based on Reviews

Possible therapeutic use of selected amino acids

from Patrick Linder

In this blog post, we would like to show you the current Present the current state of research on the potential therapeutic use of the amino acids acetyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine base, L-methionine, L-tryptophan and L-lysine.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

  • L-carnitine is produced in the liver, kidneys, and brain. formed from the amino acids lysine and methionine (with the vitamin C, B6 and niacin, as well as iron as cofactors). However, it is stored 98% in the heart and muscles (cf. Rebouche 1991), where it provides energy from fatty acids.

  • Carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are semi-essential amino acids. The body's own synthesis may not be sufficient to meet its needs: for example, the body's own synthesis of carnitine decreases gradually with age.

  • Acetyl-L-carnitine (which cannot be produced by the body itself) has had another acetylene group added, and can therefore... Overcoming the blood-brain barrier (a natural barrier that separates the bloodstream from the central nervous system). Acetyl-L-carnitine has a very high bioavailability and therefore a faster effect than L-carnitine..

  • L-Carnitine plays a role important role in energy generation or the Fat utilizationL-carnitine, as a receptor molecule, facilitates the transport of (activated) long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria (the "powerhouses" of our cells) for energy production through fatty acid oxidation (beta-oxidation). Long-chain fatty acids can only be transported across the mitochondrial membranes into the mitochondria when bound to L-carnitine (see Löster 2003).

  • For example, a study by the University of Cantania in Italy administered acetyl-L-carnitine to subjects suffering from fatigue: The Acetyl-L-Carnitine was able to help with the To improve mitochondrial fat metabolism and thus produce energy more easily and efficiently (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17658628)

  • Fat burning: Several in vivo studies in healthy humans have shown that L-carnitine supplementation increases the combustion of long-chain fatty acids by 37% in humans. However, this has nothing to do with weight loss., as this requires changing several nutritional parameters.

  • Cardiovascular diseases: The heart muscle beats approximately 100,000 times a day, pumping up to 10,000 liters of blood. Due to this high energy demand, the heart is the body's richest organ in L-carnitine. It requires L-carnitine to generate energy from fatty acids and to protect fat cells from the toxic effects of long-chain acetyl-CoA compounds. Many heart diseases are associated with reduced L-carnitine levels in the heart.
    • Angina pectoris: Exercise tolerance increases, pain relief is achieved.
    • Heart muscle weakness: Increasing the performance of the heart muscle
    • Elevated blood lipid levels: Lowering of triglycerides, lowering of Lp(a), counteracts atherosclerosis
    • Cardiac arrhythmias: L-Carnitine counteracts cardiac arrhythmias by protecting heart cells from long-chain acyl-CoA compounds, which promote arrhythmias.
    • Heart attack prophylaxis and aftercare (acute): L-carnitine can reduce the size of the necrotic area in the heart during a heart attack, thereby lowering the severity of the heart attack and increasing the chances of survival (cf. Spagnoli, Lancet 1982).
  • Influence of the Blood lipid levels (Influence on the insulin sensitivity of cells)
  • Acetyl-L-carnitine protects mitochondria from free radicals and harmful metabolic byproducts and stimulates the synthesis of proteins and membrane phospholipids. It therefore has membrane-stabilizing, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects and could thus contribute to Prophylaxis of degenerative neurological diseases
  • immune systemImmune cells contain high levels of L-carnitine, and their L-carnitine requirement increases significantly during an acute infection. L-carnitine is considered a natural immunostimulant because it is needed by immune cells for their energy production (ATP production). Studies have shown that L-carnitine can increase lymphocyte proliferation and activity, enhance the phagocytic activity of granulocytes and monocytes, and boost the activity of natural killer (NK) cells (Sources: Uhlenbruck, G.; van Mil, A.: Immunobiological and other aspects of membrane modulation by L-carnitine. 1993; DeSimone, C. et al: Vitamins and immunity: influence of L-carnitine on the immune system. Acta Vitaminol Enzymol (1982) 4:135-140).

  • Detoxification function: Liver metabolism of toxic substances: L-carnitine acts as a transport molecule ("biocarrier") of toxic metabolites for excretion via the kidneys.

  • Diabetes mellitus: L-carnitine can lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, which in turn reduces oxidative stress and regulates blood sugar levels. Lowering free fatty acids increases the effectiveness of the body's own insulin and reduces insulin resistance, which can contribute to the prevention or improvement of diabetes.
  • Liver diseases: Liver: Liver cells contain up to 20,000 mitochondria, in which L-carnitine is required to generate the large amounts of energy that liver cells need for their enormous metabolic processes. Acetyl-L-carnitine supports liver detoxification and improves glucose metabolism by counteracting insulin resistance.

