*Proteins / Amino Acids*

Proteins are any of a group of complex organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulfur. Proteins, the principle constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist of alpha-amino acids joined by peptide linkages. Different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, each protein having a unique, genetically defined amino-acid sequence, which determines its specific shape and function. They serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, etc. and are involved in oxygen transport, muscle contraction, electron transport, and other activities.

The importance of adequate protein intake to proper immune function has been extensively studied. The most severe effects of "Protein-Calorie Malnutrition" (PCM) are on cell-mediated immunity, although all facets of immune function are ultimately affected. PCM is not, however, a single nutrient deficiency. It is normally associated with multiple nutrient deficiencies, and some immune dysfunctions attributed to PCM are most likely due to these other factors. Partial deficiencies of dietary vitamins produce a comparatively greater depression on immune functions than do partial protein deficiencies. Non-the less, adequate protein is essential for optimal immune function.

High protein diets are not recommended for individuals with kidney or liver disease. There are no other known side effects.

One of a class of organic compounds containing the amino (NH2) and the carboxyl (COOH) group, occurring naturally in plant and animal tissues and forming the chief constituents of protein; many of them are necessary for human and animal growth and nutrition and hence are called Essential Amino Acids. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein.

Some Primary Functions of Amino Acids:

Depending upon the source of dated reference material studied, some reports state "20" Amino Acids have been identified. More modern reference materials state "22" Amino Acids have been identified. In my personal research, identifying all possibilities available to me at this time, I have listed "28" Amino Acids / or Amino Acid Derivatives. Of my 28 listings, 22 have been identified as "Commonly Occurring" in Proteins.

In living things, Amino Acids serve as the primary unit of synthesis both of Tissue Proteins and other Non-Protein Nitrogenous Compounds.

Amino acids may undergo complex inner conversions in the body into macromolecules such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, etc. Mineral co-factors also play an important role in that they interact with enzymes to assist with their catalytic activities. They are also capable of complexing with the individual free amino acids. For example, magnesium (MG2+) is important in the phosphorylation process or the transfer of high-energy phosphate groups into the body. Upon entering the body any free amino acids undergo complex inner-conversions into those substances necessary to maintain the metabolic pathways in the body. For example, Phenylalanine goes to Tyrosine and Arginine goes to Citrulline and Ornithine. (The Arginine pathway is a very important cycle.) Amino acid inner-conversions are not limited to other amino acids. Many free form amino acids play important roles as precursors for metabolic intermediaries. An example of this, Tyrosine’s and therefore Phenylalanine’s ability to give rise to two hormones Thyroxsine and Epinephrine. The Sulfur containing amino acids often precurse Taurine, which is an important bio-acid component. As W.C. Rose observed in 1938, "Perhaps undo emphasis was placed upon the quantity of protein ingestion and that scant consideration was given to possible difference in nutrient quality."

Upon ingestion of foodstuff all nutrients and amino acids do not immediately diffuse into the surrounding tissue of the blood stream, but must first undergo a series of steps of biochemical reactions in the digestive tract. These reactions reduce the protein into its' individual amino acids. Protein cleaving enzymes are activated in the digestive process, but in order for this cleavage to occur energy must be supplied on the part of the individuals metabolism to break the peptide bonds. The tissues then selectively absorb only those amino acids possessing the L configuration. "Methionine has been shown, however to be metabolically inter-changeable in both its' L & D forms." Rose and Wicksman 1955

By starting with a free amino acid mixture in which all amino acids are in their L conformation little digestion is necessary. The result is an energy saving and rapid absorption into the blood stream and surrounding tissues. "Amino acid supplementation of foods and feeds bring about many beneficial results. Of practical importance is the attainment of a better balance of protein and therefore a better balanced diet, an extension or savings of the available protein supply, and an improvement in the efficiency of the protein and food utilization. " Rosenburg - 1959

Functional Identity of Amino Acids:

Of all the fundamental amino acids, 10 (ten) are classified as "ESSENTIAL" and are NOT biosynthesized by the body. All commonly occurring amino acids can be subdivided into 5 fundamental groups each of which has functional significance.

Group #1 - This group includes all the amino acids possessing aliphatic properties (those whose carbon atoms are joined in open chains), Glycine, Alanine, Leucine, Valine, Serine, Threonine, and Isoleucine.

Group #2 - These are the Sulfur containing amino acids, Methionine, Cystine, Cysteine.

Group #3 - These amino acids are the acidic amino acids, (those that can donate a hydrogen ion), Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, and their associated amids.

Group #4 - These are the diamino acids (those with additional NH2 groups), Arginine and Lysine.

Group #5 - These are the cyclic and aromatic amino acids, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Tryptophan, Histidine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline that is synthesized from Prolamine.

Cystine: An essential, Sulfur-containing amino acid, produced by digestion or acid hydrolysis of proteins, sometimes found in the urine and kidneys, and readily reduced to two molecules of Cysteine.
1. Reported helpful in dermatological conditions.
2. Promotes faster recovery of tissue after surgery.
3. Part of the Insulin molecule.
4. Found high in hair (sulfur bonds).

