Today, everyone knows how important compounds called are for our body. One such compound is threonine. And although it is part of almost all the human body, threonine is not synthesized in the human body. That is, it comes to us only with food or with food additives. This amino acid is especially important for children, their need for threonine is greater than for an adult.
Why is threonine useful for us? Most importantly, it is necessary for the synthesis of the amino acids serine and glycine, which in turn are involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the proteins of connective and muscle tissue. and elastin are necessary for muscles, and for tendons, and for ligaments, and for the elasticity of blood vessels, skin, and normal heart function. Naturally, children need threonine in larger volumes than an adult, because their body is just being built. If there is not enough building material, problems with the spine may develop - scoliosis, dislocations of the cervical vertebrae, with muscles - flat feet, muscle dystrophy, with teeth - the development of caries, with nails, hair. Perhaps even visual impairment. An adult also needs threonine, as an adult's body is constantly updated. And for a good condition of the skin or teeth (and threonine is part of the tooth enamel), you need a constant intake of threonine in the body.
Increased doses of this amino acid are necessary for recovery after operations and various injuries.
Threonine is also essential for healthy liver function. In combination with methionine and aspartic acid, it takes care of the processing of fats and fatty acids. This means that it prevents the development of fatty liver disease - hepatosis.
Threonine is also needed for the normal functioning of the digestive tract. It is part of some digestive enzymes, such as pepsin, which is responsible for the breakdown of proteins in the stomach.
Threonine supports the functioning of the body's immune system, promotes the elimination of toxic substances, therefore it is very important during pregnancy - it reduces toxicosis in the early months.
It is used in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, depression, improves mood, increases concentration, and performance. Threonine is also used in the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction.
Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as the trace element magnesium, contribute to the absorption of threonine by the body. For a full-fledged high-quality muscle protein, threonine must be consumed in combination with methionine and aspartic acid.
As a rule, there should not be a lack of threonine with good nutrition, but if a person consumes a small amount of protein foods (meat, fish, mushrooms), a lack of this important amino acid can manifest itself in muscle weakness, depression, hair loss, poor skin condition, nails and teeth, developmental delay in children. The lack of threonine leads to a lack of all amino acids for the synthesis of which it is necessary. In medical practice, cases have been recorded when threonine is not absorbed by the body. Then, for treatment, increased doses of glycine and serine, which are formed as a result of the synthesis of threonine, are prescribed.
Excess threonine in the body leads to the accumulation of uric acid. When using nutritional supplements with this amino acid, it is necessary to monitor this, since both excess and deficiency of threonine is harmful to our health.
What foods contain threonine? In protein products - meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, oily sea fish, seafood, and mushrooms. Plant foods also contain threonine, but in smaller amounts, it is present in lentils, beans, wheat, rye, buckwheat, and nuts. Threonine deficiency can be experienced by vegetarians who limit the consumption of animal foods.
The daily requirement of threonine for an adult is 0.5 g, for children - 3 g. The need for threonine increases with the active growth and development of the body, with increased physical exertion, during sports, with depressive states, and, as we have already said, vegetarianism. But with age, the need for threonine decreases.
For athletes, this amino acid is of great importance, as it promotes growth and
- hydroxyamino acid, for humans, threonine is an essential amino acid.
The threonine molecule contains two chiral centers, which determines the existence of four optical isomers. However, the name L-threonine is used for one diastereomer, 2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid. The second stereoisomer, rarely found in nature, is called L - allothreonin. The two remaining isomers D-threonine and D-allotreonine are only of minor importance.
Being an essential amino acid, threonine is not synthesized in the human body, and its supply is replenished only from threonine-containing proteins in our food. In plants and microorganisms, threonine is synthesized from aspartic acid via α-aspartyl semialdehyde and homoserine.
Functions of threonine in the human body
Threonine is an important amino acid that contributes to the normal development of the body; together with other proteinogenic amino acids, it is involved in the formation of natural proteins.Threonine also supports the functioning of the liver, cardiovascular, central nervous and immune systems.