  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine increases the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine: Cholinergic nerve cells, which use acetylcholine for signal transmission, are found in various brain regions (v.a. in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus) and u.aAcetyl-L-carnitine is important for memory, thinking, and movement. Therefore, it could improve concentration, memory, and mood, and help with inner restlessness.

  • Sperm/Fertility: Sperm cells are the richest in L-carnitine. In animal studies, carnitine supplementation has increased ejaculate volume and activated sperm cells, improving their motility and endurance, increasing their number, and thus improving male fertility. Female fertility has also been enhanced in animal studies, as the implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus is membrane- and energy-dependent. In sows, L-carnitine increased the fertilization rate and reduced the rate of natural abortions.

  • L-Carnitine in pregnancy and in infants:
    • Pregnancy always causes a secondary L-carnitine deficiency. From the 12th week of pregnancy onwards, the L-carnitine level in the blood decreases significantly (see Schoderbeck 1995). This is due to the increased energy requirements and the accelerated metabolism during pregnancy.Additionally, iron deficiency during pregnancy often restricts L-carnitine production.
    • Furthermore, an adequate supply of L-carnitine supports rapid development of lung and heart functions in the embryo (see Lohninger 1990).
    • After birth, the body's own synthesis of L-carnitine is initially very limited. Newborns are therefore dependent on breast milk as their source of L-carnitine. Shortly after birth, especially premature infants often experience significant weight loss, which can be reduced by administering L-carnitine to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (see Strack 1960). The addition of L-carnitine to infant formula, such as... z.BFollow-on milk is regulated by law; according to this, infant formula must contain at least 1.8 µmol/100 kJ of L-carnitine (see Directive 91/321/EEC).

Possible indications for carnitine supplementation

  • Aging (reduced endogenous carnitine synthesis)
  • Low carnitine intake through diet (vegetarian, vegan diet)
  • Chronic fatigue (including in cancer, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, advanced age, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis C)
  • Depression in senior citizens
  • Age-related decline in cognitive abilities, dementia
  • Cardiovascular diseases (intermittent claudication, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, myocarditis, ventricular extrasystoles, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, stroke, Raynaud's syndrome)
  • Diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome
  • Neuropathy (diabetes, chemotherapy, HIV medication)
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Fertility disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Tumor cachexia
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Sports (improving endurance)
  • COPD (to improve exercise tolerance)
  • Hepatic encephalopathy, liver cirrhosis
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis
  • Kidney failure/kidney dialysis
  • HIV infection
  • Vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease (in the early stages)
  • tuberculosis
  • Prevention of prostate cancer
  • Chronic pain due to sciatica or carpal tunnel syndrome (preferably take PEA in addition to acetyl-L-carnitine)

Contraindications for carnitine supplementation

  • Not recommended for hypothyroidism (Hypothyroidism); Carnitine inhibits the activity of thyroid hormone. In hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, etc.), (acetyl)-L-carnitine can be used.
  • Bipolar disorder (isolated cases of mania or psychosis have been described following supplementation with acetyl-L-carnitine).

Sources:

L-Arginine Base

  • L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid – d.hIt can be produced by the body itself, but not in sufficient quantities and only by consuming other essential amino acids.

  • Nitric oxide (NO) L-arginine is produced in the cells of the vessel walls (with the help of the enzyme NO synthase) educated. NO has a vasodilating effect and therefore lowers blood pressure..
    • In a study with pregnant women at high risk for gestational hypertension, the preventive intake of arginine together with antioxidant vitamins significantly reduced the likelihood of developing hypertension, for example.

    • L-arginine is therefore often used to accompanying treatment of diseases with vascular constriction used, for example. arteriosclerosis or Sudden hearing lossFurthermore, NO acts as a messenger substance in the brain, responsible for memory function.

    • NO has also been used in conventional medicine for a long time (i.F.vNitroglycerin (which is very quickly converted to NO in the body) in heart medications Cardiovascular diseases It is used to improve blood flow to the heart, to lower blood pressure in emergencies and in cases of severe heart failure.

    • CAUTION: Arginine should not be supplemented in cases of diseases that lead to severe chronic inflammation, as the inflammation can then cause further problems. i.d.RToo much NO is already being produced. This leads to so-called nitrosative stress with possible oxidative damage to proteins and DNA.

