Are all amino acids equally important?

Why does MyAMINO® contain only the eight essential amino acids?

A high-quality and sufficient protein supply is the basis for our health and well-being. Therefore, this also represents the heart of our dr.reinwald vital nutrition program with our pioneering amino acid product MyAMINO®. MyAMINO® offers a unique composition of the eight essential amino acids according to the specific human amino acid pattern.
However, we are repeatedly asked by customers why MyAMINO® contains only eight of the 21 proteinogenic, i.e. protein-building amino acids. We would like to explain this to you in the following.

Amino acids, the building blocks of life

But first, let’s look at why amino acids are so important for our health. Our body breaks down the protein from our food into amino acids during the digestion process. These are absorbed directly and without loss via the small intestine and distributed via the blood to all important parts of the body, where they are converted and incorporated into the body’s own protein (organ tissues such as skin, muscles, liver cells, enzymes, etc.) (body protein synthesis).

Amino acids thus form the basis for…

Hormones (insulin, glucagon)
Neurohormones (serotonin, melatonin)
Supporting and scaffolding proteins (collagen, elastin, keratin)
Structural proteins (actin, myosin)
Plasma proteins (globulin)
Transport proteins (albumin, hemoglobin)
Sex hormones
Immune defense (antibodies, blood clotting factors)

Good to know…

If the cleavage processes of the body’s protein synthesis are insufficient, the proteins are pushed half-digested into the large intestine, where they are decomposed by bacteria and burden the organism – the famous “winds” and the stool smelling strongly of putrefaction are evidence of this. Malassimilation can thus lead to a protein deficiency despite sufficient intake via the diet.

A sufficient supply of high-quality amino acids is therefore vital for strengthening and maintaining lean body and muscle substance, for our metabolism and our defenses – in short, for our health, vitality and ultimately for our fitness and mobility into old age.

The specific amino acid profile of humans:
Human Amino Acid Profile

Only recently has it been discovered that all living things have their own, very specific amino acid profile, the so-called “master profile” for achieving maximum protein synthesis – including humans. In order for body protein synthesis to function optimally, the eight essential amino acids must be present in the organism simultaneously and exactly according to the specific amino acid profile of the human organism.

If this is not the case, the so-called protein nutritional value (the ability to synthesize protein) is reduced, and instead the burden of metabolic breakdown toxins (ammonia) increases, which our body must dispose of via the breakdown organs liver and kidneys. This is exactly where our MyAMINO® comes in.

In addition, the breakdown of amino acids that cannot be used for body protein synthesis also produces energy in the form of glucose via gluconeogenesis. Why and when should this be avoided? For people with metabolic problems, it is often indicated to restrict gluconeogenesis via proteins for a period of time to get a rusty metabolism back on track and promote good ketosis more quickly.

Learn more about amino acids in our article: Why are amino acids so important to our bodies?

»Two must be if life is to succeed:

proteins and nucleic acids.«

Arthur Kornburg on the occasion of his Nobel Prize award in 1959

MyAMINO® – the protein revolution

MyAMINO® is based on a unique amino acid formula built according to the specific human amino acid profile (Human Amino Acid Profile). It provides an optimal ratio of the eight essential amino acids L-leucine (19.6%), L-valine (16.6%), L-isoleucine (14.8%), L-lysine (14.3%), L-phenylalanine (12.9%), L-threonine (11.1%), L-methionine (7.0%) and L-tryptophan (3.7%).

The benefit?

MyAMINO® achieves with ≥ 99 % NAV the highest protein nutritional value worldwide, which means: Almost all amino acids can be used for protein synthesis and thus for cell formation of the body!
In the process, only 1 % metabolic waste requiring excretion and only 1 % glucose from protein metabolism are produced. The organism and the organs are therefore hardly burdened.
MyAMINO® is almost completely free of calories (only 0.4 kcal in 10 pellets) and supplies your body with the same amount of actually usable amino acids as 350 g of meat, fish or poultry.
On an empty stomach it takes only 23 minutes until the amino acids from MyAMINO® are available to your organism. It is already broken down and does not require any cleavage enzymes (peptidases). For comparison: The transition time of common dietary proteins into the body takes 5 to 13 times longer.
MyAMINO® is obtained from fermented, GMO-free legumes and contains no additives, pesticides or doping substances. It is tolerated without restrictions.

