Amino Acids: An introduction to the building blocks of life

by Scott Berliner

January 8, 2012

Stedman’s Medical Dictionary defines aging as “the gradual deterioration of a mature organism resulting from time-dependent, irreversible changes in structure that are intrinsic to the particular species, and that eventually lead to decreased ability to cope with the stresses of the environment, thereby increasing the probability of death.” If we accept this definition, then anti-aging would halt this deterioration and ultimately lead to a greater ability to cope with stress of all kinds. It is generally accepted that the gradual deterioration involves multiple mechanisms, causing many health practitioners to look at what can be done to slow or reverse the process that we know as “aging”1.

The functional integrative medicine approach to anti-aging includes replacement of the deficiencies that come with aging, such as enzymes, minerals, essential fatty acids, and the amino acids necessary in allowing the body to complete actions it was able to complete in younger years. Antioxidants as well as amino acids are crucial in providing the structure for all proteins in the body. There are many messages that signal the body to perform different tasks; exercise signals the muscles anabolically to create more muscle using the amino acids derived from protein2. Higher levels of the amino acid l-arginine are shown to increase systemic arterial blood pressure3. In one study, low levels of l-arginine were linked to erectile dysfunction4 so I often use supplemental l-arginine as a natural treatment for it.

Although aging is not a disease, it brings with it many issues involving the same factors as diseases involving the brain and nervous system. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis are just a few of the many degenerative illnesses that are affected by amino acid availability in the body. There are many studies that show the value of acetyl-l-carnitine in regenerating peripheral nerves in HIV and diabetic patients.

Several studies used l-tryptophan depletion as a means of measuring the effects on depression5. I often use it to increase serotonin and many times it works where pharmaceutical alternatives may also work, but without the side effects of weight gain, lost libido, or suicidal tendencies, as evidenced by the black box warnings appearing in several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Another wonderful amino acid is l-theanine, a major component of green tea with relaxing properties similar to benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax)6. Amino acids can naturally work as SSRIs when properly used and dosed, lessening the side effect profile. In fact, the side effects are usually beneficial, as using complexes of different amino acids will impact all the functions of the amino acids. For example, SAM-E is used for depression, but it also helps the joints. One study found SAM-E to have a slower onset of action, but comparable effectiveness to celecoxib (Celebrex) in the management of knee osteoarthritis7.

Though our bodies make l-glutamine, I have found that this amino acid is often deficient and has become a favorite of mine for gastrointestinal issues such as colitis and diverticulitis. It acts as a natural antibiotic in the gut, which partially explains how all humans carry H. Pylori bacteria, yet most remain asymptomatic8. Glutamine can enhance immune function of the gut9, and I will often give my HIV patients high doses for energy and for reinforcement of the gut health that is necessary when strong antiviral medicines disturb the natural balance.

An important study on the use of nebulized glutathione in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, one of the most common lung diseases, showed positive benefits in this amino acid’s ability to increase lung function. It has also been shown effective in treating emphysema10. I have compounded this buffered glutathione for nebulization and have seen the same affects noted in the study; it appears to improve the health of the lungs.

The proper use and balance of amino acids can delay the progressive nature of diseases of aging, from hypertension to erectile dysfunction. It is important for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle with appropriate exercise and diet considerations, but for many issues that are beyond dietary control, we may want to look at this important family of nutrients before moving on to more potent pharmaceutical alternatives.



References:

1) Seplaki CL, Goldman N, Glei D, Weinstein M. A comparative analysis of measurement approaches for physiological dysregulation in an older population. Exp Gerontol. 2005 May;40(5):438-49.
2) Cuthbertson DJ, Babraj JA, Smith K, Wikles E, Fedele MJ, Esser K, Rennie MJ. Anabolic signaling and pritein synthesis in human skeletal muscle after dynamic shortening or lengthening exercise. Am J Physiol Endrcrinol Metab. 2005 Nov 1: [Epub ahead of print]
3) Chen CH, Shyr MH. Blockade of spinal nitric oxide synthase on blood pressure variability and hepatic microcirculation. Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan 2005 June;43(2):67-72
4) Wierzbicki AS, Solomon H, Lumb PJ, Lyttle K, Lambert-Hammill M, Jackson G. Asymmetric dimethyl arginine levels correlate with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with erectile dysfunction. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Jul 23; [Epub ahead of print]
5) Praschak-Rieder N, Wilson AA, Hussey D, Carella A, Wei C, Ginovart N, Schwarz MJ, Zach J, Houle S, Meyer JH. Effects of tryptophan depletion on the serotinin transporter in healthy humans. Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Jul 15; [Epub ahead of print].
6) Lu K, Gray MA, Oliver C, Liley DT, Harrison BJ, Bartholomeusz CF, Phan KL, Nathan PJ. The acute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans. Human Psychopharmacol. 2004 Oct;19(7):457-65
7) NajmWI, Reinsch S, Hoehler F, Tobis JS, Harvey PW. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: double-blind cross-over trial. [ISRCTN36233495]. BMC Musculoskelet Discord. 2004 Feb 26;5:6.
8) Kawabubo M, Ito Y, Odinura Y, Kobayashi M, Sakura K, Kasama S, Fukuda MN, Fukuda M, Katsuyama T, Nakayama J. Natural antibiotic function of a human gastric mucin against Helicobacter pylori infection. Science. 2004 Aug 13;305(5686):1003-6.
9) Yu B, You Z, Wang S. [Enhancement of gut immune function by early enteral feeding enriched with L-glutamine in severe burned miniswines]. Zhonghua Zheng Xing Shao Shang Wai Ke Zhi. 1996 Mar;12(2):98-100.
10) Lamson DW, Brignall MS. The use of nebulized glutathione in the treatment of emphysema: a case report. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Oct;5(5):429-31.
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