  • The improved blood circulation and the release of the growth hormones prolactin and glucagon, which support both muscle building and fat loss, are reasons for the Use of L-arginine in sports:
    • Arginine promotes the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, which also regulates muscle growth.In addition, the body needs arginine to produce creatine for muscle regeneration. In bodybuilding, it is known as... "Pump supplement" Application. By dilating the blood vessels in the active muscle, the aim is to promote both strength development and muscle regeneration after exertion.
    • In a study by the University of Exeter (UE), scientists found that L-arginine can increase athletic performance by 20% and improve race times by up to 2%.
    • In animal experiments with overweight rats and pigs, arginine had a slowing effect on weight gainThis is explained by an increase in mitochondria due to arginine supplementation, since sugars and fats are burned in the "powerhouses" of our cells. The animals had a lower body fat percentage and lower blood lipid levels.
    • In women Arginine was able to reduce the decline in muscle strength after menopause.Similarly, a trial in Duchenne muscular dystrophy shows improved preservation of muscle tissue. For this reason, its use in bedridden patients or astronauts is also being discussed.

  • Strengthening the immune system: The Macrophages produce NO to kill bacteria.. Aside from that Arginine is needed for cell division and maturation of white blood cells.Arginine thus improves both acquired and innate immunity.

  • Promoting wound healing
    • Arginine provides the Basic material for the production of collagen and thus provides mechanical reinforcement of the wound area.
    • In a small group of diabetic patients, subcutaneous injections of arginine led to the healing of leg ulcers, presumably through a combined effect of improved blood flow, cell division, and collagen production. Therefore, administering arginine could accelerate the healing process in patients undergoing planned surgery.

  • Arginine regulates insulin secretion and is therefore often used in diabetes treatment: Diabetes is often associated with reduced blood levels of arginine. Intravenous administration of arginine led to an improvement in blood flow and sensitivity to Insulin. Additionally, arginine reduced the increased oxidative stress in the blood of diabetics. In animal studies, not only did the Blood glucose levels, but also homocysteine ​​levels and Blood lipids.

  • Erectile dysfunction and fertility
    • Since nitric oxide (NO) is produced from L-arginine in the erectile tissue of the penis, which in turn improves blood flow, regular intake of L-arginine could lead to enhanced erections. While arginine provides the precursor to NO, Viagra amplifies the effect of NO via the messenger substance cGMP. Some studies suggest an erection-enhancing effect, while others disagree. It is possible that individuals with mild erectile dysfunction or impaired NO metabolism respond better to Viagra.
    • It is possible that arginine could have a normalizing effect on fertility disorders in both women and men by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs. Improved sperm quality with the help of arginine has been demonstrated in several studies. In female cows, pigs, and rats, arginine reduced the rate of miscarriages and promoted embryonic growth and development. This is likely due to improved blood flow to the placenta. Extensive human studies are still lacking.

  • Ammonia detoxification: Arginine ensures the Ammonia detoxification as urea in urine
  • Arginine, particularly in combination with other ingredients, has shown promise in studies. amino acid Lysine and magnesium Balancing effects in anxiety disordersA study found a reduced level of the stress hormone cortisol.

Sources

  • Bailey SJ et al., "Acute L-arginine supplementation reduces the O2 cost of moderate-intensity exercise and enhances high-intensity exercise tolerance." J Appl Physiol (1985). 2010 Nov;109(5):1394-403)
  • Lomonosova YN et al., "L-arginine supplementation protects exercise performance and structural integrity of muscle fibers after a single bout of eccentric exercise in rats." PLoS One. 2014 Apr 15;9(4):e94448
  • Zajac A et al., "Arginine and ornithine supplementation increases growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 serum levels after heavy-resistance exercise in strength-trained athletes." J Strength Cond Res. 2010 Apr;24(4):1082-90.
  • Collier SR et al., "Growth hormone responses to varying doses of oral arginine." Growth Horm IGF Res. 2005 Apr;15(2):136-9
  • Costa KA et al., "L-arginine supplementation prevents increases in intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation in male Swiss mice subjected to physical exercise under environmental heat stress." J Nutr. 2014 Feb;144(2):218-23
  • Un O et al., "l-Arginine and tetrahydrobiopterin, but not sodium nitrite partially restored erectile dysfunction in aged rats." Aging male. 2014 Jun 5:1-8
  • Morgante G et al., "Treatment with carnitine, acetyl carnitine, L-arginine and ginseng improves sperm motility and sexual health in men with asthenopermia." Minerva Urol Nefrol. 2010 Sep;62(3):213-8
  • Orozco-Gutiérrez JJ et al., "Effect of L-arginine or L-citrulline oral supplementation on blood pressure and right ventricular function in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction." Cardiol J. 2010;17(6):612-8
  • Das S, Mattson DL "Exogenous L-arginine attenuates the effects of angiotensin II on renal hemodynamics and the pressure natriuresis-diuresis relationship." Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2014 Apr;41(4):270-8
  • Rossella Marullo et al, The metabolic adaptation evoked by arginine enhances the effect of radiation in brain metastases, Science Advances (2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg1964

