The Key Amino Acids
Amino acids are best known as the components used by the body to build proteins. The Key Amino Acids, which InnovAAte have identified as being lost at faster rates, underpin the integrity of an additional range of important functions in the body.
Histidine
- Required for synthesis of haemoglobin
- A deficit in diet can lead to anaemia
- Required for the formation of carnosine.
- Required for synthesis of haemoglobin
Serine
Utilised in numerous major pathways of metabolism
- Production of DNA
- Vital for folate metabolism
- Has a prominent role in cell growth and repair
- Needed for making cell membranes
- Precursor for synthesis of numerous metabolites in the body
Lost in high quantities via sweat
It can be synthesised by the body, but when demand is high during high-intensity exercise
- Serine synthesis can be insufficient to meet body demands.
- Production of DNA
Lysine
Is an essential amino acid
- Required for synthesis of proteins
- Muscle proteins
- Soft tissues (collagen)
- Essential for formation and repair of soft tissues in the body
- Recovery from exercise and injury
- Precursor for the synthesis of carnitine
- Facilitates mitochondrial oxidation for energy production
- Lysine enhances the intestinal uptake and conservation of Ca2+
Lost in high quantities via sweat
Aspartic acid
Utilised in numerous major pathways of metabolism
- The urea cycle for the safe removal of waste nitrogen as urea
- Energy metabolism
- Synthesis of DNA
- Neurotransmitter
Lost in high quantities via sweat
Maybe conditionally essential during recovery from injury and infection
Glycine
Utilised in numerous major pathways of metabolism
- Required for collagen synthesis
- One third of collagen consists of glycine
- Present in the natural moisturising factor generated in the skin
- Needed for producing the components of DNA
- Precursor for synthesis of key metabolites in the body
- glutathione, creatine
Lost in high quantities via sweat
It can be synthesised by the body, but when demand is high during high-intensity exercise
- Serine synthesis can be insufficient to meet body demands.
- Required for collagen synthesis
Ornithine
This amino acid is not used in the synthesis of proteins, but has numerous functions in metabolism
- Centrally involved in urea metabolism
- Helps remove waste nitrogen and prevents toxic impact of excess nitrogen
- Is a precursor for the body to generate arginine
- Provides an important source of nitric oxide
- Increases the efficiency of energy consumption
- Can assist with appetite suppression
Lost in high quantities via sweat
Maybe conditionally essential during recovery from injury and infection
- Centrally involved in urea metabolism