Tyrosine, Tryptophan, Phenylaline, Lysine, Arginine Flashcards
Tyrosine
• Tyrosine is a conditionally essential amino acid derived from phenylalanine.
• Food sources: nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains (e.g. quinoa, oats), fish, meat, poultry.
Tyrosine: Functions
Endocrine Health
Functions:
• Tyrosine is a precursor to the thyroid hormones, dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
• It is also a precursor to melanin (the skin pigment)
Therapeutic Uses:
• Adrenal fatigue
• Hypothyroidism
• ADHD
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cognition
Tyrosine: Dosage
400-6000mg/day. Tyrosine seems to be safe when used in doses up to 150 mg/kg per day for up to 3 months.
Tyrosine: Drug Interactions
MAOI antidepressants (the enzyme MAO deactivates dopamine etc.), Levodopa, thyroxine.
Tyrosine: Contraindicated
Overactive thyroid. Taking extra tyrosine might increase thyroxine levels, worsening cases of hyperthyroidism. Melanoma.
Tyrosine: Caution
High doses can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Tryptophan
• Tryptophan is an essential amino acid.
• Food sources: brown rice, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, oats, bananas, turkey, fish, eggs.
Tryptophan: Functions
Endrocrine Health
ATP Synthesis
Tryptophan: Endorcrine Health
Functions:
• Used for serotonin and melatonin synthesis.
• Tryptophan is assisted across the blood brain barrier by insulin. So if supplementing, consume with a carbohydrate rich snack. This also explains why low serotonin levels cause carbohydrate cravings.
Therapeutic Uses:
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Stress and anxiety
• PMS
• Migraines
• Weight control (reducing cravings)
• Overcoming smoking addiction
Tryptophan: ATP Synthesis
Functions:
• Tryptophan is used to make vitamin B3, which is needed to form two coenzymes (NAD, NADP) involved in ATP production.
Therapeutic Uses
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Alzheimer’s and other neuro-degenerative diseases
Tryptophan: Other applications
• Enhances the release of growth hormone thus making it an item of interest for athletes and anti-ageing studies
Tryptophan: Dosage
100-600mg/day [5HTP is usually preferred as it cannot be used for anything other than serotonin and melatonin production].
Tryptophan: Drug Interactions
Antidepressants, Sedatives, Tramadol, Phenothiazines, Pentazocine, Demerol, Dextromethorphan .
Tryptophan: Adverse effects
L-tryptophan can cause some side effects such as heartburn, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a loss of appetite. It can also cause headaches, light headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, visual blurring, muscle weakness, and sexual problems.
Phenylalanine
• Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid.
• Food sources: avocado, brown rice, lentils, eggs, fish, meat, soy.
Phenylalanine: Functions
Endocrine Health
Skin Pigmentation
Phenalalanine: Endrocrine Health
Functions:
• Can be converted to tyrosine -> thyroid hormones, dopamine, etc.
Therapeutic Uses:
• Depression
• Cognition
• Parkinson’s etc.
Phenylalanine: Dosage
150 to 7000 mg/day
Phenylalanine: Drug Interactions
Antipsychotics, neuroleptics.
Phenylalanine: Caution
Can worsen schizophrenia symptoms.
Phenylalanine: Contraindication
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Lysine
• Lysine is an essential amino acid.
• It is the sister amino acid to arginine (they compete for absorption).
• Lysine dietary sources: quinoa, legumes, tempeh, chicken, eggs, dairy, fish, red meats,.
• Key therapeutic use: Herpes Simplex Virus (cold sores) supplemental L lysine helps to prevent and fight outbreaks. It is more effective when combined with vitamin C.
The virus uses arginine to replicate, so increases in lysine can limit viral replication.
Lysine: Functions
Herpes Simplex Virus
Structure
Absorption
Glucose Lowering effect
Lysine: Structure
Functions:
• Lysine forms part of collagen, and subsequently plays a key role in bodily structures, as well as tissue repair
• Helps to build muscular tissue.
Therapeutic Uses:
• Recovery from muscle injury
• Childhood support
• Osteoporosis
Lysine: Absorption
Functions:
• Lysine aids intestinal absorption of calcium, iron and zinc
Therapeutic Uses:
• Osteoporosis
• Hair loss
• Anaemia
Lysine: Glucose-lowering effect
Functions:
• Lysine has been shown to have a glucose lowering effect.
Therapeutic Uses
• Hyperglycaemia / diabetes mellitus
Arginine
• Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid.
• Arginine dietary sources: nuts, seeds, seaweed, meat.
Arginine: Functions
Nitric Oxide (NO)
Functions:
• Arginine is a precursor to Nitric Oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator and subsequently lowers blood pressure.
Therapeutic Uses:
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease (e.g. angina) supports endothelial health
• Sports performance (increases blood flow to muscles)
• Erectile dysfunction
Arginine: Dosage
6-12g per day. Arginine competes with lysine and histidine for absorption. So take the arginine away from foods.
Arginine: Drug Interactions
Drug interactions: anti hypertensives, GTN spray (angina).