Threonine is necessary for the biosynthesis of the amino acids glycine and serine, which, in turn, are responsible for the production of collagen (the basis of the body's connective tissue), elastin (the protein responsible for the elasticity of connective tissues) and muscle tissue. Threonine helps connective tissues (tendons, bones, cartilage, dermis) and muscles become strong and elastic, including threonine affects the heart muscle (heart), where it is found in significant quantities. Threonine helps build strong bones and tooth enamel, and can speed up wound healing and recovery from injury.
Threonine in combination with and amino acids aspartic acid help the liver perform lipotropic functions (break down fats and fatty acids). Without enough threonine in the body, fats can accumulate in the liver and eventually lead to liver failure.
Threonine supports the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies. Threonine is used to treat a variety of disorders of the nervous system, and may be useful in the treatment of some types.
Threonine supplements may be helpful in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or Charcot's disease, because L-threonine increases glycine levels in the central nervous system. Studies show that the symptoms of another disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects nerve and muscle function, can be reduced with threonine supplements. A study conducted in 1992 showed that taking 7.5 g of L-threonine daily reduced muscle spasticity in the observed study participants.
Sources of Threonine
The daily requirement for threonine for an adult is 0.5 g, for children - about 3 g.Foods high in threonine:
- 3.685 g
Spirulina, dry - 2.970 g
Trumpeter - sea mollusk - 2.136 g
Veal - 1.604 g
Pork - 1.512 g
Beef - 1.423 g
Turkey - 1.330 g
Anchovy fish, canned in oil - 1.266 g
- 0.736 g
- 0.328 g
- 0.158 g
- 0.107 g
Dairy products, meat, grains, mushrooms, and vegetables contain threonine, so threonine deficiency is unlikely with a well-balanced diet. However, vegetarians may benefit from threonine supplements, as meat is an excellent source of this amino acid today. The content of threonine in cereals is very low.
Symptoms of threonine deficiency include emotional arousal, confusion, digestive difficulties, and fatty liver.
Threonine is available in protein supplements such as protein powder and amino acid tablets. The standard daily dose is 103 to 500 milligrams. Exceeding the recommended dose of threonine can impair liver function and lead to the formation of large amounts of toxic urea and ammonia in the body.
Threonine. Side effects and safety
Threonine is safe at a dose of 2-4 g per day for up to 12 months. Some people experience minor side effects when taking threonine, such as stomach upset, nausea, and skin rashes.There is insufficient information on the use of threonine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Just in case, stop taking threonine during pregnancy and lactation.
There is some concern that threonine may lead to decreased lung function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In one study, patients taking 4 grams of threonine per day experienced significantly reduced lung function compared to patients who did not receive threonine. But to determine that threonine was actually to blame, evidence is needed.
Threonine reduces the effectiveness of drugs used for treatment (NMDA antagonists), in particular, the effectiveness of the drug memantine (Namenda) is reduced.
In 1935, William Cumming Rose discovered the amino acid, which later became known as threonine. As it turned out, this substance is able to support the immune system of the human body, contributing to the production of antibodies.
general characteristics
Threonine is an essential monoaminocarboxylic amino acid, and therefore not produced by the body itself. High concentrations of the substance have been found in the heart, skeletal muscles, and cells of the central nervous system. Threonine enters the human body exclusively from food.
There are 4 optical isomers of threonine:
- L-threonine (used by the body);
- L-allotreonin (rarely found in nature);
- D-threonine (not so important for humans);
- D-allotreonin (of minor importance).
The more scientists explore the possibilities of this amino acid, the more beneficial properties they discover. Like any other substance in this group, threonine is necessary for the formation of proteins. In addition, it is a constituent of collagen and elastin, as well as an indispensable component for the formation of healthy tooth enamel.
By maintaining the proper balance of protein in the body, this amino acid contributes to normal growth, which is why children and adolescents need to increase their consumption of foods rich in threonine. And by combining with methionine and aspartic acid, this substance helps the liver "digest" fats, which prevents the accumulation of lipids in the tissues of the organ. In addition to all of the above, threonine has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and intestinal tract, and also has a positive effect on metabolic processes in the body. There is evidence that this substance also has anti-ulcer properties.
