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

List of different kinds of amino acids
Alanine
Arginine
Asparagine
Aspartic acid
Cysteine
Glutamine
Glutamic acid
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
Isoleucine*
Leucine*
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*
Phenylalanine*
Proline
Serine
Threonine*
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
Valine*
|