The terminology “non-essential amino acids” is unfortunate and misleading to the uninformed.  As noted in Better Health Update #77 on “Essential Amino Acids,” the terms “essential” and “non-essential” do not refer to the relative importance of the different amino acids, but only to their source.  Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized in the body and therefore must come from diet, while non-essential amino acids can (at least theoretically) be synthesized from in the body from the essential amino acids present.  But is it that simple?

            If it were absolutely true that all the non-essential amino acids could be synthesized within the body, they would be of no concern and there would never be a need to supplement them.  However, the fact is that many people are indeed deficient in non-essential amino acids and do respond positively to supplementation.  Why?  There are a number of possible reasons.  First is simply what nutritionist, Roger Williams, called “biochemical individuality.”  In other words every body is different.  Some of us have a higher need for a particular nutrient.  Others may have a genetic issue that requires more of that amino acid.  Perhaps a given health problem is producing a greater need for a particular amino acid.

            The point is simply this:  Do not assume you are adequately supplied with either all of the essential or non-essential amino acids.  Get tested and find out exactly which ones are lacking in your body.

            Let’s now look at the characteristics of non-essential amino acids and what they do for your health.

Proline — Proline, along with lysine and vitamin C are essential to collagen health.  Good collagen levels promote immunity against infections, joint and soft tissue health, strengthening the heart muscle, and reducing wrinkling of the skin.  Proline may be useful for wound healing, muscle strains, and sagging skin associated with ageing.

Taurine — Though not an essential amino acid, some individuals may not synthesize it adequately and thus be deficient without supplementation.  Those on a vegetarian diet lacking in methionine or cysteine may have difficulty synthesizing adequate taurine.  Taurine supplementation may be more necessary in women due to a suppressive effect by the hormone estradiol.

            Maintenance of proper cholesterol levels is a potential benefit of taurine supplementation, due to its involvement with bile acids.  It has also been suggested that taurine deficiency may have a role in migraines through its effect on blood platelet function.

            Taurine has an anti-convulsive effect and may be of value in epilepsy, since studies indicate an anti-convulsive effect.  Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D. suggests a possible relationship between taurine deficiency and muscular dystrophy and an IQ benefit to Down’s Syndrome children with taurine, B complex, vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation.

            Taurine apparently has an insulin-like character in its influence on blood sugar levels.  Full spectrum light appears to increase taurine levels, while artificial light likely decreases this amino acid.

Carnitine — While likewise not considered an essential amino acid, carnitine can be synthesized in the liver from lysine and vitamin C.  Low levels of vitamin C produce low levels of carnitine. In foods it is found in muscle and organ meats, while not in vegetable sources of protein.   Most often carnitine is thought of in connection with fat metabolism.  That may translate into triglyceride reduction and weight loss.  Cardiovascular health requires sufficient levels of carnitine in the heart muscle.  Studies indicate typical carnitine deficiency in those dying of heart attacks.  Carnitine also assists endurance and muscular strength.

Tyrosine — Tyrosine is best known as a precursor to thyroid, adrenocortical hormones and dopamine.  Deficiency of this non-essential amino acid may produce hypothyroid or hypoadrenal symptoms such as low blood pressure, low body temperature, cold hands and feet, plus memory and concentration problems.  Since a tyrosine deficiency can cause a dopamine neurotransmitter deficiency, this amino acid may be linked to Restless Leg Syndrome and Parkinson’s disease.  Tyrosine may help depression symptoms caused by norepinephrine deficiency.  It may suppress appetite and  stimulate growth hormone, which causes body fat reduction and muscle building. The body can make tyrosine from phenylalanine.  Tyrosine supplementation should not be used by people taking MAO drugs.  Tyrosine is digested by the chymotrypsin and bromelain enzymes.

Glutamine — Nutritionist, Roger Williams, described glutamine as “brain fuel,” in that it excites the brain and spinal cord.  Glutamine is also a precursor to GABA, which has the opposite effect (calming) and also glutathione.  It is the only amino acid that can pass through the blood-brain barrier.  Glutamic acid combined with ammonia produces glutamine, thus detoxifying ammonia from the brain.  Glutamic acid is part of the B vitamin, folic acid, as well as the chromium compound known as glucose tolerance factor (GTF).  It is considered an effective treatment for hypoglycemia.  Glutamine supplementation may be helpful with child behavior problems, autism, alcoholism, schizophrenia, senility, sugar cravings, and excessive appetite.

Cystine & Cysteine — Cystine and cysteine are made from methionine.  Cystine is a stable form of the cysteine amino acid, with either one being convertible to the other.  Cysteine is a component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), coenzyme A, heparin, the B vitamin biotin, lipoic acid, insulin, glutathione, and several digestive enzymes including papain.  As an antioxidant, cystine protects against radiation and pollution.  Cystine and cysteine have been used to counteract damage from cigarette smoking and alcohol.  Cystine is needed for skin formation, and thus for recovery from burns and surgery.  Hair and skin are composed of 10—14% cystine.  Cysteine is used for enhancing hair growth.  Chronic bronchitis has been treated with cystine.  It enhances the immune system by stimulating white blood cell activity.

            According to Dr. William Philpott, utilization of vitamin B-6 requires either cystine or cysteine.  He recommends taking B-6 in the pyridoxal 5’ phosphate form at the same time as taking cysteine.

