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Glutamine
August 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Amino Acids
Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid and is found in large amounts in the muscles of the body, and since it easily pass through the blood-brain barrier, it is also known as a superb brain fuel, and some people refer to it as a “smart-vitamin” – although it is in actual fact no vitamin at all.
It is converted to glutamic acid in the brain, which is essential for cerebral functions, and increases the amount of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is required for brain functioning and mental activity.
It is used in the muscles for the synthesis of muscle proteins, and is of use for the treatment of wasting muscles after illness or post-operative care.
Although the body requires nitrogen, free nitrogen in the body can be harmful since it forms ammonia – especially toxic to the brain. The liver normally converts ammonia to urea, excreted in the urine – but glutamic acid attaches itself to nitrogen and forms glutamic acid, while removing ammonia from the brain.
It further is used in the body to balance the acid/alkaline level and is also the basis or building blocks of RNA and DNA.
It serves as a source of fuel for cells lining the intestines and it is also used by white blood cells and is important for immune function.
Deficiency of this nutrient is rare, since it can be manufactured by the body but deficiencies can develop during periods of fasting, starvation, strict dieting, cirrhosis, and weight loss associated with AIDS and cancer.
The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
In the presence of good health, supplementation of glutamine should not be necessary.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
No clear toxicity has emerged in glutamine studies, but it should not be taken by people suffering from liver or kidney problems.
People suffering from arthritis, fibrosis, connective tissue disease, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, as well as epilepsy, fatigue, impotence and senility may find benefit from an increase of this nutrient, as well as people busy with alcohol abuse withdrawal and patients living with HIV.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a salt of glutamic acid, is sometimes used as a condiment for flavoring foods. It imparts no flavor of its own, but enhances the flavors of meats, fish, and vegetables. Some people have an allergic reaction to MSG, and should be avoided by such individuals.
L-glutamine supplements are also referred to as “smart drugs” since it is thought to improve the functioning of the brain.
In animal research, glutamine has anti-inflammatory effects. Glutamine also decreases the craving for sweets and sugar, which is beneficial to people wishing to lose weight.
Glutamine is found in many high protein foods, such as fish, meat, beans, and dairy as well as in vegetables such as raw parsley and spinach.
Source: www.anyvitamin.com
Cysteine
August 27, 2009 by admin
Filed under Amino Acids
Cysteine amino acid information page
Cysteine is a sulfur containing non-essential amino acid and is closely related to cystine, as cystine consists of two cysteine molecules joined together. It is an unstable nutrient and easily converts to cystine, but this does not cause a problem, since both can convert into the other – as required by the body.
Your skin, as well as detoxification of your body, requires cysteine. It is found in beta-keratin, the main protein in nails, skin as well as hair. It not only is important in collagen production but also assists in skin elasticity and texture.
Cysteine is also required in the manufacture of the amino acid taurine and is a component of the antioxidant gluthione. It is useful to detoxify the body from harmful toxins and help protect the brain and liver from damage from alcohol, drugs etc.
It has also been found that it may help in strengthening the protective lining of the stomach as well as intestines, which may help prevent damage caused by aspirin and similar drugs.
Cysteine is also critical to the metabolism of a number of essential biochemicals including coenzyme A, heparin, biotin, lipoid acid, and glutathione.
No direct deficiencies have been reported as such.
The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
General dosage is not known but as supplement cysteine is used at 200 mg two to three times per day.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
None known, but damage to nerve cells in rats has been reported in very high dosage, and research data is still being waited upon.
People suffering from diabetes and Cystinuria should be careful of cysteine supplements.
Best taken with selenium, vitamin B6 and vitamin E.
People suffering from AIDS/HIV may benefit from cysteine in proper amounts, as low levels are normally reported in people with this problem.
The body can synthesize cysteine from the amino acid methionine but is also found in high protein foods such as poultry, wheat, broccoli, eggs as well as garlic, onions and red peppers.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful natural occurring compound, promoting chemical reactions, protecting the body from free radicals, and is also called ubiquinone. Some disagreement exists regarding its classification, where some are of the opinion that it is in reality a vitamin or vitamin-like substance.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally present in foods, and can be synthesized by the body from the amino acid tyrosine during a multistage (17 stages) process requiring eight vitamins and several trace elements.
One of the best-known effects of this compound is its antioxidant qualities as well as the control it exercises on the flow of oxygen within cells, assistance with cardiovascular functioning, the production of energy, its assistance with absorption of other nutrients as well as its immune boosting properties.
Studies on mice showed an increase of 50% extension of life span.
It is the Coenzyme Q10 that is the coenzyme for at least three mitochondrial enzymes as well as other enzymes in the cell. The mitochondrial enzymes are essential for the production of high-energy adenosine phosphates (ATP).
It has been found to be effective with a variety of health problems, and great promise has been shown in assisting with cancer treatment, protecting patients undergoing chemotherapy. Studies showed that patients taking 90 mg of this compound experienced less pain and increase in appetite and decreased metastases.
Studies using 300 -900 mg, reported partial or total remission. People who stay thin and slim, yet eat a lot have much higher levels of this compound in their blood, and it also assists with fuel efficiency within the cells, which also assists weight loss.
People suffering from periodontal disease may also be deficient in this compound, as it has a protective and strengthening action in all tissues. (This is why it is also beneficial to the heart muscle.)
When we are deficient of this compound in our system, our general health will start deteriorating and should levels drop 25% below the optimum levels, many diseases may start progressing, diseases like high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune depression, periodontal disease, lack of energy and weight gain.
People suffering from congestive heart failure and taking coenzyme Q10 should NOT stop taking it suddenly since sudden withdrawal may intensify the symptoms of congestive heart failure.
The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.
No recommendation has been set.
Toxicity and symptoms of high intake
Toxicity and side effects are not known, but pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should not take it in supplement form.
In extreme dosages, such as 600 – 1200 mg per day headaches, heartburn, fatigue, diarrhea and skin reactions have been reported.
Since the compounds are fat soluble, it is best to take it with dietary fat present.
Should the liver perform under par, it cannot manufacture Q10 from the other Q coenzymes, and this production also diminish with age.
People suffering from angina, HIV, male infertility, diabetes, periodontal disease, high blood pressure, cancer and receiving chemotherapy could benefit from an increase in CoQ10.
Good sources are found in beef, soy, mackerel, sardines, spinach, peanuts, soybeans and vegetable oil.
Source: www.anyvitamin.com
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