The Benefits Of Amino Acid And Peptides

Amino acids and peptides are both organic compounds consisting of variations of nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and in some instances, sulfur. Both are directly associated with protein and play important roles in facilitating health. However, despite their correlations, amino acids and peptides are different substances with related, but separate health benefits.

Amino Acids

Thousands of varieties of amino acids are found in plants and animals. However, to function properly, the human body requires only the 20 required amino acids needed to make protein. Twelve these can be produced within the body: glycine, arginine, taurine, tyrosine, proline, serine, glutmamic acid, alanine, aspartic acid, cycstine and histidine. Adults are capable of producing histidine and arginine; however, children are not. Also, some authorities include creatine; however, creatine is actually a combination of methionine arginine and glycine. The remaining eight, valine, leucine, tryptophan, lysine, phenylalanine, methionine, threonine and isoleucine, must be ingested through food or dietary supplements. These eight are sometimes called essential amino acids.

Peptides

Peptides are groups of amino acids linked together to form chains. Peptides that are composed of approximately 10 amino acids are called polypeptides. Proteins are large polypeptides. As with amino acids, peptides also come in many varieties. In nature, there are three primary classifications of peptides: ribosomal peptides, including most of the known peptides in multicellular organisms; nonribosomal peptides, generally found in single-celled organisms; and digested peptides, the by-products of digested protein. In the human body, peptides are sometimes categorized according to their general function, including peptides that are alkaloids, such as pandamin; hormones, such as oxytocin; antibiotics, including tyrothricinm bacitracin; and neuropeptides, such as vasopressin.

General Health Functions

Amino acids and peptides support a wide range of biological processes and anatomic components. For example, serine creates antibodies for the immune system, threonine is a major part of collagen and enamel, methionine supports kidney function, and lysine assists in calcium absorption. As for peptides, neuropeptides help regulate and assist in signalling functions within neural tissues. Gastrointestinal peptides assist with carbohydrate metabolism and overall digestion. Hormone peptides are involved in various growth and regulatory processes.

Use

Peptides and amino acids are used to treat numerous medical conditions. According to experts, including those at Oregon Health and Science University, peptide treatment has been effective in treating patients with autoimmune diseases. MedicalDaily.com also reports a measure of success in treating ovarian cancer with peptides. The National Institutes of Health report that high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure is treated effectively with the amino acid L-arginine. The amino acid tyrosine has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease; and taurine is a treatment option for epileptic seizures and diabetes. Amino acids are also used in fitness training to sustain strength and build muscles.