A couple of cautions:  Cysteine can deactivate insulin, so it should be avoided by diabetics.  Secondly, the conversion of cysteine to cystine may increase the formation of kidney or bladder stones.  According to Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw this can be avoided by taking at least three times the amount of vitamin C simultaneous to taking cysteine.

Glycine —  Glycine is involved in synthesis of bile acids, nucleic acids, and liver detoxification and reduction of free radicals as a component of glutathione.  It is a precursor of hormones involved in the immune system.  Animal experiments indicate that it, along with arginine, helps healing and repair of tissues after trauma.    Glycine produces creatine, which is essential to muscle growth and function. It is another component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF).  Glycine also normalizes gastric acid secretion and thus may assist stomach digestion.  Glycine is digested by bromelain enzyme.

Alanine — Alanine helps metabolize tryptophan and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6).  The body may used alanine to normalize blood sugar levels in hypoglycemic individuals.  In animal experiments alanine, in combination with arginine and glycine, reduces cholesterol.  Alanine also has the property of providing energy for muscle tissue, the brain, and the nervous system as a whole.  It also strengthens immunity by producing antibodies.  The b-alanine amino acid is involved in the synthesis of pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5).  It is also a component of anserine and carnosine (which is used in eye drops for cataracts and other eye conditions).

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) — GABA is another amino acid that is significant to brain function as it regulates neuron activity.  Generally it is considered a remedy for anxious states as it has a calming effect.  GABA may also be helpful for migraines.  By stimulating release of the pituitary hormone, prolactin, it may help enlarged prostate problems, according to Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw.

Asparagine & Aspartic Acid — Asparagine results from the combination of aspartic acid and ammonia.  Like cystine and cysteine, this is a reversible combination.  Thus, aspartic acid may be used to detoxify ammonia from the body and improve liver function.  Aspartic acid helps form RNA and DNA, the carriers of our genetic information.  Pharmacist author, Earl Mindell, states that aspartic acid also increases resistance to fatigue and thus may enhance athletic performance.

Citrulline — This amino acid is found primarily in the liver.  Food sources include onions and garlic.  Like aspartic acid, citrulline may help with fatigue and detoxification of ammonia, which poisons the cells.  Citrulline is an immune system stimulant.  It is also a precursor of arginine and ornithine and thus can help in synthesis of human growth hormone.

Ornithine — Ornithine likewise may assist liver function and regeneration.  Pearson and Shaw state that 1g to 2g of ornithine taken on an empty stomach at bedtime produces a release of growth hormone, which can in turn decrease fat and increase muscle mass.  It also stimulates the immune system and detoxifies ammonia.  Neither ornithine nor arginine should be used by schizophrenics.

Serine  — Serine is used as a moistening agent in cosmetics.  It helps enhance immunity and assists in the synthesis of the fatty acid sheath that surrounds nerve fibers.  Phosphatidyl serine is used as a memory-enhancing supplement.

Glutathione — Chemically, glutathione is a tri-peptide combination of three amino acids — cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.  It possesses many detoxifying benefits, such as neutralizing free radical chemicals, which result from the peroxidation of fats and oils.  Among other things free radicals react with protein in such a way as to damage collagen and increase ageing of tissues.

            Studies show glutathione to increase certain types of immunity and to suppress cancer.  Glutathione is also used for liver detoxification as well as removing heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum.

DETERMINING AMINO ACID DEFICIENCIES

            While it’s nice to know what the various amino acids do in the body, how does one actually determine deficiency?  From a conventional medical point-of-view, there are both urine and blood tests for determining deficiencies.  At our clinics we instead use our non-invasive methods of electrodermal screening and Limbic Stress Assessment (LSA).  With these methods we measure changes in the electrical skin resistance when the body is stimulated with the “digital signature” of the various amino acids.  Then individual or combination amino acid supplements can be tested for compatibility.  Ultimately, health improvements after amino acid supplementation are the “proof in the pudding.”

SUPPLEMENTING AMINO ACIDS

            Here let me repeat the supplementation guidelines I presented in Better Health Update #77 on “Essential Amino Acids”:  Once you actually find out which amino acids you are deficient in, what is the best supplementation method?  Theoretically, if you are not deficient in the ten essential amino acids, your body should be able to make all the non-essential ones.  In actuality, however, that may not be the case.  Genetic differences or particular health issues may make for a greater requirement of a given non-essential amino acid than your body is able to synthesize.

            What about timing of taking amino acid supplements?  There are different schools of thought on this.  While some suggest taking amino acids on an empty stomach, others suggest combining them with food.   Unless otherwise noted, it does probably make the most sense to take amino acids at the end of a meal, just as protein foods would be part of a meal.  However, they may be better absorbed with a carbohydrate meal rather than a protein-containing meal due to the competition created by the different protein sources.

            It may be best to take individual amino acids along with a protein powder or combination amino acid supplement as greater insurance against creating an imbalance.

DISCLAIMER:  The information contained in this publication is for educational purposes only.  It is not intended to diagnose illness nor prescribe treatment.  Rather, this material  is designed to be used in cooperation with your nutritionally-oriented health professional to deal with your personal health problems.  Should you use this information on your own, you are prescribing for yourself, which is your constitutional right, but neither the author nor publisher assume responsibility.