Natural amino acids regulate energy metabolism, and synthetic forms treat nutritional deficiency. These substances have many health applications, according to a 2009 review in "Critical Care Medicine." Athletes use amino acids to increase muscle mass, and patients take them to facilitate recovery from surgery. Decreases in inflammation may mediate the latter effect, as amino acids can reduce swelling. Ingesting dietary supplements can cause unexpected reactions, so speak with a doctor before taking amino acids.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Branched-chain amino acids like isoleucine, leucine and valine are essential amino acids obtained from the diet. According to a 2010 review in the journal "Nutrition," doctors use these substances to treat liver disease, a condition involving excess ammonia and inflammation. The effectiveness of amino acids in liver disease suggests they can reduce swelling. An investigation described in the 2009 volume of the "Journal of Sports Medicine" tested this hypothesis. Healthy subjects first received either amino acids or a placebo during a three-day training period. They then received the opposite treatment for three days. Amino acid supplementation reduced inflammation and soreness. The amino acids likely decreased cytokines--inflammatory chemicals released by the immune system.
Glutamine
Your body can usually manufacture glutamine, unlike essential amino acids. During times of stress, however, you must obtain glutamine from your diet. According to a 2002 review in the "International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology," this amino acid has antioxidant properties that could help glutamine reduce inflammation. An experiment presented in the 2011 edition of the "Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery" evaluted this idea in injured rodents. Rats received amino acids or no treatment for seven days before, and three days after, injury. Relative to no treatment, glutamine reduced markers of inflammation and oxidation. The authors speculated that glutamine supplementation could help reduce inflammation in surgery patients.
Glycine
Glycine, while not an essential amino acid, also regulates many physiological processes. According to a 2009 review in "Pharmacology and Therapeutics," glycinergic drugs effectively treat chronic pain syndromes. These conditions often involve inflammation, a finding that suggests a reduction in swelling underlies their beneficial effects. A study offered in the 2011 volume of "Pancreatology" tested this hypothesis in an animal model of pancreatitis. Rats experiencing an acute inflammation of the pancreas were given glycine throughout the experiment. This treatment reduced pancreatic swelling and prevented cell death. Glycine also reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines. The researchers believe that glycine could eventually help treat human patients with pancreatitis.
Boronated Amino Acids
Adding boron to amino acids produces complexes more rapidly absorbed into certain types of cells. According to a 2009 report in "Applied Radiation and Isotopes," these substances might serve as cancer treatments in the future. Boronated amino acids may eventually help reduce inflammation as well. An investigation published in the 1999 edition of "Metal-Based Drugs" looked at the impact of boron-based substances on artificially induced swelling. Rodents received conventional drugs, amino acids or saline injections during a single testing session. Rats given the boronated amino acids showed less inflammation than those given indomethacin or saline. In other tests, the boron-based substances also reduced cholesterol and alleviated pain.
References
- "Critical Care Medicine"; Performance-Enhancing Sports Supplements: Role in Critical Care; L.R. Weitzel, et al.; October 2009
- "Nutrition"; Three Targets of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation in the Treatment of Liver Disease; M. Holecek; May 2010
- "Journal of Sports Medicine "; Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation Attenuates Muscle Soreness, Muscle Damage and Inflammation During an Intensive Training Program; K. Matsumoto, et al.; December 2009
- "International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology"; Glutamine and Its Relationship With Intracellular Redox Status, Oxidative Stress and Cell Proliferation/Death; J.M. Mates, et al.; May 2002
- "Turkish Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery"; Effect of Glutamine on Oxidative Damage in an Experimental Abdominal Compartment Syndrome Model in Rats; D. Tihan, et al.; January 2011
- "Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Glycine Transporter Inhibitors as a Novel Drug Discovery Strategy for Neuropathic Pain; T. Dohi, et al.; July 2009
