L threonine what. Threonine: formula, useful substances, properties, application, benefits and harm. Threonine. Side effects and safety

In 1935, William Cumming Rose discovered an 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, promoting the production of antibodies.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Threonine is an essential monoaminocarboxylic amino acid, which means it is not produced by the body on its own. High concentrations of the substance were found in the heart, skeletal muscle 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-allotreonine (rarely found in nature);
• D-threonine (not so important for humans);
• D-allothreonine (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 component of collagen and elastin, as well as an indispensable component for the formation of healthy tooth enamel.

By maintaining proper protein balance in the body, this amino acid promotes normal growth, which is why children and adolescents need to increase their consumption of threonine-rich foods. And combining with methionine and aspartic acid, this substance helps the liver “digest” fats, thereby preventing the accumulation of lipids in the tissues of the organ. In addition to all of the above, threonine has a beneficial effect on the functioning of 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 process of antibody production in the body, which ultimately has a strengthening effect on the immune system.

The fact that this amino acid is extremely necessary for the adequate functioning of the nervous system is indicated by the presence of a high concentration of the substance in cells, in particular the central nervous system. Its beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state allows it to be used as a treatment for certain types of depression.

In medicine, the amino acid is used as a drug to relax muscles during cramps. Threonine has also found its use 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.

BENEFITS OF THREONINE

So, having analyzed 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);
• has a 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 remedy for combating fatty liver (however, excessive consumption of amino acids has a negative effect on this organ);
• promotes the growth of the thymus;
• helps produce antibodies, which supports the immune system;
• promotes easier and faster absorption of other beneficial substances;
• significant for maintaining mental health;
• effective in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

DAILY RATE AND CONSUMPTION RULES

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 and increase the level of urea in the body, and therefore ammonia, which has a toxic effect.

Lack of amino acid causes emotional agitation, confusion, indigestion and fatty liver. In addition, the lack of this substance leads to an imbalance of all amino acids that are produced on the basis of threonine.

People who are actively involved in sports, or whose work involves heavy physical labor, should take care of additional amino acid intake. Also, a high concentration of the substance should be maintained in a growing organism for a longer period of time. Threonine is also useful for people suffering from depression. A slight increase in the daily norm 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. There is also an opinion 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 supplement their supply from nuts, grains, beans, seeds and some vegetables.

Sources of animal origin: almost all types of meat (lamb, beef, horse meat, chicken, turkey, grouse), dairy products (many varieties of hard cheese, feta cheese), fish (sea, fatty) and eggs.

Plant sources: leafy vegetables, lentils, barley, wheat, buckwheat, beans, mushrooms, sprouted grains, rye, seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables.

HOW ABSORBED BY THE BODY

Usually the body easily absorbs threonine, but for this it needs the presence of vitamins from group B, in particular B3 and B6 are the most useful for this. In addition, it is important to monitor the concentration of magnesium in the body, since the correct absorption of the amino acid also depends on this trace element.

Meanwhile, some people with genetic diseases may not absorb threonine from food at all. In such cases, it is important to take serine glycine more intensively - amino acids for which threonine actually serves as a “precursor”.

OTHER AREAS OF APPLICATIONS OF THREONINE

In European countries, threonine is actively used as a dietary supplement to feed for domestic animals. In this field, the amino acid is known as a means of promoting faster growth of animals and poultry. The results of many studies have shown significant weight gain 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 remember the role of the amino acid as a “growth agent.” Deficiency of threonine 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 for human health.

Today everyone knows how important the compounds called are for our body. One such compound is threonine. And although it is part of almost everything in the human body, threonine is not synthesized in the human body. That is, it comes to us only with food or with nutritional supplements. This amino acid is especially important for children; their need for threonine is greater than for an adult.

How is threonine useful for us? The most important thing is that 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 - proteins of connective and muscle tissue. and elastin are necessary for muscles, tendons, ligaments, and for the elasticity of blood vessels, skin, and normal heart function. Naturally, children need threonine in larger quantities than adults, because their bodies are just building. 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. There may even be a deterioration in vision. An adult also needs threonine, since the body of an adult is constantly renewed. And for the good condition of the skin or teeth (and threonine is part of tooth enamel), you need a constant intake of threonine into the body.

