Amino Acids

	Folic Acid
	Glutathione
	Glycine
	Methionine
	Ornithine
	Phenylalanine
	Proline
	Taurine
	Threonine
	Tryptophan
	Tyrosine
	Valine

Threonine - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

It is an essential amino acid and thus indispensable in the diet of man. It is only synthesized in the microorganisms. It is one of several essential amino acids needed in the diet; human beings cannot synthesize it from simpler metabolites.

Functions and Benefits of Threonine

Threonine is said to be very useful in indigestion' and intestinal malfunctions, as well as prevention of excessive fat in the liver. A fatty liver, resulting from a low-protein diet, can be corrected by threonine. Threonine also helps build strong bones and tooth enamel, and may speed wound healing or recovery from injury. Threonine combines with asp artic acid and methione to help the liver with the digestion of fats and fatty acids. Threonine supports the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies. Threonine supplementation may also be useful for treatment of Lou Gherigs Disease, also know as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), because it increases glycine levels in the central nervous system (administering glycine is ineffective, since it cannot cross into the central nervous system). Supplements can also follow all dosage requirements since high doses of Threonine can inhibit proper liver function.

Recommended Dosage for Threonine

The dosage listed is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind. People taking supplements normally take a dosage ranging between 103 milligrams and 500 milligrams daily

Food Sources of Threonine

Threonine is found in most meats and fish, dairy foods, eggs, wheatgerm, bananas, carrots, nuts, beans and seeds. Rich sources of threonine include meats, dairy foods and eggs. Wheat germ, many nuts, beans, and seeds, and vegetables contains some small level of threonine.

Deficiency Symptoms of Threonine

Symptoms of threonine deficiency include emotional agitation, confusion, digestion difficulties and fatty liver. It is a precursor of isoleucine and imbalance may result if the synthesis rate from asparate is incorrect. In humans, deficiency may result in irritability and a generally difficult personality.