What is Threonine?

Threonine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet or supplements. It is a building block of proteins and is involved in various processes in the body, including the formation of collagen, elastin, and tooth enamel.

History

Threonine was first isolated in 1935 by William Cumming Rose and Curtis Meyer. They identified it as a necessary amino acid for rats and later for humans.

Chemistry

Threonine has a molecular formula of C4H9NO3 and is classified as a polar, aliphatic amino acid. It has a hydroxyl (-OH) group on its side chain, which makes it unique among amino acids. It is also one of the two amino acids that has a chiral center, which means it can exist in two different forms (L-threonine and D-threonine), but only the L-form is biologically active in humans.

Pharmacology

Threonine is involved in the synthesis of proteins, neurotransmitters, and nucleic acids. It also plays a role in the immune system by promoting the production of antibodies and cytokines. Threonine is also a precursor to the amino acid glycine and the neurotransmitter serine.

Positive Effects

1. Protein synthesis: Threonine is necessary for the production of proteins, which are important for the growth and repair of tissues in the body.

2. Wound healing: Threonine is involved in the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for wound healing.

3. Immune function: Threonine is needed for the production of antibodies and cytokines, which are important for immune function.

4. Digestive health: Threonine plays a role in maintaining the health of the digestive tract by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Negative Effects

There are no known negative effects of threonine when consumed in appropriate amounts through food or supplements. However, high doses of threonine supplements may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Medicinal Use

Threonine supplements are used in the treatment of various medical conditions, including:

1. Trauma: Threonine has been shown to improve wound healing and reduce muscle wasting in trauma patients.

2. Liver disease: Threonine has been used in the treatment of liver disease, as it may help to reduce liver damage.

3. Inflammatory bowel disease: Threonine has been shown to improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Combinations

Threonine is often combined with other amino acids in supplements to improve their effectiveness. For example, it is often combined with methionine and lysine to support muscle growth and repair.

Warnings

Threonine supplements should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease, as these organs are responsible for the metabolism and excretion of amino acids. High doses of threonine supplements may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people.

Conclusion

Threonine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in protein synthesis, wound healing, immune function, and digestive health. It can be obtained through diet or supplements and is generally safe when consumed in appropriate amounts. Threonine supplements may be beneficial in the treatment of certain medical conditions, but should be used with caution in people with liver or kidney disease.

References

1. Wu, G. (2009). Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition. Amino acids, 37(1), 1-17.

2. Fernstrom, J. D. (2005). Effects and side effects associated with the non-nutritional use of tryptophan by humans. The Journal of nutrition, 135(6), 1539S-1543S.

3. Gursahani, H., et al. (2018). Therapeutic potential and recent advances of threonine: the dietary nutrient, in health and diseases. Clinical Nutrition Experimental, 18, 1-15.

4. Seiler, N. (1984). Threonine metabolism and its relationship to citrulline and ornithine synthesis in rat small intestine. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics, 231(2), 444-454.

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