L-Alanine
Alanine
(like glutamine) is one of the most important amino acids needed for
circulating energy throughout the body. It is a non-essential amino
acid that is largely concentrated in muscle and only slightly concentrated
in the blood, kidney, liver and brain. Alanine is made in the body
from the conversion of pyruvate (compound of carbohydrate metabolism)
or the breakdown of anserine and carnosine.
Function-
Alanine is the primary amino acid that transports nitrogen from the
muscle to the liver and therefore guards against the accumulation
of toxic substances It has displayed positive effects on blood sugar
(diabetes and hypoglycemia), ketone metabolism, liver function, immune
enhancement and prostate health.. Alanine may also build muscle and
can be converted by the liver into useable glucose and like GABA,
taurine, and glycine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Blood
sugar- Alanine aids in the metabolism of glucose (blood sugar) and
can be used as an energy source when needed by brain, muscle, and
the central nervous system. Low levels of alanine relates linearly
to the disturbances associated with low blood sugar also known as
hypoglycemia. Methionine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine also show this
reproducible pattern with low blood sugar. Alanine stimulates an increase
in blood sugar, which triggers the release of glucagon and therefore
releases glucose. Alanine deficiency should be considered if an individual
has symptoms of anxiety, tremors and rapid heart rate. Research has
found that for people with diabetes, taking an oral dose of L-alanine
can be more effective than a conventional bedtime snack in preventing
hypoglycemia at night.
Ketone metabolism- Ketones occur in the incomplete breakdown (catabolism)
of fatty acids. Alanine has aniti-ketogenic properties and may help
prevent ketosis and reduce triglycerides which are significant metabolism
conditions in diabetics. Alanine decreases ketogenesis and inhibits
the breakdown of proteins in humans by direct effect on the liver.
Combined with a low refined carbohydrate diet and balanced nutritional
program alanine plays a significant factor to regain control for those
suffering from blood sugar disorders.
Immune
system- Alanine has proved to be very important in the body’s reproduction
of lymphocytes and thymus growth which are largely responsible for
promoting a strong immune system.
Prostate-
Alanine is present in prostate fluid, and it may play a role in supporting
prostate health. There have been numerous cases shown to have benefited
from support of alanine to the prostate.
Deficiency-
Common conditions associated with alanine deficiency are hypoglycemia,
muscle breakdown and wasting, seizures, low growth hormone levels,
fatigue, elevated insulin and/or low glucagon levels.
Sources-
Foods that are a source of alanine are turkey, pork, yogurt, ricotta
cheese, eggs, chicken, cheese, avocado, duck, granola and wheat germ.
Precautions-
In lab test very high doses of alanine was given which increased urinary
excretion by a thousand fold and no side effects were recorded. Individuals
with Epstein Barr virus and chronic fatigue have been shown to have
excessive alanine levels and low levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine
which are probably related to improper metabolism.
Requirements-
There is no Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) listed. Individual
needs may differ due to clinical conditions, biochemical individuality
and absorption. All sources of nutrients should be consumed in their
most natural state, in the form of a variety of foods or supplements
when necessary. Free form amino acid supplements are immediately absorbed
by the body and should be consumed with natural occurring cofactors
for best results. Consulting with a physician that is properly trained
in the natural healing sciences and amino acid therapy may be needed
for optimum results.
Written by Jerome Rerucha
D.C.
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