Amino acids are fundamental molecules that provide the building blocks for proteins, Proteins are large and complex molecules that are essential to human life. In humans, proteins are formed from about 20 amino acids that link together in molecular chains, called polypeptides. Your body makes some amino acids via a series of biochemical reactions, but there are certain essential amino acids that can only be obtained through diet.
Learn about amino acids, their role in various biological and metabolic processes, and how Amino Acid IV therapy can help you maintain optimal amino acid levels for total health.
Role of Amino Acids in the Human Body
Without proteins humans could not survive, and proteins are made up of amino acids. Every tissue in the body contains proteins, including muscle, bone, skin, hair, and organs. In addition, proteins play key roles in multiple biological systems and processes.
Functions of proteins in human health include:
- Production and regulation of hormones that control metabolism, mood, blood sugar, and reproductive health, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, thyroid hormones, and growth hormones.
- Enable oxygen transport via hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs, to be carried to tissues and organs throughout the body.
- Provide structural support for cells, tissues, and organs.
- Act as catalysts for biochemical reactions that facilitate metabolic processes.
- Provide antibodies for immune system support, to combat pathogens and infections.
- Fundamental to the synthesis and repair of muscle tissue.
- Promote recovery from physical activity.
- Build brain tissue and support cognitive health.
- Regulate neurotransmitters.
- Maintain the myelin sheath that insulates nerves and protects the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Promote healthy aging and longevity.
- Support high-quality sleep.
Essential Amino Acids and Complete Proteins
As the building blocks of proteins, amino acids are fundamental to human health, but not all amino acids are created equal. Of the 20 amino acids that have been identified, the body only makes eleven. The other nine – called essential amino acids – must be obtained through diet.
The nine essential amino acids are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Foods that contain all nine are called complete proteins, and they are derived from animal sources like red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Certain foods contain some but not all of the essential amino acids, but they can be combined with other foods to create a source of complete protein. Examples are peanut butter on whole wheat bread, or beans with rice. However, it is important to note that combining incomplete sources of protein may not be enough to meet your nutritional needs. For example, to roughly match the protein in a 6 oz steak – about 30 grams – you would need to eat around eight servings of peanut butter on wheat bread.
According to Harvard Health, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for an average sedentary adult to prevent deficiency is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. If you are physically active or athletic, that number goes up to 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram. To put that in perspective, a physically active person weighing 180 pounds needs between 98 and 164 grams of protein per day, the rough equivalent of 16 to 27 eggs. For vegans, that would add up to 20+ servings of peanut butter on wheat.
Signs and Causes of Amino Acid Deficiency
Over time, insufficient amino acid consumption can cause serious health problems. Babies and children can experience developmental delays and disorders, and cognitive deficits. In older adults, protein deficiency can cause sarcopenia (muscle loss) that leads to joint instability and reduced mobility.
Signs of amino acid deficiency include:
- Poor cognitive function
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Hair loss
- Mood swings and emotional disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Digestive problems
- Impaired immunity and frequent illnesses
- Memory loss
- Slowed growth in children
- Sarcopenia (muscle wasting)
- Fatty liver disease
- Edema
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Blood glucose fluctuations
A low-protein diet is the primary cause of amino acid deficiency, which is common in vegans and vegetarians. For meat eaters, gut dysbiosis and enzyme deficiencies can disrupt the breakdown and absorption of amino acids during digestion. Older adults may have trouble digesting amino acids due to reduced stomach acid production, along with dental issues that make it difficult to chew some forms of animal proteins.
Benefits of Amino Acid IV Therapy
Getting all the amino acids you need from your diet can be a challenge, especially if you restrict your consumption of animal protein. At the same time, pills and powder supplements can be expensive and difficult to digest. Amino acid IV therapy delivers essential amino acids directly to your bloodstream, to be quickly delivered to depleted cells throughout your body.
Amino acid IV therapy is an affordable and efficient way to combat deficiency and boost your total health. In addition to providing essential building blocks for protein synthesis, an amino acid IV cocktail can be custom-mixed to support all your nutrient needs. Consider adding a booster of NAD+ to support metabolic and mitochondrial health, or a GutZen booster to balance your gut microbiome for better digestion.
Get Amino Acid IV Therapy in NYC
Getting all the nutrients you need in today’s busy world is never easy, especially when it comes to protein. Many people rely on fast foods, takeout and processed foods to satisfy hunger pangs, but the tradeoff is low nutrient density and high calories. Amino acid IV therapy offers a safe and efficient way to replenish your amino acid levels without having to eat large amounts of animal protein.
At Invita Wellness, we offer nutrient IV therapy and other solutions to help you achieve and maintain your best health. Contact us today, and discover the difference amino acid IV therapy can make for your total health and quality of life.
Get Amino Acid IV Therapy in NYC
contact InVita Wellness today
Book Now
456 Broadway 2 Floor, New York, NY 10013, USA
Resources
Børsheim, Elisabet, et al. “Effect of amino acid supplementation on muscle mass, strength and physical function in elderly.” Clinical nutrition 27.2 (2008): 189-195.
Effect of amino acid supplementation on muscle mass, strength and physical function in elderly
Wu, Guoyao. “Functional amino acids in growth, reproduction, and health.” Advances in nutrition 1.1 (2010): 31-37.
Functional amino acids in growth, reproduction, and health