Increased doses of this amino acid are necessary during recovery after operations and various injuries.

Threonine is also necessary for healthy liver function. In combination with methionine and aspartic acid, it takes care of the processing of fats and fatty acids. This means it prevents the development of fatty liver disease - hepatosis.

Threonine is also needed for 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 also very important during pregnancy - it reduces toxicosis in the early months.

Used in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system, depressive conditions, 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 microelement magnesium, promote the absorption of threonine by the body. For complete, high-quality muscle protein, threonine must be consumed in combination with methionine and aspartic acid.

As a rule, there should be no shortage of threonine with a proper diet, but if a person consumes a small amount of protein foods (meat, fish, mushrooms), the lack of this important amino acid can manifest itself in muscle weakness, depression, hair loss, poor condition of the skin and nails and teeth, developmental delay in children. A 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, increased doses of glycine and serine, which are formed as a result of the synthesis of threonine, are prescribed for treatment.

Excess threonine in the body leads to the accumulation of uric acid. When consuming food 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, fatty sea fish, seafood, and mushrooms. Plant foods also contain threonine, but in smaller quantities; it is present in lentils, beans, wheat, rye, buckwheat, and also in nuts. Vegetarians who limit their consumption of animal foods may experience a threonine deficiency.

The daily requirement of threonine for an adult is 0.5 g, for children - 3 g. The need for threonine increases with active growth and development of the body, with increased physical activity, during sports, with depression, and, as we have already said, vegetarianism. But as a person ages, the need for threonine decreases.

For athletes, this amino acid is of great importance, as it promotes growth and

In 1935, William Cumming Rose discovered an 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, promoting the production of antibodies.

general characteristics

Threonine is an essential monoaminocarboxylic amino acid, which means it is not produced by the body on its own. High concentrations of the substance were found in the heart, skeletal muscle 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-allotreonine (rarely found in nature);
• D-threonine (not so important for humans);
• D-allothreonine (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 component of collagen and elastin, as well as an indispensable component for the formation of healthy tooth enamel.

By maintaining proper protein balance in the body, this amino acid promotes normal growth, which is why children and adolescents need to increase their consumption of threonine-rich foods. And combining with methionine and aspartic acid, this substance helps the liver “digest” fats, thereby preventing the accumulation of lipids in the tissues of the organ. In addition to all of the above, threonine has a beneficial effect on the functioning of 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 process of antibody production in the body, which ultimately has a strengthening effect on the immune system.

The fact that this amino acid is extremely necessary for the adequate functioning of the nervous system is indicated by the presence of a high concentration of the substance in cells, in particular the central nervous system. Its beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state allows it to be used as a treatment for certain types of depression.

In medicine, the amino acid is used as a drug to relax muscles during cramps. Threonine has also found its use 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, having analyzed 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);
• has a 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 remedy for combating fatty liver (however, excessive consumption of amino acids has a negative effect on this organ);
• promotes the growth of the thymus;
• helps produce antibodies, which supports the immune system;
• promotes easier and faster absorption of other beneficial substances;
• significant for maintaining mental health;
• effective in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Daily norm 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 and increase the level of urea in the body, and therefore ammonia, which has a toxic effect.

Lack of amino acid causes emotional agitation, confusion, indigestion and fatty liver. In addition, the lack of this substance leads to an imbalance of all products that are produced on the basis of threonine.

People who are actively involved in sports, or whose work involves heavy physical labor, should take care of additional amino acid intake. Also, a high concentration of the substance should be maintained in a growing organism for a longer period of time. Threonine is also useful for people suffering from depression. A slight increase in the daily norm 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. There is also an opinion 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 supplement their supply from nuts, grains, beans, seeds and some vegetables.

Sources of animal origin: almost all types of meat (lamb, beef, horse meat, chicken, turkey, grouse), dairy products (many varieties of hard cheese, feta 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 absorption of the amino acid also depends on this.

Meanwhile, some people with genetic diseases may not absorb threonine from food at all. In such cases, it is important to take more intensively and - amino acids, for which threonine actually serves as a “precursor”.

