amino acids are missing from the food in the long term, then the health is seriously damaged. Form our diet we mainly get our amino acids from proteins, these proteins are broken down in our digestive tract to amino acids.

List of the different Amino acids

Division of amino acids in 4 groups based on the character of the rest group

Alanine
Arginine
Asparagine
Aspartic acid
Cysteine
Glutamine
Glutamic acid
Glycine
Histidine
Isoleucine*
Leucine*
Lysine*
Methionine*
Phenylalanine*
Proline
Serine
Threonine*
Tryptophan*
Tyrosine
Valine*

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Alanine

No specific information.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of amino acids

Arginine

Arginine is one of the most important and most useful amino acids that plays a role in the working of muscles, in the growth and in healing due to the regulation and support of the immune system. It is also important for the masculine fertility.
For adults arginine is a non essential amino acid. Arginine can be made by the body itself in the urea cycle. For children it is an essential amino acid because children need much more arginine than adults for their fast growth. The amount of arginine that can be obtained from the urea cycle is limited. Because of that arginine has to be present in the daily diet of children.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Important sources of arginine.
Raw grain products, chocolate and notes are important sources of arginine (in the proteins).



Properties of arginine.
- Improves the immune system.
- Hinders the growth of various tumours.
- Builds muscles and stimulates fat burning by stimulating the thyroid gland to a larger production of growth hormone.
- Stimulates the healing of burning wound and other wounds.
- Helps to protect the liver and make harmful matters harmless.
- Improves the semen of men with weak semen.
- Arginine together with lysine can limit herpes attacks (bladders in the mouth) for people that carry this virus.



Careful.
- Do not take food supplements on an empty stomach.
- A dose until 1.5 g appears to be safe.
- Do not take too much; this can cause psychological complaints, metabolisms disturbances and diarrhea.
- A high dose can be dangerous for children.
- An example of an arginine supplement is L-arginine of Orthomed (500 mg), click here to order on-line.


List of the different kinds of amino acids

Asparagine

No specific information.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of amino acids

Aspartic acid

No specific information.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Cysteine

Cysteine feeds and stimulates the eye muscle. Cysteine contains sulphur which is considered as an antioxidant. Presumably it also protects the body against polluting compounds. The exact function is not yet known. Cysteine is a non essential amino acid. This means that the body can make it itself when it is necessary.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.


Important sources of cysteine.
Eggs, meat, and dairy products are important sources of cysteine (in the proteins).



Properties of cysteine.
- Can protect against copper poisoning.
- Can protect against free radicals (antioxidant properties).
- Can help to recover the damage by smoking and alcohol.
- Can help in the treatment of arthritis.
- Can help by DNA-recovery.



Careful.
- Diabetes patients should not use cysteine supplements, unless under medical supervision. By an excess of cysteine the body can make from this cysteine the compound pyruvate. In the gluconeogenesis can be made from pyruvate among other compounds glucose (sugar).
- High doses of cysteine can cause kidney stones. A high dose of vitamin C can prevent this. Preferably take cysteine supplements in combination with a three time higher dose of vitamin C.
- An example of a cysteine supplement is, L Cysteine (500 mg) of the brand Bonusan click here, to order on-line.


List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Glutamine

Glutamine is a derivate of glutamic acid, that is considered to be helpful for people who have drinking problems. The real advantages of this amino acid are unknown. The advice is to use a maximum of 1 gram per day unless under doctors' supervision.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Properties of glutamine.
- Considered to decrease the craving for alcohol.
- Can accelerate the cure of stomach ulcers.
- Can help to fight depression attacks.
- Can give the mind new energy.
- Can help to prevent and treat inflammations of the large intestine.



Careful.
A dose until 1 gram a day is considered as safe, but only use these supplements when under medical supervision.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Glutamic acid

No specific information.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Glycine

Glycine is considered as the simplest amino acid with various properties that are still being studied. This amino acid plays a role in the production of hormones and helps in the construction of a strong immune system. Glycine makes energy free in the body to be used for the construction of body cells.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Important sources of glycine.
Cow, pork, wild meat, poultry, wheat germ, peanuts and sesame seeds (in the proteins).



Properties of glycine.
- Can help in the treatment of decreased hypophysis functioning.
- Can be used in the treatment of spastic movements, especially with patients with MS.
- Can help in the treatment of progressive muscle dystrophy.
- Is used against hypoglycaemia, because it stimulates the secretion of glucagon. Glucagon mobilizes glycogen that is found as glucose in the blood, see for this also the glycogen metabolism.



Careful.
- This amino acid is advised not to use as a supplement, unless under medical supervision.
- Doses under 1 gram are considered safe, further studies are still ongoing.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Histidine

Histidine is one of the more unknown amino acids. Its role in our body is not yet completely known.
Histamine is formed in the body from histidine through a decarboxylation.
Scientist are still studying the possible effects of histidine supplements.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Properties of histidine.
- Is used for arthritis patients, that have an unusual low concentration of this amino acid in their blood.
- Can strengthen the activity of T-cells from our immune system which can be useful to fight HIV/AIDS and auto-immune diseases.



Quantity.
A maximum of 150 mg per day, unless under medical supervision.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Isoleucine*

The amino acid isoleucine is an essential amino acid, this means that it has to be present in the daily diet.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Leucine*

The amino acid leucine is an essential amino acid, this means that it has to be present in the daily diet.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Lysine*

Lysine is an essential amino acid; it cannot be synthesised in the body and must be present in the diet. The amino acid is needed for growth, tissue recovery, the production of antibodies, hormones and enzymes.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Important sources of lysine.
Fish, milk, lima beans, meat, cheese, yeast and eggs and proteins in general are important sources of lysine.



