How Do Amino Acids Determine Muscle Growth?

taken as valine may block tyrosine's entry to the brain.

GLUTAMINE

This little known non-essential amino acid known as "sobriety nutrient." It is considered

beneficial in the treatment of alcoholism. According to Roger J. Williams , a world-known

nutritionist, glutamine reduces the usually irresistible craving for alcohol that recovering drinkers

almost inevitably encounter.

CYSTEINE

There is some evidence that cysteine (not to be confused with cystine) has certain therapeutic

value as a nutritional supplement. Dr. H. Ghadimi, chairman of the nutrition committee at Nassau

country, ( New York) medical centre uses cysteine supplements to treat his patients suffering

from obesity. He considers that there is link between obesity and over-production of insulin and

that cysteine supplements taken along with vitamin C at the end of the meals somehow

neutralises some of the excess insulin, which is responsible for fat production. He regards this

amino acid as 'anti-cancer and anti-aging' and claims that like vitamin C, cysteine protects the

body from damage by oxidants.

When one or more of the essential amino acids are left out of the diet, symptoms similar to those

of vitamin deficiencies may be experienced such as low blood pressure, anaemia, poor muscle

tone, slow heaing of wounds, loss of weight, poor resistance to infections and bloodshot eyes.

Children who do not get the required amounts of amino acids in their daily diet suffer from

stunted growth and permanent damage to the glands. On the other hand, those getting the full

quota of amino acids in their diet will be rewarded with vigor, vitality and long life. The best food

proteins with all the essential amino acids are found in almonds, cheese and eggs.

Amino acids are being increasingly and successfully used in the treatment of several diseases,

such as stomach ulcers, burns, kidney diseases and liver diseases. It has also been observed

that the diseases of old age can be largely prevented if elderly persons obtain the proper food

supplements of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Amino acids are needed at every stage

from infancy to old age - to repair worn out tissues and to create new ones.

The amino acid is an organic acid in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by NH2 group. It is one of the organic compounds, which represent the end product of the protein breakdown. All proteins are made up of amino acids. An amino acid contains a carbon atom, a free among group (containing nitrogen-NH2) and a carboxyl group (COOH). Amino acids are amphoteric in reaction and form salts with both acids and bases. The amino acids in the body are derivatives of saturated fatty acids. Amino acids are colourless, crystalline substance, soluble in water, easily diffusible and (except glycine) optically active. When the amino and carboxyl groups of amino acids combine acid residues. A peptide thus consists of 2 or more amino acid residues linked by peptide bonds.

The metabolism of protein is meant by metabolism of amino acids. There is constant exchange of amino acid from tissue to blood and other body fluids and reversely from body flui to the tissue. The size of amino acid pool represents the balance between the removal and additions of amino acids are in two groups depending on the form in which amino acids are used.

I. Functions served by intact amino acid

1.