Threonine, along with cysteine, lysine, alanine and aspartic acid, activates the body's antibody production process, which ultimately strengthens the immune system.
The fact that this amino acid is essential for the adequate functioning of the nervous system is indicated by the presence of a high concentration of the substance in the cells, in particular the central nervous system. A beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state allows it to be used as a remedy for certain types of depression.
In medicine, the amino acid is used as a drug to relax muscles during convulsions. Also, threonine has found its application in the treatment of atrophic and multiple sclerosis. Preparations containing this amino acid help maintain the strength and elasticity of connective tissues and muscles. By the way, a similar effect is noted on the heart, in the tissues of which the amino acid is contained in a fairly high concentration.
In surgery, threonine is known as a drug that accelerates wound healing after surgery or injury.
So, after analyzing the role of threonine for humans, we can say that this amino acid:
- plays an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of various body systems (central nervous, cardiovascular, immune);
- beneficial effect on liver function;
- takes part in the creation of glycine and serine - amino acids necessary for the production of collagen, elastin and muscle tissue;
- is a component of proteins and enzymes;
- an excellent tool for combating fatty degeneration of the liver (however, excessive consumption of amino acids affects this organ negatively);
- promotes the growth of the thymus;
- helps to produce antibodies, which supports the immune system;
- promotes easier and faster absorption of other useful substances;
- important for maintaining mental health;
- effective in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Daily rate and rules of consumption
But when taking an amino acid in the form of a bioactive supplement, you should be aware that high doses of the drug can cause liver dysfunction, increase the level of urea in the body, and therefore ammonia, which has a toxic effect.
Lack of amino acids causes emotional arousal, confusion, indigestion and fatty liver. In addition, the lack of this substance leads to an imbalance of all that are produced on the basis of threonine.
People who are actively involved in sports, or whose work involves hard physical labor, should take care of an additional intake of amino acids. Also, a higher concentration of the substance should be maintained in a growing organism. Useful threonine and people suffering from depression. A small increase in the daily allowance will help them cope with psycho-emotional disorders. But for vegetarians, whose diet is extremely poor in proteins, it makes sense to think about taking threonine in the form of a dietary supplement.
Over the years, the body's need for this amino acid decreases slightly. It is also believed that in some cases, threonine can cause a decrease in lung performance. Meanwhile, there is no exact scientific evidence of this yet.
food sources
Threonine is an essential amino acid, and in order to provide the body with it, it is necessary to introduce meat, dairy products, and eggs into the diet. Vegetarians can replenish their supply of matter from nuts, grains, beans, seeds, and some vegetables.
Sources of animal origin: almost all types of meat (lamb, beef, horse meat, chicken, turkey, black grouse), dairy products (many varieties of hard cheese, cheese), fish (sea, fatty) and eggs.
Plant sources: leafy vegetables, lentils, barley, wheat, buckwheat, beans, mushrooms, sprouted grains, rye, seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables.
How is it absorbed by the body
Usually, the body easily absorbs threonine, but for this it needs the presence, in particular, and are the most useful for this. In addition, it is important to monitor the concentration in the body, since the correct assimilation of the amino acid also depends on this.
Meanwhile, in some individuals with genetic diseases, threonine from food may not be absorbed at all. In such cases, it is important to take more intensively and - amino acids, for which threonine actually serves as a "precursor".
Other applications of threonine
In European countries, threonine is actively used as a dietary supplement for animal feed. In this area, the amino acid is known as a means of promoting the faster growth of animals and poultry. The results of many studies have shown a significant increase in weight in animals whose diet was enriched with amino acids.
Threonine is found in abundance in human plasma. A particularly high concentration of the substance is observed in newborns, which is not surprising if we recall the role of the amino acid as a “growth agent”. Threonine deficiency in the human body causes neurological disorders. And regular consumption of foods rich in amino acid complex will prevent the development of multiple sclerosis, keep you in good shape and have a beneficial effect on almost all systems in the body. Meanwhile, laboratory studies of this substance continue. Perhaps scientists will discover new secrets of threonine, and we will learn even more about its role in human health.
