| THREONINE Threonine is an essential amino acid, and cannot be manufactured by the body and is found in high concentrations in the heart, skeletal muscles and central nervous system. A precursor of the amino acids glycine (a neurotransmitter) and serine, threonine is present in the heart, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle, and helps to prevent fatty buildup in the liver. Main Functions: • Required for formation of collagen. • Helps prevent fatty deposits in the liver. • Aids in production of antibodies. • Acts as detoxifier. • Needed by the GI (gastrointensinal) tract for normal functioning. • Provides symptomatic relife in ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease). • In laboratory experiments with animals, Threonine increases thymus weight. • Threonine is often low in depressed clients. In that group of clients, Threonine is helpful in treating the depression. • Threonine is an essential amino acid that helps to maintain the proper protein balance in the body. It is important for the formation of collagen, elastin, and tooth enamel, and Lds liver and lipotropic function when combined with aspsrtic acid and methionine. A precursor of the amino acids glycine and serine, threonine is present in the heart, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle, and helps to prevent fatty buildup in the liver. It enhances the immune system - aiding in the production of antibodies, and may be helpful in treating some types of depression. It also very useful indigestion. Threonine Deficiency: Because the threonine content of grains is low, vegetarins are more likely than others to have deficiencies. It is a precursor of isoleucine and imbalance may result if the synthesis rate from aspartate is incorrect. In humans, deficiency may result in irritability and a generally difficult personality. Deficiency seen in: • Depression • AIDS • Muscle Spasticity • ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) • Vegetarianism • Epilepsy Threonine Excess Seen In: • Alcohol ingestion • Those treated with sedative anti-convulsant medication (animal studies) • Vitamin B6 deficiency • Pregnancy • Liver cirrhosis Rich Food Sources of Threonine Good food sources of threonine are found in most meats, dairy and eggs, as well as in lower quantities in wheat germ, nuts, beans and some vegetables. Caution Excessive use of threonine can cause the formation of too much urea and consequently ammonia toxicity in your body. |