The eight essential amino acids

Of the 21 proteinogenic amino acids, eight are considered essential. It is assumed that our body has lost the ability to synthesize them in the course of evolutionary history. Since our body cannot produce them itself, they must be ingested in sufficient quantities from food or supplements.

What does the suffix “L-” mean?

Amino acids occur in the so-called L- and D-configuration, which goes back to their spatial structure. All proteinogenic amino acids in the human body are L-amino acids, which is why you usually find the addition “L-” in products like our MyAMINO®.

BCAA: Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine

Leucine, isoleucine and valine are also abbreviated as BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) due to their branched chain structure. BCAAs are particularly well known among strength athletes because they play an important role in the synthesis of tissue proteins (for example, in muscle building). They are an essential component of the so-called contractile proteins, which are responsible, among other things, for the contraction (contracting) of our muscles and thus for our ability to move.

But not only that: leucine, isoleucine and valine promote the release of the growth hormone somatotropin, which is responsible for the growth of muscles, bones and cartilage. BCAA also stimulate insulin secretion, lower the release of the stress hormone cortisol and influence our immune function.

Unlike the other amino acids, the essential amino acids leucine, isoleucine and vain are broken down directly in the muscle and are not predominantly metabolized in the liver.

Note:
We strongly advise against a sole supply of BCAA. As already described, our body can only optimally absorb and utilize amino acids if all eight essential amino acids are present at the same time and in the correct ratio to each other – provided that the limited storage capacity for free amino acids has not yet been reached. Anything else inevitably leads to a reduction in the protein nutritional value as well as to an increased load of metabolic degradation toxins.

Lysine

As a building block of collagen, lysine plays an important role especially in muscle formation, bone growth, wound healing and cell division. A lysine deficiency can lead to growth disorders, immune deficiency and reduced enzyme activity. An adequate supply of lysine is therefore very important, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Lysine also supports the immune system and has antiviral properties. It acts as an antagonist of the non-essential amino acid arginine, the nutrient of herpes viruses. Lysine is needed for the synthesis of the non-essential amino acid carnitine.

Tryptophan

Through the formation of the two neuropeptides serotonin and melatonin, tryptophan regulates our sleep-wake rhythm, our mood, our appetite and our perception of pain. Tryptophan also plays an important role as a precursor of niacin (vitamin B3). However, the body needs 60 mg of tryptophan to synthesize 1 mg of niacin. A tryptophan deficiency is also associated with the development of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Phenylalanine

The non-essential amino acid tyrosine is synthesized from phenylalanine in the liver. The latter is necessary, among other things, for the formation of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, the skin pigment melanin, individual thyroid hormones and the neurotransmitter dopamine. In people with the inborn error of metabolism phenylketonuria (PKU), phenylalanine cannot be metabolized to tyrosine due to a missing enzyme.

Methionine

Besides cysteine, methionine is the only proteinogenic amino acid containing sulfur. Sulfur acidifies the urine, inhibiting bacterial growth and counteracting infections. Methionine is therefore popular in the treatment or prevention of urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Sulfur also binds heavy metals and promotes their elimination. Furthermore, methionine serves as a supplier of methyl groups for the stress hormone adrenaline, the structural protein creatine and other important hormones.

Threonine

Threonine is an important component of many proteins, including antibodies, collagen and mucins. The latter are structural components of the mucus that protects our mucous membranes. Threonine thus plays an essential role in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Furthermore, along with lysine, threonine acts as a glue for our vascular walls.
In order to function optimally in the body, threonine requires sufficient amounts of vitamins B3 and B6, vitamin D and magnesium. The non-essential amino acids glycine and serine can be synthesized from threonine.

Non-essential amino acids

All other amino acids – insofar as the eight essential amino acids are sufficiently available – are synthesized independently by our body or obtained from other amino acids by modification. They should therefore not be taken in additionally via food or as a dietary supplement in order to avoid burdening the body with metabolic waste.
The non-essential amino acids play a role in the production of enzymes, in the body’s own detoxification and in the regulation of our metabolism, among other things. Although they are not essential, they are therefore also basic requirements for our health and well-being.

Alanine

Alanine has an important function in our body’s energy production and muscle building, as our muscle fibers are made up of about 6 percent alanine. It is also present in high concentrations in prostatic fluid and influences the sensitivity of cells to insulin.