2-amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid
Chemical properties
Threonine - , the molecule of which contains two chiral complex , has 4 optical isomer . There are 2 isomer D- and 2 isomer of L-threonine.
Molecular weight of the compound = 119.1 grams per mole. The melting point is about 256 degrees Celsius. Chemical formula of Threonine C4H9NO3.
Usually, the substance is part of various biologically active food supplements and medicines, along with lysine, methionine and other components. By her own amino acid - white crystalline powder, odorless. Bacteria and plants, unlike humans, can independently synthesize a substance from aspartic acid .
pharmachologic effect
Metabolic.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Amino acid Threonine is indispensable for the human body, takes an active part in the synthesis of protein structures. A person needs to consume half a gram of a substance per day, children - about 3 grams.
Most threonine is found in dairy products, nuts, legumes, and eggs. Entering the body, the substance is quickly and completely metabolized.
Indications for use
Preparations containing this amino acid are prescribed:
- to provide full or partial parenteral nutrition;
- as a prophylactic for the loss of proteins;
- at injuries, polytrauma, burns, peritonitis, sepsis, multiple organ failure , as part of complex therapy;
- to maintain the body after major operations;
- with inflammatory bowel diseases;
- for treatment cachexia ;
- with a decrease in mental performance and concentration due to malnutrition or during periods of active growth;
- alcoholics for withdrawal withdrawal syndrome or to maintain remission.
Contraindications
The tool is contraindicated:
- at shock, hypoxia, decompensated heart failure ;
- with violations of the processes of amino acid metabolism;
- persons with metabolic acidosis ;
- children under 2 years old;
- with severe kidney disease, in the absence of hemofiltration or dialysis ;
- patients with severe liver failure.
Side effects
The substance is most often well tolerated by patients. Rarely: dizziness, nausea.
Threonine, instructions for use (Method and dosage)
Depending on the dosage form and the type of disease, the dosage and mode of administration are very different.
The tablet form is taken sublingually , using a solution and emulsions, intravenous infusions are performed at different rates of administration and dosage.
Overdose
There is no data on drug overdose.
Interaction
At the moment, there are no known cases of drug interaction of the substance with other drugs.
The amino acid threonine is one of the essential ones, that is, it is not synthesized by the human body and is involved in the construction of muscle protein and maintains the desired protein balance in the body. Threonine improves the condition of the cardiovascular system, liver and immune system. Also amino acid threonine participates in the synthesis of glycine and serine. These amino acids allow you to strengthen the ligaments and all muscles, including the heart.
In addition, threonine makes bones less fragile and, along with the amino acid methionine, improves the breakdown of fats and fatty acids. Threonine enters our body only from the outside. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that this in abundance comes to us.
Amino acid in food
Among the products with the highest content threonine can be called:
- pink salmon;
- mozzarella;
- legumes;
- salmon.
If you approach strictly, then essential amino acids, including threonine, can be obtained from almost all products. The most important thing in this case is a varied diet, that is, not only.
The value of threonine in the human body
Role threonine and the body is very close to the role of methionine. It is the basis for the synthesis of glycine and serine, antibodies, collagen, elastin and tooth enamel proteins. Experts suggest that the amino acid threonine reduces wheat gluten intolerance. It is reliably known that threonine has an antidepressant effect on the body and regulates the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain.
When using special additives containing threonine, be sure to use vitamins B3 and B6, as well as magnesium. Threonine deficiency is observed mainly in vegetarians.
Besides threonine supports the normal functioning of the digestive tract and takes an active part in the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is important to note that with a lack of another amino acid - choline - the functions of threonine become more important.
Also threonine in the human body, it participates in the process of neutralizing toxins and, together with other amino acids - cysteine, alanine, lysine and aspartic acid, strengthens the immune system. Additional intake of threonine has an effect on the weakening of muscle tone.
Threonine is an essential amino acid, as mentioned above, which is why it is very important to provide the required amount in food. And especially in this context, it is worth noting vegetarians, who with great difficulty replace meat products and the amino acids contained in them, including products of plant origin.
