Other amino acids

In addition to carbohydrates, fats and vitamins, the human body also needs proteins to survive. These proteins, i.e. proteins, are composed of the so-called Amino acids together. A distinction is made between essential and non-essential amino acids. In the following, we will briefly discuss other amino acids that are not explicitly listed in the blog.

Alanine

Alanine is an amino acid that can be produced by the body itself. When energy is required or in the case of glucose deficiency, sugar is synthesized from this amino acid in several intermediate stages. In principle, all proteins contain alanine, but it is found particularly frequently, for example, in

  • Gelatine
  • Soy
  • Meat and
  • Whey products before

Asparagine

Asparagine is produced by the human liver and therefore does not belong to the essential amino acids. In addition, it is water-soluble and structurally very similar to aspartic acid, which is converted in the body with the help of enzymes. Asparagine is frequently found in food and can therefore be synthesized by all living organisms themselves. It is found in the following foods:

  • Potatoes
  • Cereal
  • Asparagus and above all
  • in legumes

It can also help the body detoxify foreign substances, as it stimulates kidney production. It is also considered to be a blood purifier and diuretic. More information under L-asparagine

Glycine

Glycine is one of the simplest amino acids. We can also produce glycine ourselves and therefore it is not essential. The taste of this amino acid is somewhat sweetish and so far no side effects are known. Therefore, it may be used as a flavor enhancer up to a certain maximum amount. Glycine can be found for example in

  • Sweetener tablets
  • Ham or
  • Marzipan

Since glycine is a common component of many proteins, it is found in almost all protein-rich foods. In addition, it is a so-called radical scavenger in the body and can thus render reactive damage harmless before cell damage can occur. At around 33 percent, it is the most abundant amino acid in collagen. Collagen is a structural protein of connective tissue and thus an important component of teeth, bones, tendons and skin. Those who suffer from a glycine deficiency usually feel exhausted. Learn more about glycine.

Proline

Proline is also not essential, as it can be produced by the body itself. However, the body's own supply of proline is usually not sufficient, especially in the case of long-lasting diseases. This is also usually the case in old age. Foods such as dairy products and meat contain a lot of proline, whereas plant foods contain rather little of it. Those who suffer from a proline deficiency, in which this can lead to a general drop in performance or to joint problems. In addition, the artery walls can also lose stability. In order for proline to be sufficiently formed by the body, a sufficient vitamin C intake must be ensured. For more information on the amino acid L-proline, click here.

Serine

Serine is an amino acid that the body can produce from glucose or glycine. It is an important component of many enzymes, but also of proteins. If you take too much serine through food supplements, this can lead to psychoses or high blood pressure. A deficiency only occurs in people who eat too little protein-rich food, for example in eating disorders. Serine is often found in peanuts or soybeans, but also in so-called gluten.

Threonine

This is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce itself. It occurs predominantly in

  • fish and meat products before but also
  • in soybeans and
  • Nuts

If you take in too little of this amino acid over a longer period of time, this can lead to exhaustion or Fatigue lead. So that the Threonine can develop its full effect must Vitamin B3, magnesium and vitamin B6 must also be present in sufficient quantities. Anyone who takes in too much threonine via dietary supplements will produce too much uric acid, which in the worst case can lead to gout.

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