Building Blocks of Protein

Life without protein is not possible, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein. To help you enjoy the best of life and health, you need to have a balance of amino acids. They function in areas that are too numerous for us to mention in depth, but are required to build and maintain all body tissues, constitute an important part of enzymes, hormones and body fluids, and are also responsible for regulating body functions such as growth and digestion. The central nervous system cannot function properly without amino acids, which are necessary for the brain to both send and receive information. Amino acids help form antibodies to fight infection, and serve in a myriad of other life-giving areas that are absolutely essential in your quest for optimal health.

 

Protein is available in both animal and plant sources. This protein (plant or animal) is broken down during the digestive process into amino acids.

 

Essential Amino Acids

The body requires approximately twenty-two amino acids, and can acquire many of these amino acids from your daily food intake – to the point that it is possible when our food, plant sources are all being grown in vitamin and mineral-depleted soil. Eight (for adults) or nine (for children) amino acids cannot be synthesized and are, therefore, essential to be taken in through nutrition (diet or supplement).

 

Non-essential Amino Acids

The remaining amino acids can be synthesized from nitrogen, carbohydrates and fats. Each of the amino acids has its own specific purpose and one can not be substituted for another.

Do not be confused by the titles of non-essential and essential amino acids. The truth is that you need all the amino acids for overall superior mental and physical health.

 

D or L Forms of Amino Acids

All compounds in nature come in two forms, the L and the D form. These two configurations are mirror images of each other biochemically. The L form is typically the more active form in most amino acids, while only phenylalanine is available in three active forms: L, D, and D/L.  The D/L form is a 50/50 mix of the two. DPA (d-phenylalanine) is used as an active ingredient particularly for pain management. It works to inhibit the enzymes that break down the “opioids” in the brain; therefore, the opioid activity increases and the person has a greater sense of internal calm with reduced pain.

• Amino Acids as Precursors for Neurotransmitters

• Amino acids are precursors to dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and many other substances critical to health and well-being. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, the following is true:

• Amino acids form antibodies to combat invading bacteria and viruses

• Amino acids are part of the enzyme and hormonal system

• Amino acids carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity

• They are found to be extremely useful in weight control, depression fighting, muscle building, proper hormonal activity

• They are also found to be useful in proper function of the immune system

• Amino acids are necessary for growth and cellular replication throughout the body

 

Safety of Amino Acids

Amino acids are safe, non-toxic, non-addictive, and the body does not build a tolerance to them. However, those with sensitivities should use the same caution they require when starting any new product, including amino acids. It is always wise to consult your health care physician if you have any questions regarding your health and any medications or nutritional supplements you may be taking.

 

Precautions

While vitamins, minerals and amino acids are considered safe under most conditions, there are always situations when caution should be taken. NeuroGenesis shares the concern of many and will always try to stay informed on studies that present a legitimate health concern. Here, we have listed the precautions we feel may warrant your attention.

 

MAOI’s (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are a type of antidepressant medication (Marplan, Parnate and Nardil) that can cause serious hypertensive crisis if taken with over-the-counter ingredients, other drugs [prescription or otherwise] or amino acids. Persons taking this particular type of medication must also be very careful with what they eat. If you have any doubt, call your doctor or pharmacist for clarification. Persons taking an MAOI should not use any product without consulting their physician.

 

All medications classified as antipsychotics are dopamine (and sometimes serotonin) antagonists. This means that they inhibit or block the building of these neurotransmitters. Amino acids such as l-phenylalanine, tryptophan and 5-HTP work to build or replenish these same neurotransmitters. Do not take an antipsychotic with any product containing one of these particular amino acids.

 

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare, inherited metabolic disease caused by a defect that prevents the conversion of the essential amino acid, phenylalanine, into a useful form. People with PKU are very aware of it and have severe diet restrictions. Those with PKU should not take any product containing phenylalanine.

Because of the small risk of carrying a baby with PKU, pregnant women should not take amino acid supplements (or any over-the-counter supplement) without their physicians consent.

 

Women who are nursing a baby should always consult their pediatrician before taking any supplement or medication that can pass through the blood brain barrier and effect the baby’s continuing development.

Although phenylalanine is a natural build for dopamine, and those with Parkinson’s diseaseare thought to be functionally deplete of dopamine, always consult your physician before taking anything your doctor has not approved. Most doctors prescribe l-dopa, which is another dopamine building “amino” — he or she is keeping a close watch on these levels and need to be informed if you make additions or changes to their prescribed medication routine.

 

Although l-phenylalanine is not known to cause hypertension (high blood pressure), it can sometimes exacerbate an already existing problem. Those who are sensitive to norepinephrine (aka adrenaline) should not take l-phenylalanine.

 

Some recent studies have shown that people who have pre-existing pigmented melanomashould not take phenylalanine or tyrosine because they may increase the ability of the melanoma cells to spread.

 

People who have experienced actual panic attacks should not take any product that will significantly increase norepinephrine (aka adrenalin). Some can become too excited or agitated because of the increased energy and drive it produces. The essential amino acid, l-phenylalanine, produces the natural protein chemicals that build norepinephrine.

 

Those who are receiving medical treatment for any disease or disorder should consult their treating physician before changing their intake of any over the counter product.