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By Biplab Das
What is Threonine?
Threonine is one of the 20 amino acids that constitute
proteins. It is an essential amino acid and not synthesized by humans. Therefore,
threonine has to be obtained from dietary sources. Threonine can exist in
four possible forms or two forms of L-threonine. The name L-threonine is mostly
used for one single form chemically known as (2S, 3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic
acid. L-threonine is one of three indispensable amino acids since mammals do
not possess the necessary enzymes for the transamination of threonine. Another
form, called L-allo-threonine, is rarely present in nature. In plants
and microorganisms, threonine is synthesized from aspartic acid via
alpha-aspartyl-semialdehyde and homoserine.
Health Benefits of Threonine
Threonine supports cardiovascular, liver, central nervous,
and immune system function. Threonine aids in the synthesis of glycine and serine,
two amino acids that help in the production of collagen, elastin, and muscle
tissue. Threonine helps build strong bones and tooth enamel. It also speeds up
wound healing after injury by boosting immune system. Threonine combines with
the amino acids aspartic acid and methionine to help liver digest fats and
fatty acids, which reduces accumulation of fat in the liver. An accumulation of
fats in the liver can affect negatively its function. Threonine is useful in
treating Lou Gherig’s Disease, also known as Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis
(ALS). Research shows that symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), another disease
that affects nerve and muscle, are alleviated with threonine treatment.
Threonine is an immunostimulant, which promotes the growth of thymus gland.
Threonine Deficiency
A
study with animals (piglets) has shown that threonine deficiency has caused
higher nitrogen excretion and higher blood urea. Histpathological analyses
showed lower number of acidic mucin-producing goblet cells in the duodenum and
ileum (parts of small intestine) of pigs fed with threonine-deficient diet.
Dietary threonine imbalance is known to reduce the growth of the
small intestine, liver, and skeletal muscle in young animals. Piglets fed deficient threonine diets had smaller intestinal weights, less mucosal tissue
(the absorptive cells of the intestine), and less intestinal mucin (Mucin is
mucous that lines the interior surface of the digestive organs like small
intestine) compared to control pigs.
Intestinal mucins are important in normal functioning of
the intestine. Mucin prevents: digestion of the intestinal wall by digestive
enzymes, water loss from the intestinal wall, bacteria from adhering to the
intestinal cells and toxins from being absorbed into the body. Without enough
threonine in the body, fats could build up in the liver and ultimately cause
liver failure.
Food Sources of Threonine
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