Amino acids: The building blocks of life and precursors to Neurotransmitters
Amino acids are building blocks for proteins. Protein is the most second abundant substance in the body after water. Proteins form the structure for genes, blood, tissue, muscle, collagen, skin, hairs and nail. Amino acids are the constituent for various hormones, disease-fighting cells, antibodies and, neurotransmitters also. Uses of Amino acids are not limited to repair and regeneration of protein structures. But they play an important role in our Brain Health.
All of the above-mentioned substances require constant regeneration throughout life. This is the reason why we need protein on a daily basis.
Neurotransmitters
Dopamine, Acetylcholine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, GABA, and serotonin are the primary Neurotransmitters. They are chemical messengers in the brain. High or low levels vastly affect human behaviour.
Amino acids affect our feelings, mood & emotions. Thay greatly affect our contentment, appetite and energy levels. Amino acids play a key role in memory, sleep, sex drive & perception of stress and pain. They are responsible for various addictions to stimulants, and even drug abuse.
We will discuss amino acids commonly used or available in free form:
- Phenylalanine
- Tyrosine
- Tryptophan
- Taurine
- N-acetylcysteine
- Arginine
- Glutamine
- BCAA’s (leucine, isoleucine, and valine)
Categories of Amino Acids
1. Aromatic amino acids
Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan as most profound effect on sleep, pain and addictions. [Study]
2. Sulfur amino acids
Methionine, Cysteine, Taurine, and Homocysteine (an amino acid metabolite) plays a major role in methylation, detoxification, bile production and acts as an antidepressant. [Study]
3. Urea Amino acids
Arginine plays a role in the production of nitric acid. Nitric acid helps to regulate dilation and constriction of blood vessels. Arginine is required to eliminate the end product of protein (ammonia and urea). This amino acid plays an important role in protein synthesis, cardiovascular, immune and digestive health. [Study]
4. Glutamate amino acids
Glutamic acid, GABA & Glutamine – Glutamic acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter that acts as a brain stimulant. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has a calming effect. Glutamine is the primary source of brain fuel and mediator for both glutamic acid and GABA activity. Imbalances in between three can lead to various neurological issues like schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and behavioural disorders. [Study]
5. Branched Chain Amino acids (BCAA’s)
Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine – they are essential for maintaining muscle and skeletal health. They are a great source of energy for muscles under many stressful conditions. They stimulate protein synthesis and decrease the breakdown of muscle protein. That’s why it is important to supplement with amino acids during muscle building and fat loss program. [Study]
Diagrams showing amino acids as precursor to the neurotransmitters and their role.