Other uses of threonine

In European countries, threonine is actively used as a dietary supplement to feed for domestic animals. In this field, the amino acid is known as a means of promoting faster growth of animals and poultry. The results of many studies have shown significant weight gain 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 remember the role of the amino acid as a “growth agent.” Deficiency of threonine 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 for human health.

Chemical substances containing the structural components of a carboxylic acid and an amine molecule are called amino acids. This is the general name for a group of organic compounds that contain a hydrocarbon chain, a carboxyl group (-COOH) and an amino group (-NH2). Their precursors are carboxylic acids, and molecules in which the hydrogen at the first carbon atom is replaced by an amino group are called alpha amino acids.

Only 20 amino acids are valuable for enzymatic biosynthesis reactions that occur in the body of all living beings. These substances are called standard amino acids. There are also non-standard amino acids that are included in some special protein molecules. They are not found everywhere, although they perform an important function in wildlife. It is likely that the radicals of these acids are modified after biosynthesis.

General information and list of substances

There are two large groups of amino acids that were isolated due to the patterns of their occurrence in nature. Specifically, there are 20 standard type amino acids and 26 non-standard type amino acids. The former are found in the proteins of any living organism, while the latter are specific to individual living organisms.

The 20 standard amino acids are divided into 2 types depending on their ability to be synthesized in the human body. These are replaceable, which in human cells can be formed from precursors, and irreplaceable, for the synthesis of which there are no enzyme systems or substrate. Nonessential amino acids may not be present in food, since the body can synthesize them, replenishing their quantity if necessary. Essential amino acids cannot be obtained by the body on its own and therefore must be obtained from food.

Biochemists have determined the names of amino acids from the group of essential amino acids. There are 8 known in total:

• methionine;
• threonine;
• isoleucine;
• leucine;
• phenylalanine;
• tryptophan;
• valine;
• lysine;
• histidine is also often included here.

These are substances with a different structure of the hydrocarbon radical, but always with the presence of a carboxyl group and an amino group at the alpha-C atom.

There are 11 substances in the group of non-essential amino acids:

• alanine;
• glycine;
• arginine;
• asparagine;
• aspartic acid;
• cysteine;
• glutamic acid;
• glutamine;
• proline;
• serine;
• tyrosine

Basically, their chemical structure is simpler than that of the essential ones, so their synthesis is easier for the body. Most essential amino acids cannot be obtained only due to the lack of a substrate, that is, a precursor molecule through a transamination reaction.

Glycine, alanine, valine

In the biosynthesis of protein molecules, glycine, valine and alanine are most often used (the formula of each substance is indicated below in the figure). These amino acids are the simplest in chemical structure. The substance glycine is the simplest in the class of amino acids, that is, in addition to the alpha carbon atom, the compound has no radicals. However, even the simplest molecule in structure plays an important role in ensuring life. In particular, the porphyrin ring of hemoglobin and purine bases are synthesized from glycine. The porphyry ring is a protein section of hemoglobin, designed to hold iron atoms as part of an integral substance.

Glycine is involved in the functioning of the brain, acting as an inhibitory transmitter of the central nervous system. This means that it is more involved in the work of the cerebral cortex - its most complexly organized tissue. More importantly, glycine is a substrate for the synthesis of purine bases necessary for the formation of nucleotides that encode hereditary information. In addition, glycine serves as a source for the synthesis of the other 20 amino acids, while it itself can be formed from serine.

The amino acid alanine has a slightly more complex formula than glycine, since it has a methyl radical replaced by one hydrogen atom at the alpha carbon atom of the substance. At the same time, alanine also remains one of the molecules most often involved in the processes of protein biosynthesis. It is part of any protein in living nature.

Valine, which cannot be synthesized in the human body, is an amino acid with a branched hydrocarbon chain consisting of three carbon atoms. The isopropyl radical gives the molecule more weight, but because of this it is impossible to find a substrate for biosynthesis in the cells of human organs. Therefore, valine must be supplied with food. It is present predominantly in the structural proteins of muscles.

Research results confirm that valine is essential for the functioning of the central nervous system. In particular, due to its ability to restore the myelin sheath of nerve fibers, it can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, drug addiction, and depression. It is found in large quantities in meat products, rice, and dried peas.

