The role of amino acids in brain health

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© BR Publishing 2013. All rights reserved. www.brainreference.com
BR Publishing
THE ROLE OF
AMINO-ACIDS IN
BRAIN HEALTH
THIS BOOK IS MEANT TO TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT THE ROLE OF
AMINO-ACIDS IN COGNITIVE HEALTH WHILE ALSO PRESENTING
SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR IMPORTANCE AND THE WAY
IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN MAINTAIN OR OBTAIN THEM IN THEIR
BODIES.

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Table of Contents
Preface.................................................................................................................................................... 4
Part 1: Understanding amino-acids
What are amino-acids ............................................................................................................................. 5
What is the link between proteins and amino-acids?............................................................................... 6
Essential amino-acids .............................................................................................................................. 7
A short description of essential and non-essential amino-acids ............................................................7-9
Part 2: The role of amino-acids in brain health
Neurotransmitters and connection to amino-acids........................................................................... 10-11
GABA (more about) ............................................................................................................................... 11
Glutamate (more about)........................................................................................................................ 12
What problems can lack of amino-acids cause? .................................................................................... 13
Where can I find amino-acids and in which quantities? ......................................................................... 13
At the end of the day, what have I learnt from this eBook? .............................................................. 14-16

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Preface
This eBook is offered by the BR Publishing team which is composed of individuals specialized in the area
of nutritional supplementation that includes ingredients, manufacturing processes, and ways in which
they affect the human body with both positive and negative sides.
Description
We keep hearing about amino-acids and their importance for the human body, but have we ever
wondered why the brain couldn’t properly function without them? Why are they so important that they
have been included in a wide array of nutritional supplements that target various health features?
Well, with the help of this eBook, we’ll try to explain what the main properties of amino-acids are, what
happens if they lack from a proper diet and in what way would their presence in the organism change
the functionality of a normal individual. By doing this, we hope that people will treat their diets in a
different manner, while being aware of the influence of what they consume on the health of their brain.
Additionally, people will learn about the major studies that have been conducted on amino-acids, the
way in which they influenced overall research as well as some opinions from individuals that have
worked on this area of studying. We hope it will help you decide better diet for the brain, thus
enhancing cognitive functionality in both children and adults.

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Part 1:
Understanding amino-acids
1. What are amino-acids?
Amino-acids are organic compounds that are obtained from carboxylic acid and amine. Therefore, the
key components of an amino-acid are hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, but other components
can be a part of its side-chain. Currently, there are approximately 500 amino-acids which are classified in
a variety of types.
One of the main reasons behind their importance in the body is related to their role in protein making.
Based on this, they’re classified into two main categories: standard and non-standard, with the non-
standard or non-proteinogenic is generally not found in proteins.
Generally, based on its chemical properties, the biological activity is determined. This means that they
can play a wide variety of roles, from controlling cellular processes to being a catalyzer for certain
reactions. As studying progresses, the most important thing to keep in mind about amino-acids is that
their structure and properties are linked to the ones of proteins, because even a small and simple
protein has characteristics based on the qualities of the amino-acids that are included in its composition.

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2. What’s the link between amino-acids and proteins?
Proteins are in fact biological molecules that are composed of one or more amino-acids chains. They are
important in the human body because they perform a wide variety of functions like DNA replication,
transportation of molecules from a point to another, influencing metabolic reactions, as well as
responding to some stimuli. They are viewed as essential to some organisms and affect almost all
processes that are linked to cells.
Due to the fact that proteins are responsible for the maintenance and growth of bodily structures and
cells (including blood cells, hair, skin, muscles, and bones), they shouldn’t miss from a normal diet,
particularly when it comes to children. After they are eaten, the stomach begins to break them down.
This is continued into the small intestine where most of the breakdown happens. In the end, they are
actually reversed to their amino-acid structure and are absorbed into the bloodstream through the
intestine. Afterwards, they are either sent to the liver, where important proteins are synthesized, or
somewhere else in the body for further usage.
There are two main protein sources. The first one can be obtained from plans like nuts, soy, or beans
and, unlike other opinions, they do provide all essential amino-acids in proper quantities. However,
these should be carefully chosen because some plants only offer some, which means that if an individual
decides to follow a vegetarian diet, he/she should think about combining the sources so they can
receive the amounts they require on a daily basis. For example, pumpkin seeds are thought to have 9.35
grams of proteins per ounce, while asparagus has approximately 3 grams. Therefore, people shouldn’t
be afraid that they’re lacking essential proteins if they’re following a vegan diet because they can just as
easily take them from certain plants. A chart of plant/protein ratio can be consulted so individuals can
pick what is needed in their diets with more ease.
The second protein source is organic and includes seafood, meat, milk, eggs, pork tenderloin, and lean
beef. While this second source is viewed as better by some individuals, in some situations the
cholesterol levels may speak for themselves and a healthier alternative can be found in plants.