Properties of lysine.
- Prevents herpes (bladders in the mouth) attack, high doses appear to decrease repetition attacks.
- Can support the build up of muscle mass.
- Can help to prevent fertility problems.
- Improves a good concentration.



Quantity.
- Until 500 mg a day is considered safe.
- Some experts advise 1000 mg with a meal.
- The general advice is to take amino acids on an empty stomach with some fruit juice or water.
- If you want an increase of the muscle mass take lysine with an equal quantity of arginine.
- An example of a lysine supplement is L-lysine (500 mg) of the brand Orthica, click here to order on-line.



Careful.
Not suitable for children.


List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Methionine*

The amino acid methionine is an essential amino acid, this means that it has to be present in the daily diet.
Methionine is a sulphur containing amino acid which is important in many body processes. It helps in the prevention of arteriosclerosis possible through to removal of fat compounds. Methionine feeds and stimulates the eye muscle.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Important sources of methionine.
Eggs, milk, liver and fish are important sources of methionine (in the proteins).



Properties of methionine.
- Can remove fat compounds from the blood and lower in this way the chance on a heart attack.
- Can help to regulate the nervous system.
- Can together with choline and folic acid help to prevent some kinds of tumours.
- Necessary for the biosynthesis of taurine and cysteine.



Careful.
Supplements are not recommended, although a physician can under particular circumstances propose it as a supplement.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Phenylalanine*

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that necessary is for various biochemical processes. Phenylalanine is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters in the brains. It appears to raise the sexual excitement and helps releasing hormones that regulates appetite.
For the structure formula click here.



Important sources of phenylalanine.
Cheese, almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, soybeans and proteins in general are good sources of phenylalanine.



Properties of phenylalanine.
- Can help to lighten an attack of depression.
- Can help controlling addictive behaviour.
- Stimulates mental alertness.
- Promotes sexual excitement.
- Decreases hunger and the desire for food.



Quantity.
Phenylalanine is mostly available in doses of 500 mg. Take it on a empty stomach and not together with protein.



Careful.
- Take no phenylalanine if you are suffering from skin cancer.
- People with high blood pressure should only take extra phenylalanine under supervision of their physician.
- Unsuited to use together with mao-inhibitors.
- Unsuited for pregnant women.
- An example of a phenylalanine supplement is, L-phenylalanine (500 mg) of the brand Orthica, click here to order on-line.


List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Proline

No specific information.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Serine

Serine is a precursor for sphingosine. Sphingosine is an intermediary in the synthesis of sphingolipids.
These lipids are present in the membrane of cells.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Threonine*

The amino acid threonine is an essential amino acid, this means that it must be present in the daily diet.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Tryptophan*

The brain uses the essential amino acid tryptophan, together with other vitamins and minerals, to make serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates and stimulates the sleep. Also serotonin is considered to decrease the sensitivity for pain.
When the supply tryptophan is sufficient the body can make from tryptophan nicotine acid (vitamin B3) . Vitamin B3 is used to make NAD+. NAD+ is important in the energy metabolism of the body.
Tryptophan was one of the first amino acids that was for sale as a supplement to be used as a natural sleep-inducing drug.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Important sources of tryptophan.
Pot cheese, milk, meat, turkey, fish, bananas and protein sources are good sources of tryptophan.



Properties of tryptophan.
- Can promote the sleep and prevent a jet lag. To promote sleep, take 500 mg together with vitamin B6, niacinamide and magnesium approximately one hour before going to sleep.
- Decreases the sensitivity for pain.
- Decreases the desire for alcohol.
- Natural anti depressive. Can help to decrease fear and panic attacks. To prevent panics attacks and depressions: take it between meals with fruit juice or water (without proteins).



Careful.
Tryptophan, in high quantities, can cause liver problems. Although the research results differ, it is considered harmful in very high quantities, consult your physician in these cases.
An example of a tryptophan supplements are click here to order L-tryptophan of the brand Orthica(400 mg), on-line.


List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is not an essential amino acid, this means that the body can produce this when it is necessary. Tyrosine is involved as a building block in the production of important neurotransmitters in the brain and appears to raise the energy levels and to lower the consequences of stress. Tyrosine is a precursor of the hormones thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine), epinephrine (epinephrine) and melanin (for pigment). Epinephrine has among others an effect on the blood sugar levels (the energy level), for the specific functions see the glycogen metabolism.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.



Properties of tyrosine.
- Helps to decrease stress, promotes alertness and lights consequences of stress and tension.
- Can work as an anti depressive.
- Can be used against the emotional complaints by PMS.
- Can help in the treatment and withdrawal symptoms of cocaine addictions and other addicting substances.



Quantity.
Take it with fruit juice or water on an empty stomach (not together with proteins as in milk).
Some experts advise that it is more effectively when it is used together with vitamin B6 (until 25 mg).



Careful.
Take no extra tyrosine when you are suffering from migraine or use mao-inhibitors.
People with high blood pressure or skin cancer should not take extra tyrosine without permission of their physician.
An example of a tyrosine supplement is click here to order L-tyrosine (500 mg) of the brand Orthica, on-line.


List of the different kinds of Amino acids

Valine*

The amino acid valine is an essential amino acid, this means that it must be present in the daily diet.
For the 2D-Structural formula click here.

List of the different kinds of Amino acids



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Division of amino acids in 4 groups based on the character of the rest group.


Amino acids with a polar rest group and can get 1 negative charge.