Uses of amino acids
While the majority of amino acids are incorporated into protein to fulfil the above functions, some individual amino acids have particular roles in the body, which include:
• Glycine is used in the production of creatine (muscle function), haem (oxygen transport and the final part of respiration) and glutathione (a potent antioxidant). While glycine itself is not essential, it may be required in such quantities the requirements cannot be met by transamination alone. Therefore, a dietary source is required. Glycine therefore may be considered ‘conditionally essential’.
• Lysine is required to synthesise carnitine, a molecule (an amino acid itself) used to transport fat into the sub cellular organelles for oxidisation.
• Arginine is metabolised to form nitric oxide, which plays an essential role in the tone of blood vessels, blood pressure, neurotransmission and immune function.
• Tryptophan is used in the synthesis of serotonin, which is why consuming tryptophan rich foods before bed such as milk or cottage cheese may help you sleep, although only when consumed with carbohydrate, so not necessarily ideal for the bodybuilding enthusiast.
Many other amino acids have such vital functions in the body. However, supplementing with these aminos will not necessarily result in the more creatine or more fat being oxidised, as the body has to be deficient in these nutrients at the outset. Adding in more, when more are not required will just be surplus calories.
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