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3. Essential amino-acids
Some amino-acids are called “essential” because the body is unable to produce them and they have to
be taken through foods that feature them. There are twenty standard amino-acids from which only ten
can be made by the body in normal circumstances. The ones that can be produced by the body are
aspartic acid, asparagine, alanine, glutamic acid, cysteine, proline, glycine, tyrosine, and serine, while the
other ones are histidine, arginine, isoleucine, lysine, leucine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophane,
valine, and threonine.
Additionally, there are other amino-acids that are viewed as “conditionally essential” because there are
some individuals whose bodies are unable to produce them directly due to factors like aging or medical
conditions. For example, when the organism doesn’t produce alanine within normal parameters,
glucose isn’t properly converted into energy and the person can be exposed to diseases such as
diabetes.
If an individual fails to obtain any of the ten that are essential, the organism may start to degrade
protein-wise and some bodily organs and functions can be negatively affected, in some cases even
irreversibly. This is why any person should decide on a proper diet that includes essential amino-acids. If
they are unable to receive them through dieting, they should think of other ways of obtaining them,
such as nutritional supplements. However, before taking any type of natural remedy, one should consult
a specialized doctor because certain side-effects or interactions with other prescribed drugs may occur
and nobody wants to do more harm than good to their body.
4. A short description of essential and non-essential amino-acids
As we’ve previously mentioned, the essential amino-acids are asparagine, alanine, cysteine, glutamic
acid, aspartic acid, glycine, tyrosine, serine, and proline. Bellow you’ll see a short description of each, in
order to understand what happens if the right amounts lack from the organism.

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Essential amino-acids:
● Alanine has an important role in the glucose level maintenance because it helps convert glucose into
energy. Excessive lacks of alanine have been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome and Epstein-Barr.
● Tyrosine is used by the organism in order to make chemical messengers that are involved in cognitive
functions like mental alertness.
● Proline is a catalyzer in some organic reactions.
● Serine also plays a role in catalytic functions of some enzymes.
● Cysteine acts as an antioxidant and prevents some medical conditions including Angina,
Acetaminophen poisoning, HIV/AIDS, Influenza, Chronic bronchitis, and Acute Respiratory Distress
Sydrome (ARDS).
● Glutamic acid and Aspartic acid function as excitatory neurotransmitters within the central
nervous system, thus stimulating the brain. For instance, glutamic acid helps by supplying the brain with
proper fat and sugar levels. Furthermore, it facilitates the potassium absorption throughout the BBB or
blood-brain barrier.
● Glycine is used by the body in the protein making processes and is involved in the signal transmission
of chemical receptors towards the brain. Some studies also suggest that it might have a role in
prevention of cancer due to the fact that it affects the blood supply required by some tumors.
● Asparagine is generally synthesized from some metabolic pathway intermediates and can be also
found in Asparagus.
People should keep in mind that the essential amino-acids are not required in a normal diet, unless
other factors such as diseases or aging are involved which usually leads to an imbalance in the organism
that can sometimes be dangerous.

