Amino Acids and Health

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and we all need protein to maintain overall health, cellular repair and function as well as strength. Protein is essential for the body in all cases on a daily basis and without it or sufficient levels, we begin to deteriorate quickly. Protein comes in many shapes and sources, but the question is whether or not the source is providing an adequate array of amino acids to cover the body's requirements. The scope of this topic is well beyond this blog, but today, I'd like to discuss three amino acids in particular: L-glutamine, L-carnitine and L-arginine.

L-glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid and is found in heavy concentration in skeletal muscle, liver, lung, stomach and brain tissue. L-Glutamine has been found to positively impact immune function, cellular metabolism, protect agains oxidative stress and improve gastrointestinal permeability. In many cases the body is able to biosynthesize adequate concentrations of L-glutamine and thus not necessarily dependent on dietary sources. However, in cases of stress and recovery, which many include: recovery from illness, trauma, disease and even surgery; there may be an increased need or demand for L-glutamine that biosynthesis and diet cannot provide. L-glutamine is commonly added to 'total parenteral nutrition' for hospitalized patients in order to aid in recovery and support overall health. L-glutamine has also been shown in one research trial to improve muscle strength and contractile force when given as a supplement to mice(Waddel,2005). It is also known that continuous training and exercise may lead to overall low levels of glutamine. L-glutamine has been shown to reduce blood ammonia levels in athletes when supplemented, which may aid in overall recovery(Carvalho-Peixoto 2007). Patients enduring various forms of cancer have also been noted to be glutamine depeleted due to the fact that many tumors are viewed as "glutamine traps". This can lead to an overall depletion of glutamine from the body, which then can impair recovery. The question then comes as to what happens if L-glutamine is routinely supplemented? There does not appear to be a downside with routine L-glutamine supplementation, based on research data and in fact, the improvements in overall health may be positive. Personally, I have seen some pretty promising results when glutamine has been supplemented in patients with a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer. I feel that by making Glutamine more readily available, we may improve the outcome.

L-carnitine is an amino acid that is involved with the transportation of various fatty acids across the cellular membrane and into the mitochondria for energy production. Various medical conditions such as chronic fatigue, anorexia, cardiovascular disease as well as various myopathies appear to benefit from L-carnitine supplementation. L-carnitine supplementation was shown to improve peripheral artery disease, enhance exercise time, improve patient survival with dilated cardiomyopathy, reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels, improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics, aids in management of chronic fatigue and even can be beneficial in kidney failure patients (Alt Med Rev, 2005).

L-arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is involved in the production of Nitric Oxide, which has direct impact on vascular and immune function. Arginine is biosynthesized by the body, but can be easily depleted during times of stress or recovery, requiring supplementation. The main areas of interest with L-arginine revolve around the production of Nitric Oxide, which results in the dilation of blood vessels resulting in lowered pressures, but is also tied into overall cardiac health,immune function and protection against oxidative stress (Alt Med Reve, 2005).

So, this is a brief overview of some research regarding these important amino acids. I feel they are important to discuss and be aware of in terms of implications on overall health, whether if you or a pet are dealing with a particular condition or just trying to improve your athletic performance. I believe that their importance is very high and thus have incorporated these amino acids into our Immune Formulas. I see a difference clinically and our patients seem to do better in the long term. Overall body support is crucial to recovery and health.

Here's to your health.
Tom Schell, D.V.M.