Alanine an Amino Acid

Alanine, or L-alanine, is an amino acid that helps the body convert the simple sugar glucose into energy and eliminate excess toxins from the liver. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and are key to building strong, healthy muscles-alanine has been shown to help protect cells through being harmed in the course of intensive exercise task, if your human body cannibalizes muscles protein to aid generate energy.

Alanine is crucial for preserving balanced levels of nitrogen and glucose in the body, which it does through a series of chemical actions called the alanine cycle. During the alanine cycle, any excess amino acids (proteins) in cells or tissues are transferred to a receptor molecule called pyruvate, which is produced by the breakdown of glucose. The pyruvate is then converted to alanine and transferred to the liver. The liver extracts nitrogen from alanine and converts some of it back into pyruvate, which can then be used to produce more glucose. Any excess nitrogen is then converted into urea and passed out of the body during urination. This cycle, glucose-pyruvate-alanine-pyruvate-glucose, helps supply the body with the energy it needs to support cellular life. It also ensures that a constant supply of pyruvate is available to allow the synthesis of glucose and amino acids in the body.

Alanine is a nonpolar amino acid with an aliphatic R group (-CH3), therefore it does not easily dissolve in water. Amino acids for polymers that make up proteins which carry out many of required functions of a cell. An aliphatic R group means that the substituent is not aromatic but rather has a carbon based chain like an alkane. The side chain of Alanine tends to cluster together within proteins which in turn stabilize the internal structure of the protein by means of hydrophobic interactions. The hydrophobic interactions give the protein more stability and help to dictate secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure. This methyl group makes Alanine one of the more simple amino acids from a molecular pint of view. The methyl group is rarely directly involved in enzymatic reactions. Like all twenty of the common amino acids, the ?-carbon is attached to the methyl substituent as well as the amino and carboxyl groups of the main backbone of the amino acid. Alanine is also ambivalent, meaning that it can be found both inside and outside of the protein.
Alanine can be abbreviated with the three letter combination of Ala or with the single letter A. The chemical formula is CH3CH(NH2)COOH. It is a nonessential amino acid and is directly produced by the body. It is also required for metabolism of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that the body uses for energy, and tryptophan in the body. Alanine is a plays a key role in important source of energy for the muscle tissue, brain and central nervous system. It also helps to produce antibodies for the immune system. Alanine plays a major role in the transfer of nitrogen from peripheral tissue to the liver in the glucose-alanine cycle.Alanine plays a key role in maintaining glucose levels and thus energy supplies in the body. Epstein-Barr virus and chronic fatigue syndrome have been linked to excessive alanine levels and low levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine. Alanine may help regulate blood sugar as well. Research has found that for people with insulin-dependent diabetes, taking an oral dose of L-alanine effectively prevents nighttime hypoglycemia.

Alanine is a nonessential amino acid, which means that a healthy body is able to manufacture its own supply of this substance. However, all amino acids may become essential (requiring dietary supplementation) if the body is for some reason unable to produce them. People with low-protein diets or eating disorders, liver disease, diabetes, or genetic conditions that cause Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs), may need to take alanine supplements to avoid a deficiency. Low levels of alanine have been found in patients with hypoglycemia, diabetes, and hepatitis-it is not known at this time if alanine deficiency is the cause or result of these diseases. The body must have alanine to process the B vitamins so necessary for good health, especially vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).

Because fluid in the prostate gland contains alanine, it has been theorized that this amino acid may help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged and causes urination discomfort. In one study, participants with BPH took 780 milligrams of alanine, glycine, and glutamic acid per day for two weeks, then 390 milligrams of these three amino acids for the next two and a half months, and saw a significant reduction in symptoms.

Good sources of alanine are meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and fish. Some protein-rich plant foods like avocado also supply alanine. There are also a number of supplements containing alanine available on the market. However, keep in mind that taking any one amino acid could upset the balance of nitrogen in the body, and make it harder for the liver and kidneys eliminate waste. People with liver or kidney disease should consult a physician before taking any amino acid supplement.