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Non-essential amino-acids:
● Histidine is recommended for problems like ulcers, allergic diseases, anemia determined by kidney
failure or dialysis, or rheumatoid arthritis. It can be taken from poultry, meat, dairy, fish, eggs, tofu,
beans, corn, cauliflower, mushroom, and potatoes.
● Arginine is often used for conditions linked to blood vessels and the heart, such as high blood
pressure, congestive heart failure, chest pain, and coronary artery disease. It can be taken from sesame
flour and soy protein.
● Isoleucine is present in protein in the form of L-isoleucine and has a role in muscle and skeletal
systems. Without it, there may be drastic consequences within the metabolism.
● Lysine is needed for bone development, as well as growth. It also assists in absorption of calcium and
maintenance of normal nitrogen balance. Other uses include production of hormones, antibodies,
enzymes, and tissue repair.
● Leucine is reliable when it comes to growth as well as stimulating the synthesis of protein in muscles.
Among its key uses there are healing injuries and wounds, and balancing the blood sugar in the energy
production functions. It is generally found in dairy products, wheat germ, oats, and animal proteins.
● Phenylalanine is utilized for some cognitive disorders or conditions that include ADHD (attention
deficit-hyperactivity disorder), Parkinson’s disease, and depression. However, it may also prove reliable
for treating osteoarthritis, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain.
● Methionine is generally taken to prevent liver damage in Tylenol poisoning. Additionally, it can be
taken for radiation side-effects, allergies, asthma, drug withdrawal, Parkinson’s disease, and
schizophrenia. It is found in dairy products, fish, and meat.
● Tryptophane usually helps with mood alleviation, enhancement of sleep, and appetite regulation. It
is found in dairy products, seeds, nuts, red meat, legumes, soybeans, tuna, turkey, and shellfish.
● Valine is a part of some muscle building programs and is helpful for repairing damaged tissues from
gallbladder and liver. It can be taken from mushrooms, meat, peanuts, soy products, dairy products, and
grains.
● Threonine is taken in order to reduce unwanted muscle contractions called spasticity.

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PART 2:
The role of amino-acids in brain health
Now that people are a little bit more familiar with what amino-acids are and what their purposes within
the organism are, we’re going to present some information in the next chapter that try to reveal the
connection between the health of their brain and the amino-acids intake or production within the
organism.
Even though the brain is such exquisitely organized at a molecular level, sometimes it needs a boost so it
can function better and more efficient. In some situations, if there is a deficiency of an essential amino-
acid, there may be pretty bad consequences for the person in case.
1. Neurotransmitters and connection to amino-acids
Neurotransmitters can be described as chemical messengers which are a pathway between some brain
cells. These substances are important for health because they affect a wide array of areas such as
appetite, mood, sleep, heart rate, anxiety, aggression, and temperature, as well as other physical and
psychological features. Therefore, proper levels should be sustained in order to avoid any type of
imbalance in those areas.
Some expert opinions state that the amino-acid neurotransmitters are regarded as main players in these
processes. The two most important amino-acid neurotransmitters are Glutamate and Gamma-
aminobutyric acid. The former is thought to play a role in memory and learning processes. In a related
note, there were some studies that pointed out that people suffering from some cognitive diseases such
as Alzheimer’s disease or brain injury may accumulate too much glutamate, which can eventually lead to
damage in the brain cells.
The second one, GABA has been tagged as an inhibitory neurotransmitter which blocks the chemical
transmission from a cell to another. The reason for behind its importance relies on the balance provided
in the brain. This is why some anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines work in the Gamma-
aminobutyric acid receptors and determine a stage of relaxation.

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All these neurotransmitters have interconnectivity because they are a part of a complex system which
requires balancing and checking at each moment of life. Considering this, maintaining proper amounts
of each neurotransmitter is essential for the proper functioning of the cognitive processes that include
thinking abilities, learning, memory, focus, and attention.
2. GABA (more about)
As we already stated, GABA represents a neurotransmitter that helps block signals in the brain, also
referred to as neurotransmissions. However, GABA has other usages as well. For instance, it can be
consumed by mouth in order to enhance mood, relieve anxiety, and reduce PMS (premenstrual
syndrome) symptoms. There are also some evaluations which reveal the fact that GABA can be helpful
when it comes to treating attention disorders such as ADHD or ADD, mainly because it gives the brain a
sense of relaxation and helps smoothen the connection it makes so the person can feel more calm and
relaxed during and after the treatment.
Other utilizations include fat burning, pain relief, muscle growth, and stabilization of blood pressure.
Even though there aren’t usually too many side-effects attached to its consumption, pregnant or nursing
women should be aware that it hasn’t been completely tested and in some situations may negatively
affect the health of the child. Therefore, it is better to stay away from GABA supplementation in these
cases.
Before deciding to follow any type of treatment that features GABA, individuals should know that,
although there is a standard dosage included in most of supplements found on the natural market, this
dosage directly depends on the age, sex, and health condition of the patient. Hence, if a person wants a
complete and personalized treatment, he or she should check with a healthcare practitioner prior to it.
In case there are no noticeable effects after long-term usage, the amounts taken should be completely
changed and the person should think about other options.

