Taurine

Taurine amino acid information page

Taurine is a non-essential amino acid and is found in high concentrations in the white blood cells, skeletal muscles, central nervous system as well as the heart muscles. In adults, but not children, this nutrient can be manufactured from methionine in the body and from cysteine in the liver, but vitamin B6 must be present.

Taurine required for

It is a key ingredient of bile, which in turn is needed for fat digestion, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins as well as the control of cholesterol serum levels in the body. (It is incorporated in the bile acid chenodeoxychloic acid, which emulsify the dietary fats). This nutrient is also used in the proper use of potassium, calcium as well as sodium in the body, and for maintaining cell membrane integrity. It is thought to be helpful with anxiety, hyperactivity, poor brain function and epilepsy as well as hydrating the brain. Taurine, together with zinc is also required for proper eye health and vision.

Deficiency of taurine

A deficiency may impair vision and problems with fat metabolism may appear, and a theory exists that it may also be involved in epilepsy developing.

Dosage

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.

No dosage has been established, but people who take supplements normally take 2 grams, three times per day.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

No toxicity has been determined and most people would not require a supplement and even small children derive enough of it through human milk, or infant formulas.

Best used with

Vitamin B6 is required by the body to synthesize this nutrient from other nutrients.

When more taurine may be required

Vegans who consume no eggs or dairy products ingest virtually no taurine through their diets, but normally have enough since the body can manufacture the requirements.

Children with Down’s syndrome may benefit from taurine, and women being treated for breast cancer as well as people with metabolic disorders, since metabolic disorders can cause loss of this nutrient via urine. Diabetics may also benefit from this nutrient, since this disease increase the need for this nutrient.

Enemy of taurine

High intake of alcohol may cause the body not to be able to use it fully.

Food sources

Taurine is mostly found in meat and fish, and the adult body can manufacture it.

Source: www.anyvitamins.com

Serine

Serine amino acid information page

Serine was first isolated in 1865 from sericin, a silk protein, and is a nonessential amino acid and can be synthesized in the body from glycine.

Serine is required for

Serine is required for the metabolism of fat, tissue growth and the immune system as it assists in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies. Some derivatives (e.g. ethanolamine) are also important components of the phospholipids found in biological membranes. It is a constituent of brain proteins and nerve coverings and is also important in the formation of cell membranes, involved in the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines, and muscle synthesis. It is also used in cosmetics as a skin moisturizer.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

Although toxicity has not been established it has been found that very elevated serine levels may cause immune suppression and psychological symptoms as in cerebral allergies.

Best used with

Its production requires adequate amounts of vitamin B3 (niacin), B-6, and folic acid.

Food sources of serine

It is found in meats and dairy products, wheat gluten, peanuts as well as soy products.

Source: www.anyvitamins.com

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine amino acid information page

Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is also one of the aromatic amino acids that exhibit ultraviolet radiation absorption properties and is the most commonly found aromatic amino acid.

General

It can be converted in the body to tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize two important neurotransmitters – dopamine and norepinephrine. It is available in three different forms – L-, D- and DL-. The L- form is the most common and the type in which it is incorporated into the body’s proteins. The D- form acts as a painkiller and the DL- a combination of the two.

Phenylalanine is required for

It is used in elevating the mood since it is so closely involved with the nervous system, as well as help with memory and learning and has been used as an appetite suppressant. People suffering from Parkinson’s disease It is DLPA (or the D- or L-form alone) is used to treat depression and the D form may also be helpful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and chronic pain in both osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with mixed results Increases blood levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine – all three required for neurotransmission.

Deficiency of phenylalanine

Dietary deficiency is rare but symptoms may include lethargy, edema, weakness, skin lesions as well as liver damage and slow growth. A deficiency in diet would only occur with an extremely low protein intake.

Dosage

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.

Pregnant women, people suffering from anxiety attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes and phenylketonuria, should NOT take it. DLPA supplements may interact with certain antidepressants or stimulants. Please consult your medical professional.

The daily dosage is unknown but supplements are taken at about 14 mg per kilogram of body weight per day – which would translate to about 980 mg for a 70 kg male, but since it has powerful mood altering effects, only use under medical supervision.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

Toxicity is rare in dietary intake but large amounts in supplement form may play havoc with your blood pressure and cause headaches, nausea and heartburn. Large amounts of this nutrient may also cause nerve damage.

Some people cannot metabolize phenylalanine and should not take supplementation of this amino acid.

When more may be required

This nutrient could prove of benefit to people suffering from Parkinson’s disease, tiredness, depression, busy with alcohol withdrawal, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis and vitiligo.

Food sources of phenylalanine

It is contained in most protein rich foods but good sources are found in dairy products, almonds, avocados, lima beans, peanuts and seeds.

Source: www.anyvitamins.com

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