So while we have more than enough non-essential amino acids, in some circumstances taking in extra free form versions can be very beneficial.
Especially in circumstances where for one reason or another the body’s reserve is in danger of being absorbed for less useful purposes.
Here are the most popular non-essential amino acids:
L-Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid that is present in the body in large amounts. At times it forms 60% of your total amino acid pool. Because it passes through the blood-brain barrier rather easily it’s often called brain-food. It may aid memory recall and concentration. In the brain it converts to glutamic acid which is essential for brain functioning and increases GABA (gamma-amino-butyric-acid, another popular supplemented amino) required for mental activities.
It is used in synthesis of muscle-tissue. We all know we need nitrogen to get bigger muscles when bodybuilding, but too much nitrogen in the body could cause ammonia in the brain. Glutamine helps to get rid of it by attaching itself to the nitrogen and forming glutamic acid, then escorts it out of the body. Glutamine is also one of the main building blocks in the genetic coding. It is found in several strands of DNA and RNA, more than other aminos. Most important perhaps is that it balances the acid/alkaline level, so it reduces lactic acid. It decreases the cravings for sweets which can be of use on a diet and a metabolite of glutamine called Monosodium Glutamine (MSG), a salt, is used as a flavour enhancer. It has no real flavour of its own but it can enhance the flavour of other products such as meat, fish and vegetables. Glutamine has the downside of being more readily used as fuel for energy than other simple carbs. It is one of the preferred fuels of the intestines, for example, and a good source of energy throughout the body.
So chances are more glutamine will not even be used for what you supplement it for – the body just doesn’t use what it already has. So, why bother? Well, in a dieting phase you will be lowering your carbohydrates and when carbohydrate intake is low you are in danger of using hard-earned muscle protein as fuel for your body. Glutamine is the preferred fuel of most tissues.
L-Argentine is added to many supplements for its amazing nitrogen retention ability. Nitrogen is one of the key elements in muscle protein synthesis. Some plants can absorb nitrogen, but we mammals have to make do with the stuff we make ourselves. Argentine is mostly present in proteins and its tones, two proteins commonly associated with nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA).
So far, its main use was for newborns to excite new growth because at a young age it’s difficult to manufacture enough. It enhances the immune system and stimulates the size and activity of the thymus gland (responsible for the famous “T-cells”). This makes it a prime choice for anyone in a condition that is less than optimal for health, such as people recovering from injuries and HIV patients.
The hormonal release properties include releasing insulin from the pancreas and a massive stimulator in the manufacture of GH (Growth Hormone) from the anterior pituitary. But for GH, the metabolite arginine pyroglutamate is better because it passes the brain-blood barrier more easily so it is very useful in this day and age of environmental oestrogens and should not be overlooked by steroid-users. It also improves the health of the liver, skin and connective tissues and may lower cholesterol. Mostly it facilitates muscle mass gain in body building while limiting fat storage because it keeps fat alive in the system and uses it. It is key in weight control.
Next week the last of the non-essential amino acids will be discussed.
Lizel Britz 072 243 770.7