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3. Glutamate (more about)
Glutamate is actually released in the brain by nerve cells, being mainly responsible for delivering signals
within the nerve cells. In normal circumstances, it has a reliable role in memory and learning. However,
as with many substances, any type of excess can be pretty dangerous for the body, mostly due to the
over-excitation between nerve signaling. This amino-acid neurotransmitter is naturally produced in
some protein-featuring foods like milk, meat fish, mushrooms, cheese, and vegetables. However, if a
person doesn’t have sufficient time to properly maintain a diet, he or she can try an alternative
approach. Please note that, in most cases, this is not the best choice, but if the others have failed, it is a
possibility. A natural approach would be better because it doesn’t vastly less counteractions and side-
effects compared to the ones found in supplementation form.
On the other hand, there are positive sides to taking glutamate through a supplement, such as noticing
effects faster. They’re also considered to be safe for children, but further research is needed in this area.
The decision behind an individual’s approach if glutamate levels aren’t within normal parameters should
be made based upon either a doctor’s visit or considering factors like age, sex, and health state.
4. What problems can lack of amino-acids cause?
As we’ve mentioned before, amino-acids are very important for maintaining the health of the organism.
From stimulation of metabolism to replenishing or restoring the structures of cells, they possess a wide
array of functions. From a particular point of view, they can help reduce symptoms of depression,
enhance mental capacities, or even slow some of the aging processes.
So, what happens if they aren’t present in the body?
Well, you’re basically getting closer to death. As far as essential amino-acids go, if there are massive
lacks in dieting, the body is unable to process protein. This means that everything from the muscles to
the glands, hair, and nails will suffer. Furthermore, development and growth are directly dependent on
these building blocks, thus their absence can lead to growth impairments or problems within the
development stages. This is why grown-ups should be careful that their children consume sufficient
quantities of essential amino-acids on a daily basis so they can avoid further problems.

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Some of the most common issues that appear when the organism doesn’t have sufficient amounts of
amino-acids, hence is unable to properly synthesize protein, are colds and constant fatigue. Additionally,
minor injuries are exposed to an enhanced period of healing and people may observe swelling in their
feet, hands, or abdomen. A more serious condition is an illness named kwashiorkor which is
characterized by a massive lack of protein. Some of its symptoms include changes in skin and hair,
decreased muscular mass, delay in the body’s ability to recover from infections due to viruses, bacteria,
or fungi, and extreme fatigue followed by some periods of diarrhea.
The good news is that, in most situations, you can avoid the lack of amino-acids through a balanced
dieting, a proper sleeping schedule, and some weekly if not daily exercising.
4. Where can I find amino-acids and in which quantities?
In order to clarify this aspect, we’re going to present a table with aliment/ quantity of proteins
CHICKEN (chicken breast)
(chicken leg/ drumstick and wing)
30 g protein/ 3.5 oz
Aprox. 10 g protein
FISH (tuna)
(fish filets or steaks)
40 g protein/ 6 oz can
22 g protein/ 3 ½ oz can
PORK (chops, loin, tendon, and ground pork)
(bacon)
Aprox. 20 g protein/ 3 oz serving
3 g protein/ slice
EGGS
MILK, YOGURT, CHEESE
6 g protein
Between 6-10 g protein
TOFU
MOST BEANS (pinto, lentils, black, etc.)
2.3 g protein/ ½ cup
Between 7-10 g protein/ half a cup
PEANUT BUTTER
ALMONDS AND PEANUTS
8 g protein/ 2 tablespoons
Between 8-9 g protein/ ¼ cup
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
PUPMKIN SEEDS
6 g protein/ ¼ cup
8 g protein/ ¼ cup
FLAX SEEDS
PECANS
8 g protein/ ¼ cup
2.5 protein/ ¼ cup
SPLIT PEAS
PARMESAN
8 g protein/1/4 cup cooked
10 g protein/ oz