Arginine

Arginine is also involved in muscle building by promoting growth hormones. It is also the basis for the body’s synthesis of the neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) and is therefore of vital importance for our blood circulation, vascular health and cardiovascular system. In addition, arginine stimulates the build-up of collagen and creatine (the building block of our hair fibers) as well as the formation of white blood cells.

Asparagine

Asparagine plays an important role in the body’s detoxification process as well as in the breakdown of alcohol in the blood, as it stimulates kidney production. It is considered to be a blood purifier and diuretic. Asparagine is also a precursor of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters).

Aspartic acid

As one of the most important messenger substances in the brain, aspartic acid influences our mental and physical performance. In addition, aspartic acid is a precursor for other neurotransmitters as well as a precursor of coenzyme A, which is involved in the breakdown of fatty acids. It also serves as an energy source for the cells of the intestinal mucosa.

Cysteine

Cysteine plays a major role in the formation of cartilage, bones, skin, hair and nails. While babies still have to absorb cysteine – at least in part – from food, it is later produced independently by the liver from the essential amino acid methionine and the non-essential amino acid serine. Cysteine is a precursor of taurine, which is important for the nervous system, visual cells and heart function; together with vitamin B, it is involved in the formation of fat cells.

Glutamine

With a share of about 20%, glutamine is the most important free amino acid in the blood plasma in terms of quantity. It is found in almost every cell and functions as an important source of energy, especially for the cells of the digestive system and immune defense. Glutamine is also present in high concentrations in muscle cells, which also predominantly synthesize it.

Glutamic acid

Glutamic acid is the amino acid with the highest concentration in the brain. It is the starting material for the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is involved in the urea cycle and has a calming effect on the nervous system as a precursor of the neurotransmitter GABA. Glutamic acid is involved in the formation of the amino acids arginine and proline and in the formation of glutathione. It binds the cell toxin ammonia and thus also plays an important role in detoxification.

Glycine

Glycine is involved in the body’s own formation of glutathione and, as a component of hemoglobin metabolism, in the transport of oxygen in the blood. It accounts for about one third of the protein content of collagen, making it an important component of skin, hair, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and joints. To regulate blood sugar levels, the body can convert glycine into glucose. Glycine, together with taurine, regulates the leakage of bile acid from the gallbladder into the small intestine. It also belongs to the neurotransmitters, whereby it has a calming or inhibiting effect.

Histidine

Histidine is involved in the formation of the iron storage protein ferritin and is a component of the red blood pigment hemoglobin. It is particularly important for the transport of oxygen in the body and for buffering the pH value in our blood. Our body produces the neurotransmitter histamine from histidine, which plays a central role in immune defense against foreign substances and is released in excess in allergies.

Proline

As a component of collagen, proline plays an important role in cell renewal, tissue repair and the regeneration of cartilage and bone. It protects our body from collagen breakdown by blocking the so-called collagenases, the enzymes that break down connective tissue. In combination with vitamin C, our body can form the related hydroxyproline from proline, which is also an important component of the structural proteins collagen and elastin. Proline itself is synthesized from glutamate, the salt of glutamic acid.

Serine

Serine is found in the two digestive enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin as well as in many membranes. It is present in particularly high concentrations in the cell membranes of the brain. It plays an important role in the transmission of stimuli by neurons and is therefore essential for our memory and attention. It can be synthesized from glycine or threonine.

Selenocysteine

Selenocysteine is the most recently discovered amino acid. It is a central component of many enzymes, for example deiodase, which activates the thyroid hormone. It contains the trace element selenium and protects the body against oxidative stress. Selenocysteine is formed by modification of the essential amino acid serine.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is necessary, among other things, for the formation of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, the skin pigment melanin, individual thyroid hormones and the neurotransmitter dopamine. People with the inborn error of metabolism phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolize the essential amino acid phenylalanine, the precursor of tyrosine, to tyrosine due to a missing enzyme.

Conclusion

All the amino acids mentioned are equally important for our health and well-being. Our body can produce the non-essential amino acids from the eight essential amino acids on its own – and in exactly the quantity in which it needs them. A supply of the non-essential amino acids is therefore not necessary, and should also be avoided in favor of the protein nutritional value and to avoid an increased load of metabolic degradation toxins!
For the pleasure and relief of your body, you should supplement only the eight essential amino acids – and at the same time and exactly in the right ratio to each other, as is the case in our MyAMINO®.

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