L-Methionine

  • L-Methionine is one of the essential amino acids; d.hIt cannot be synthesized by the body itself, but must be supplied from the outside.

  • Methionine is the "Starting amino acid" for all (!) proteins, d.hAll other amino acids are attached to methionine.

  • L-Methionine is the precursor u.a. of homocysteine, cysteine, taurine, choline, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM, in particular, is involved in many metabolic processes, u.aL-methionine/SAM plays a role in growth processes, the health of liver cells, and the production of neurotransmitters (SAM influences brain metabolism). Therefore, L-methionine/SAM is often used for stress relief and also in the treatment of depression.

  • Methionine crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters the brain. It enables the formation of myelin (a special protective sheath of the nerves).

  • Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and binds heavy metals such as copper, cadmium, lead, ammonia and mercuryMethionine is therefore often used in heavy metal detoxification.

  • Methionine has a urine-acidifying effect:
    • The body needs approximately 0.5 g of methionine per day to maintain muscle mass. If more than 1.5 g per day is consumed, the body must break down the excess. This breakdown process produces sulfate, which is excreted via the kidneys. Protons are secreted into the urine during this process, thus acidifying it.
    • This effect is described in the Treatment of urinary tract diseases exploited, in which an acidic pH value in the urine inhibits the attachment of bacteria to the urothelial cells as well as bacterial growth.
    • In addition inhibits Methionine Formation of kidney stones, improves stone solubility and supports the effect of certain antibiotics.

  • L-Methionine is an important methyl group donor and therefore plays a central role in epigenetics.

  • L-Methionine supports the effect of selenium.

  • Lowers histamine levels

  • Methionine helps prevent excessive fat deposits in the liver and supports liver tissue in its renewal.

  • Methionine helps to form the powerful antioxidant glutathione.

  • Keratin (the “strengthening protein”) is formed, among other things, from the building block methionine.As a precursor of keratin, methionine therefore ensures the Regeneration and strength of hair and nails.

The daily requirement of methionine
The daily requirement for methionine is approximately 13 mg per kilogram of body weight for adults.


Typical groups with an increased need for methionine

  • in case of exposure to heavy metals
  • in case of allergies
  • in cases of depression
  • in wound healing and muscle injuries
  • in urinary tract infections
  • in cases of liver inflammation (due to drug or alcohol abuse)


Possible signs of methionine deficiency

A methionine deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders. These can include... u.a. belong:

  • Fatty liver
  • Skin and hair growth disorders
  • Increased fatigue or lethargy
  • Depressive moods

Who is at risk of methionine deficiency?

  • Infants and toddlers
  • Old people
  • competitive athletes
  • People under stress
  • Vegans (with the exception of nuts and seeds, many plant-based foods are rather low in methionine)

L-Lysine

  • L-Lysine is one of the essential amino acids - d.hIt cannot be synthesized by the body itself, but must be supplied from the outside.

  • L-Lysine is a basic amino acid

  • Lysine is In the form of hydroxylysine, an important component of the structural protein collagen. (building block of connective tissue) and therefore relevant for firm skin and tight connective tissueSince cartilage, ligaments, tendons, joints and fascia are also made of collagen, lysine and collagen are also highly relevant for athletes.

  • Collagen and therefore lysine also influence the Wound healing and healing of bone fractures. Animal studies have shown that lysine can accelerate wound healing and shorten recovery time.