(Use caution with those persons predisposed to stone formation in the liver or kidneys)

Isoleucine: An essential amino acid produced by hydrolysis of fibrin and other proteins; ESSESNTIAL for optimal INFANT growth and for nitrogen equilibrium in adults.
1. Needed along with other branch chain amino acids for all rebuilding of muscle tissue.
2. Role in the release of energy during muscular work. (Metabolizes along the same pathway as fat.)

Leucine: An essential amino acid, ESSENTIAL for optimal growth in INFANTS, and for nitrogen equilibrium in adults.
1. Metabolized along the same pathways as fat.
2. Precursors of cholesterol.
3. Involved in the role of energy release during any work of the muscles.

Lysine: An essential, naturally occurring amino acid, ESSESNTIAL for optimal growth in human INFANTS, and for maintenance of nitrogen equilibrium in adults.
1. Reported to inhibit growth and replication of herpes simplex and Epstein Barr viruses (EBV).
2. Promotes bone growth in infants.
3. Stimulates secretion of gastric juices.
4. Found in abundance in muscle tissue, connective tissue and collagen.
5. Low in vegetarian diets.

Methionine: An essential, naturally occurring amino acid, which is an essential component of the diet, furnishing both methyl groups and sulfur necessary for normal metabolism.
1. Prevents deposits and cohesion of fats in the liver.
2. Gives rise to Taurine (an important inhibitory neuro modulator in the brain).
3. Involved in synthesis of Choline (Must be given with Vitamin B6 (paradoxial-5-phosphate) to inhibit synthesis of homocysteine which promotes plaque deposition in the arteries.)

Autistic Patients: "Taurine is deficient in Autistic patients; Methionine has an altered abnormally normal to high level, with anything distal to the Methionine pathway being low. Since Taurine is so important in the intelligence quotients of most species, this seems to be a significant." Alpha A - Leverton, Protein and Amino Acid Nutrition (1959) B - Rose, Journalism of Biological Chemistry 217:977, 1955. (Taurine is distal to the Methionine pathway.)

Phenylalanine: An essential, naturally occurring amino acid, ESSESNTIAL for optimal growth in INFANTS, and for nitrogen equilibrium in human adults.
1. May be useful in appetite control by stimulating CCK (Chaleceptokinin Enzyme) secretion.
2. Shown to be useful in management of certain types of depression.
3. Increases blood pressure in hypotension.
4. Gives rise to Tyrosine
5. It is one of the amino acids in the dypeptide sweetener Aspartain. (Aspartic acid and Phenolalanine)

(Should not be used in those with hypertension or using MAO's (Monoamineoxydases).

Threonine: An essential, naturally occurring amino acid, essential for human metabolism.
1. Rises to three times it's normal value at pregnancy.
2. Acts as a lipotropic factor.
3. Recently found to increase brain Glycine content, greatly reducing ALS symptoms. (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or "Lue Gehrig’s Disease.")

Tryptophan: An essential, naturally occurring amino acid, existing in proteins and essential for human metabolism.
1. Reported useful in the management of depression and schizophrenia.
2. Produces Serotonin, which induces sleep. Has a Serotonengenic effect.
3. Precursor of the vitamin Niacin.
4. Vasoconstrictor, which appears to aid in blood clotting mechanism, aids in elevating the threshold of pain.

(Should be taken with Vitamin B6 (paradoxial-5-phosphate) and in the presence of carbohydrates such as fruit or vegetable juice to maximize uptake in the brain.)

Tyrosine: An essential, naturally occurring amino acid present in most proteins. It is a product of Phenylalanine metabolism and a precursor of thyroid hormones, catecholamines, and melanin.
1. Along with Phenylalanine, it is a useful anti depressant due to increased production of Tacolamine. (Recommended to be taken with Vitamin B6 (paradoxial-5-phosphate).)
2. Reported to stabilize blood pressure by lowering energy in some cases and elevating it in others.
3. Involved in tissue pigmentation
4. Is important in the formation of thyroid hormone

(Should not be used when MAO's are prescribed or when cancer melanoma is present)

Valine: An essential, naturally occurring amino acid, essential for human metabolism.
1. Needed for all muscle building.
2. Required in the precursors of cholesterol.

Histidine: (*Is not listed as essential for adults, but is very essential for infants.)
An amino acid obtainable from many proteins by the action of sulfuric acid and water; it is ESSENTIAL for optimal growth in INFANTS. Its decarboxylation results in formation of histamine.
1. Release of histamines from body stores are required for sexual arousal.
2. Reported useful in alleviating pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. (Should be taken with vitamin C; Should be used with caution with Manic Depressives with elevated histamines; Should be used with caution in woman with severe depression or suicidal tendencies due to Premenstrual Syndrome; Is considered a mild neurotransmitter)