L-Threonine
Threonine
is an essential amino acid that is necessary
for building all proteins and has the
configuration {a}-amino-{B}-hydroxybutyric
acid, C4 H9 NO3. Threonine is the precursor
of serine and glycine. It is found in
the heart, skeletal muscle, and the nervous
system. It plays a vital function in the
development of enamel, collagen, elastin
and in the growth of the thymus gland.
Function-
Threonine plays a major role in the manufacturing
of neurotransmitters and in the prevention
of mood disorders and depression. Nutritional
balance is a must and the absorption and
availability relies on numerous co-factors
of nutrients. Research shows that the
levels of glycine, which acts as a natural
sedative, in the body are dependent on
threonine levels. Threonine actually converts
to glycine and glycine to threonine, if
the necessary nutrients and enzymes are
available. Remember, the body works as
a symphony.
Studies
have shown that threonine has enhancing
effects on the immune system by increasing
antibody production. Even a moderate reduction
in available threonine has shown to have
profound depression of the immune system.
In
the absence of choline levels, threonine
acts as a liver detoxifier when combined
with aspartic acid and methionine. It
is also useful in preventing fatty build
up in the liver.
Deficiency-
A deficiency of threonine may manifest
itself as mood disorders and irritability.
It is also related to intestinal malfunctions
and indigestion. Nutrients are better
absorbed when threonine is present.
Sources-
Some whole foods which contain proline
are avocados, cheese, turkey, eggs, yogurt,
wild game, wheat germ, granola, oatmeal,
chicken and ricotta cheese.
Precautions-
Threonine is found in low amounts in vegetables
so vegetarians are susceptible to deficiency.
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.
References-
1. Barbeau, A., Roy, M., and Chouza, C.,
Pilot study of threonine supplementation
in human spasticity. Le journal Canadien
des Sci. Neurol., 9(2):141 -145, 1982.
2. Issa, A. M., Gauthier, S., Collier,
B., Effects of calyculin A and okadaic
acid on acetylcholii release and subcellular
distribution in rat hippocampal formation,
j. Neurochem., 72(1 166-73, January 1999.
3. Dozier, 3rd, W. A., Moran, Jr., E.
T., Kidd, M. T., Male and female broiler
responses to low and adequate dietary
threonine on nitrogen and energy balance.
Poult. Sci., 80(7) 926-70, Ji 2001.
4. Lotan, R., Mokady, S., and Horenstein,
L, The effect of lysine and threonine
supplementation on the immune response
of growing rats fed wheat gluten diets.
Nutr. Reports Inter., 22(3):313-318, 1980.
5. Chaitow, L., Amino Acid in Therapy:
A Guide to the Therapeutic Application
of Protein Constituents. 1988.
6. Titchenal, C. A., Rogers, Q. R., Indrieri,
R. J., and Morris, J. G., Threonine imbalance,
deficiency and neurologic dysfunction
in the kitten. /. Nutr., 110(12):2444-2459,
1980.
7. Nasset, E. S., Heald, F. P., Galloway,
D. H., Margen, S., and Schneeman, P.,
Amino acids in human blood plasma after
single meals of meat, oil, sucrose and
whiskey. /. Nutr., 109(4), 1979.
8. Titchenal, C. A., Rogers, Q. R., Indrieri,
R. J., and Morris, J. G., Threonine imbalance,
deficiency and neurologic dysfunction
in the kitten. /. Nutr., 110(12):2444-2459,
1980.