  • Furthermore, the amino acid L-lysine has a cardiovascular protective function, as it is also a building block of vascular collagen (Our artery walls are also made of collagen)

  • L-Lysine is central building block of L-carnitine (Iron and vitamins C and B3 are required as cofactors)
    • Therefore, L-lysine is also relevant for our performance, since carnitine, as a carrier for fatty acids into the mitochondria, plays a central role in the... cellular energy production plays.
    • Since sperm and immune cells contain the most carnitine, a carnitine or lysine deficiency also has a negative effect on fertility and immune system out of.

  • L-Lysine has a antiviral effect and is therefore, for example, often in used to treat herpes infectionsIt is believed that lysine blocks arginine, which the herpes virus needs to multiply. For example, one study found that a daily intake of 1 g of lysine resulted in fewer blisters in 26 people prone to recurrent herpes cold sores.

  • L-Lysine increases intestinal calcium absorption and will therefore often used in osteoporosis.A study with 30 women (15 healthy, the other 15 suffering from osteoporosis) found that taking calcium and lysine reduced calcium loss in urine.

  • L-Lysine is a Action accelerator for the painkiller ibuprofen
  • Reduction of anxiety as well as the stress hormone cortisol:
    • A one-week study with 50 healthy people found that taking 2.64 grams of lysine and L-arginine reduced stress-related anxiety and the level of the stress hormone cortisol.
    • Similarly, the addition of 4.2 grams of lysine per kilogram of wheat flour in disadvantaged villages in Syria helped to lower the anxiety levels of men with very high stress levels: After three months, the consumption of the flour enriched with the active ingredient lysine also helped to lower cortisol levels in women.

For whom might supplementation generally be beneficial?

  • The WHO recommends a daily intake of 20-28 mg of lysine per kg of body weight. These values ​​are often not reached in cases of malnutrition and in certain life situations.
  • Since most plant-based foods are low in lysine (exceptions: legumes and soy), supplementation is not recommended. vegans frequently displayed.
  • Since L-lysine promotes bone growth and cell division, v.a. in Pregnancy and breastfeeding Adequate supply is important.
  • Since cartilage, ligaments, tendons, joints and fascia consist of collagen, which is formed from lysine, lysine is also important for sportsman of high relevance.

Sources:

  • Groff J.L., Gropper S.SHunt S.M. Advanced nutrition and human metabolism, 2nd ed. West Publishing, 1995
  • Hahn A., Ströhle A., Wolters M.; Nutrition - Physiological principles, prevention, therapy. Scientific Publishing Company mbH Stuttgart 2004
  • Hahn, A.; Dietary Supplements; Scientific Publishing Company mbH Stuttgart, 2006
  • M. Singh et al. Medicinal Uses of L-Lysine: Past and Future. Int. J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2011; 2(4): 637-642
  • Protein and Amino Acid Requirements in Human Nutrition. Report of a Join Report of a Joint WHO/FAO/UNU Expert Consultation. WHO technical report series; no. 935; 2002
  • R. Civitelli et al. Dietary L-lysine and calcium metabolism in humans. Nutrition 1992; 8(6):400-5.

L-tryptophan

  • Serotonin is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin (the "happiness hormone"), which regulates mood and appetite. If serotonin levels are consistently too low, the process begins to run down. Signal transmission between nerve cells is no longer working properly This can lead to mood swings, sleep disturbances, or depressive moods. Unfortunately, serotonin cannot be reduced. not simply take, but can only increased by additional L-tryptophan will be. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908021/)
  • precursor of the hormone melatonin (the “sleep hormone”), which Pain perception and sleep-wake cycles are regulated. Melatonin is produced and released in greater quantities in darkness and in smaller quantities in light. This occurs in the pineal gland in our brain. Pathological sleep disorders are usually caused by excessively low melatonin concentrations in the blood.Numerous studies have shown that tryptophan has a positive effect on sleep by shortening the time it takes to fall asleep and lengthening the REM phase (Source: Bonmati-Carrion MA et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Dec 17;15(12):23448-500. doi: 10.3390/ijms151223448)

  • Improved brain function: Researchers have discovered that tryptophan has a positive effect on memory. low tryptophan levels can lead to reduced memory performance and impair other cognitive functions. A study from the University of Bordeaux found that tryptophan affects both healthy adults and adults with memory gaps. Improved memory has: Is to When there is little tryptophan in the brain, a A lack of neurotransmitters in the brain and the transmission of information no longer function properly (Sources: Ferracioli-Oda E, Qawasmi A, Bloch MH. PLoS One. 2013 May 17;8(5):e63773. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063773. Print 2013; http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/07853890008998828)

  • Vitamin B3 can be produced in the body from L-tryptophan.

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