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5. Can I compensate somehow for my bad dieting?
Even though it’s not usually recommended, people can try some other approaches if their daily schedule
doesn’t allow them to consume the right amounts of essential amino-acids. First of all, a visit to a
dietician or a specialized doctor is recommended in order to determine if there are worrying aspects of
an individual’s health. Afterwards, depending on a person’s schedule, eating, and exercising habits, the
dietician can try to suggest a balanced diet so nothing is missed from the organism.
However, for those who are unable to follow this diet or can’t afford to pay a dietician or whatever
other reasons there may be, they can try another approach through dietary supplements which are
usually customized to fulfill certain requirements of the body. A person can decide which one to
consume after reading the labels of the product which generally recommend the type of treatment and
daily intake depending on the person’s needs. On the other hand, there may be a downside to taking
natural remedies. Some people can be allergic to some ingredients or are already following a prescribed
treatment which can counteract with the combination found in this type of remedies.
Therefore, it is recommended to either do some prior research of the product, read some customer
testimonials of either the product desired or something similar made by the same company, or consult a
healthcare provider who is capable of determining which products are good for you and which aren’t.
Additionally, it is important to immediately stop the treatment if any type of side-effects appear
because in extreme cases they can be lethal or damaging to the organism. Although these situations
aren’t that common, it is better to be safe than sorry.
6. At the end of the day, what have I learnt from this eBook?
People who had the patience and curiosity to read throughout the entire book should have gained some
information regarding amino-acids. For those who want to remember some highlights or weren’t that
interested in the entire book, but still wanted to learn something, we will resume the most important
features to remember about amino-acids and their role in the organism.

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So, the most important things to remember of amino-acids are the following:
1. There are two main categories of amino-acids essential and non-essential. The non-essential
ones are produced by the body, while the essential ones aren’t so they have to be taken from
foods.
2. Amino-acids are very important for the human body because their presence is linked to a
wide variety of functions and system from muscular system to cognitive system including
enzymes, connective tissues, antibodies, hormones, skin, hair, blood, and nails.
3. It is mandatory to maintain proper levels of amino-acids in the body so if it’s not possible
through food, people should find alternative ways such as dietary supplements.
4. Amino-acids are, in fact, the building blocks for protein so people should search for foods
that feature proteins.
5. Even though the proteins are generally obtained from meat and dietary foods, people who
are either vegetarian or vegans have to possibility to take them from some vegetables, seeds
and beans.
6. There are some “conditional essential amino-acids” which are actually one or more of the
non-essential ones that aren’t produced by the body in required amounts due to medical
conditions or aging.
7. Amino-acids influence cognitive functions such as mental alertness, concentration, focus, and
memory, thus some issues may appear in this area as well if they lack from the organism.
8. Research points out that an individual needs 8 to 10 grams of essential amino-acids in order
to stimulate protein synthesis, but if they come from a high-quality protein source such as
whey, approximately 20 grams are needed.
9. Amino-acids don’t need to be digested because they enter the blood stream once they are
eaten.
10. Amino-acids are utilized as precursors of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine and
they have been shown to reduce symptoms linked to depression, while also enhancing mood in
older adults.

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We hope you enjoy this presentation about the role of amino-acids in brain health and more
information have been brought to the people so they can understand the importance of a
proper dieting for health maintenance. We wish to remind you about the reliability of a
balanced dieting that should include at least 10 grams of protein per day, whether from an
animal, dietary, or vegetable source. We don’t claim that the usage of dietary supplements is
harmful, nor that it is of very high quality for the body, but we encourage people to pay
attention to the product labels, consult a healthcare provider, and stop the treatment if any
side-effects occur.
Depending on the composition of these natural remedies, some may appear to have no effect
whatsoever, but this may be mainly because they don’t offer what the person requires.
Therefore people should focus on their eating habits and if the decision to consume natural
remedies exists, combine those with a healthy lifestyle and don’t expect to see results from one
day to another.

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References
Wagner, Ingrid; Musso, Hans (November 1983). "New Naturally Occurring Amino
Acids". Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl.
"Biochemical pathways: an atlas of biochemistry and molecular biology" – Michal
www.webmed.com
www.naturalnews.com
www.everydayhealth.com

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