Non Essential Amino Acids

Alanine is involved in the metabolism of glucose, triggers glucagon release,  important energy source for muscle, stimulates the thymus gland, and assists the metabolism of  trytophan .

Alanine food sources include: meat, wheat germ and cheese.

Arginine  is involved in collagen and elastin production, muscle metabolism, enhances immune function by stimulating the thymus gland, stimulates the release of growth hormone, assists the pancreas to release insulin , aids in the repair of wounds, and neutralizes ammonia.

Arginine food sources include:chocolate, peanuts, whole wheat, meat, peas, garlic and soy bean products.

Arginine deficiencies may involve muscle weakness, infertility, glucose intolerance, skin problems, and  retarded growth.

Aspartic acid is an important excitatory neurotransmitter, increases stamina, brain energy metabolism,  aids cell function, and enhances the production of immunoglobulins.

Aspartic acid food sources include:Avocado, asparagus, sugar substitutes, diet sodas, highly processed meats, and sprouting seeds.

Carnitine is involved in the transportation of long-chain fatty acids, increases the use of fat for energy, and  aids in lowering blood triglyceride levels.

Carnitine food sources include: beef, and milk.

Carnitine deficiencies may include: obesity, heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypoglycemia, and fatigue.

Cysteine and cystine detoxify chemicals, aid in the production of collagen and help preserve the elasticity of the skin and improve its texture, is present in alpha-keratin an important protein component in skin, hair, and nails.

Cysteine and cystine food sources include: beef, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese and milk.

Glutamine is an excitatory neuro-transmitter, it readily passes across the blood brain barrier and is therefore considered to be a brain fuel. It is a precursor to GABA, Gamma-Aminobuytric Acid, it detoxifies ammonia, is involved in bone calcification, is  involved in DNA synthesis, and helps to build and maintain muscle.

Glutamine food sources: meat, oats, cottage and ricotta cheese, spinach and parsley if eaten  eaten raw for glutamine is easily destroyed by cooking.

Glutamine may be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, intestinal disorders, alcolholism, behavioral problems, senility, epilepsy, aging,  stress, trauma, prolonged bed rest, bone formation, hypertension, poor concentration,  fatigue, impotence, decreases sugar cravings, and enhances IQ.

Caution:There are a number of instances where glutamine should not be used: Cancer patients, for glutamine is fuel for cancer cells, people with impaired kidney function, liver disease, and Reye's syndrome.

Glutathione is produced in the liver with the assistance  of the amino acids, cystine, glutamic acid, and glycine, the largest stores of glutathione are found in the liver, and it is here that it detoxifies harmful substances.

Glutathione food sources include: meat, garlic, and some plant tissues.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant , deactivates free radicals, regulates the immune system, and protects the integrity of red blood cells.

Glutathione deficiencies may manifest as: lack of coordination, mental disorders, tremors, immune dysfunction, accelerated aging, and generally an increase in degenerative diseases.

Glutathione may be used to treat alcoholism, heay metal toxicity,  cancer, Down's syndrome, difficulties maintaining balance and mental disorders.

Glycine  food sources: Protein and gelatine.

Glycine is the most active amino acid  for biochemical functions,  it is present in muscle tissue, and facilitates the construction of DNA and RNA. It is a constitutent of collagen and is therefore useful to promote healing wherever tissue damage may have occurred. It increases renal clearance of uric acid and would therefore be very beneficial for gout sufferers. It aids liver detoxification, and acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It also increases the release of HGH.

Glycine  is used to improve athletic performance, to treat epilepsy, improve nail growth, assist in wound healing, of benefit to those with benign prostatic hypertropy, and aids in healing leg ulcers .

Histidine food sources: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, rye, wheat, rice and wheat germ.

Histidine is needed to maintain the health of the mylein sheath, is involved in the synthesis of collagen, is needed for the production of both red and white blood cells, protects against radiation damage, chelates both copper and zinc, and aids the secretion of gastric juice.

Histidine deficiency signs, absence of libido, nerve deafness, nausea, agitation, memory loss, confusion, skin eruptions, and decreased food and water intake.

Histidine may be used to treat: rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, anemia, nerve deafness, heavy metal toxicity, kidney failure, and radiation therapy.

Ornithine is synthesized in the body, with the assistance of arginine

Proline food sources: Meat, wheat germ eggs, and cheese.

Proline aids the healing of cartilage, strengthens joints, tendons and heart muscle.

Proline may be used to treat cancer, soft tissue injuries, and hypermobility of joints.

Serine food sources: Meat, wheat germ, ricotta cheese, and eggs.

Serine is needed to aid the metabolism of fats and fatty acids, to assist the growth of muscle,  the production of immunoglobulin, and  antibodies.

Serine may be used to restore moisture to skin, to relieve pain, and improve memory.

Taurine food sources: meat particularly organ meats, eggs fish and milk, it is not found in vegetable proteins.

Taurine is involved in facilitating the passage of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium ions into and out of the cells. It is a building block of all other amino acids, stimulates HGH synthesis, is involved in the synthesis of bile, and spares the loss of potassium from the heart muscle.

Taurine deficiency signs: sleep disturbances, high blood cholesterol,  epilepsy, heart disease, gall bladder disease, and sensitivity to cow's milk.

Taurine may be used to treat epilepsy, hepatitis, anxiety states, diabetes, gall bladder disease, heart disease, Down's syndrome, and jaubdice.

Threonine food sources: meat, eggs, and cheese.

Threonine maintains protein balance in the body, aids the formation of collagen and elastin, is an immune stimulant, and helps to prevent fat build up in the liver.

Threonine deficiency signs may manifest as severe depression.

Threonine is used to treat liver disease, renal failure, aging, spasticity, and assist wound healing.

Tyrosine food sources : Meat, fish, eggs, almonds, cheese, avocados, and  bananas

Tyrosine deficiency signs: restless legs, stress reduction, hypothyrodism, chronic fatigue and narcolepsy.

Tyrosine is used to treat abnormal blood pressure, both high and low, depression, hypothyrodism, adrenal exhaustion, weight loss, shock, low libido, hemorrhage, ventricular fibrillation.