Tyrosine, Tryptophan, Phenylaline, Lysine, Arginine

Question 1

Tyrosine

Answer 1

• Tyrosine is a conditionally essential amino acid derived from phenylalanine.
• Food sources: nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains (e.g. quinoa, oats), fish, meat, poultry.

Question 2

Tyrosine: Functions

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Tyrosine: Dosage

Answer 3

400-6000mg/day. Tyrosine seems to be safe when used in doses up to 150 mg/kg per day for up to 3 months.

Question 4

Tyrosine: Drug Interactions

Answer 4

MAOI antidepressants (the enzyme MAO deactivates dopamine etc.), Levodopa, thyroxine.

Question 5

Tyrosine: Contraindicated

Answer 5

Overactive thyroid. Taking extra tyrosine might increase thyroxine levels, worsening cases of hyperthyroidism. Melanoma.

Question 6

Tyrosine: Caution

Answer 6

High doses can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Question 7

Tryptophan

Answer 7

• Tryptophan is an essential amino acid.
• Food sources: brown rice, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, oats, bananas, turkey, fish, eggs.

Question 8

Tryptophan: Functions

Answer 8

Endrocrine Health
ATP Synthesis

Question 9

Tryptophan: Endorcrine Health

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Tryptophan: ATP Synthesis

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Tryptophan: Other applications

Answer 11

• Enhances the release of growth hormone thus making it an item of interest for athletes and anti-ageing studies

Question 12

Tryptophan: Dosage

Answer 12

100-600mg/day [5HTP is usually preferred as it cannot be used for anything other than serotonin and melatonin production].

Question 13

Tryptophan: Drug Interactions

Answer 13

Antidepressants, Sedatives, Tramadol, Phenothiazines, Pentazocine, Demerol, Dextromethorphan .

Question 14

Tryptophan: Adverse effects

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Phenylalanine

Answer 15

• Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid.
• Food sources: avocado, brown rice, lentils, eggs, fish, meat, soy.

Question 16

Phenylalanine: Functions

Answer 16

Endocrine Health
Skin Pigmentation

Question 17

Phenalalanine: Endrocrine Health

Answer 17

Functions:
• Can be converted to tyrosine -> thyroid hormones, dopamine, etc.

Therapeutic Uses:
• Depression
• Cognition
• Parkinson’s etc.

Question 18

Phenylalanine: Dosage

Answer 18

150 to 7000 mg/day

Question 19

Phenylalanine: Drug Interactions

Answer 19

Antipsychotics, neuroleptics.

Question 20

Phenylalanine: Caution

Answer 20

Can worsen schizophrenia symptoms.

Question 21

Phenylalanine: Contraindication

Answer 21

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Question 22

Lysine

Answer 22

• 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.

Question 23

Lysine: Functions

Answer 23

Herpes Simplex Virus
Structure
Absorption
Glucose Lowering effect

Question 24

Lysine: Structure

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Lysine: Absorption

Answer 25

Functions:
• Lysine aids intestinal absorption of calcium, iron and zinc

Therapeutic Uses:
• Osteoporosis
• Hair loss
• Anaemia

Question 26

Lysine: Glucose-lowering effect

Answer 26

Functions:
• Lysine has been shown to have a glucose lowering effect.

Therapeutic Uses
• Hyperglycaemia / diabetes mellitus

Question 27

Arginine

Answer 27

• Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid.
• Arginine dietary sources: nuts, seeds, seaweed, meat.

Question 28

Arginine: Functions

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Arginine: Dosage

Answer 29

6-12g per day. Arginine competes with lysine and histidine for absorption. So take the arginine away from foods.

Question 30

Arginine: Drug Interactions

Answer 30

Drug interactions: anti hypertensives, GTN spray (angina).