Protein - Amino Acid Function and Assessment:

Question 1

Amino Acid Functions

Answer 1

Amino acids are crucial for protein synthesis. However not all amino acids are protein building blocks for human protein tissues. Individual amino acids also:
* Contribute to the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters
* Act as neurotransmitters themselves e.g. glycine
* Act of metal donors e.g. methionine
* Build bile acids for digestion (Glysine and Taurine)
* Act as pre-curses for nitric oxide production e.g. Arginine
* Help detoxify thousands of chemicals (i.e. phase 2 liver pathways)
* Act as precursors for the manufacturer of endogenous antioxidants

Question 2

Amino Acid Assessment:

Answer 2

• The amino acid status of a person can be assessed using plasma or urine samples, to explore insufficiencies / imbalances.
• This can be especially useful in certain cases. For example, chronic fatigue syndrome due to mitochondrial inefficiency, or following long-term PPI use due to reduced amino acid absorption.
• The information can also be helpful in clinic, for example:
  o Cardiovascular disease risk screen: higher levels of branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) and homocysteine, linked to heart disease = lower dietary intake.