Tyrosine, histidine, tryptophan

In the body, tyrosine can be synthesized from phenylalanine, although it comes in large quantities from dairy foods, mainly cottage cheese and cheeses. It is part of casein, an animal protein found in excess in curd and cheese products. The key significance of tyrosine is that its molecule becomes a substrate for the synthesis of catecholamines. These are adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine - mediators of the humoral system for regulating body functions. Tyrosine is able to quickly penetrate the blood-brain barrier, where it quickly turns into dopamine. The tyrosine molecule is involved in melanin synthesis, providing pigmentation to the skin, hair and iris.

The amino acid histidine is part of the structural and enzymatic proteins of the body and is a substrate for the synthesis of histamine. The latter regulates gastric secretion, participates in immune reactions, and regulates the healing of damage. Histidine is an essential amino acid, and the body replenishes its reserves only from food.

Tryptophan is also unable to be synthesized by the body due to the complexity of its hydrocarbon chain. It is part of proteins and is a substrate for the synthesis of serotonin. The latter is a neurotransmitter designed to regulate the cycles of wakefulness and sleep. Tryptophan and tyrosine - these names of amino acids should be remembered by neurophysiologists, since they synthesize the main mediators of the limbic system (serotonin and dopamine), which ensure the presence of emotions. However, there is no molecular form that ensures the accumulation of essential amino acids in tissues, which is why they must be present in food daily. Protein food in the amount of 70 grams per day fully meets these needs of the body.

Phenylalanine, leucine and isoleucine

Phenylalanine is notable for the fact that the amino acid tyrosine is synthesized from it when it is deficient. Phenylalanine itself is a structural component of all proteins in living nature. It is a metabolic precursor to the neurotransmitter phenylethylamine, providing mental focus, mood elevation, and psychostimulation. In the Russian Federation, circulation of this substance in concentrations above 15% is prohibited. The effect of phenylethylamine is similar to that of amphetamine, but the former does not have a harmful effect on the body and differs only in the development of mental dependence.

One of the main substances of the amino acid group is leucine, from which the peptide chains of any human protein, including enzymes, are synthesized. The compound, used in its pure form, is capable of regulating liver functions, accelerating the regeneration of its cells, and ensuring rejuvenation of the body. Therefore, leucine is an amino acid that is available in the form of a drug. It is highly effective in the auxiliary treatment of liver cirrhosis, anemia, and leukemia. Leucine is an amino acid that significantly facilitates the rehabilitation of patients after chemotherapy.

Isoleucine, like leucine, is not able to be synthesized by the body independently and belongs to the group of essential ones. However, this substance is not a medicine, since the body has little need for it. Basically, only one stereoisomer (2S,3S)-2-amino-3-methylpentanoic acid is involved in biosynthesis.

Proline, serine, cysteine

The substance proline is an amino acid with a cyclic hydrocarbon radical. Its main value is the presence of a ketone group in the chain, which is why the substance is actively used in the synthesis of structural proteins. Reduction of the heterocycle ketone to a hydroxyl group to form hydroxyproline forms multiple hydrogen bonds between collagen chains. As a result, the threads of this protein intertwine and provide a strong intermolecular structure.

Proline is an amino acid that provides mechanical strength to human tissue and its skeleton. Most often it is found in collagen, which is part of bones, cartilage and connective tissue. Like proline, cysteine ​​is an amino acid from which structural protein is synthesized. However, this is not collagen, but a group of alpha-keratin substances. They form the stratum corneum of the skin, nails, and are present in hair scales.

The substance serine is an amino acid that exists in the form of optical L and D isomers. This is a nonessential substance synthesized from phosphoglycerate. Serine can be formed during an enzymatic reaction from glycine. This interaction is reversible, and therefore glycine can be formed from serine. The main value of the latter is that enzymatic proteins, or rather their active centers, are synthesized from serine. Serine is widely present in structural proteins.

Arginine, methionine, threonine

Biochemists have determined that excessive consumption of arginine provokes the development of Alzheimer's disease. However, in addition to the negative meaning, the substance also has functions that are vital for reproduction. In particular, due to the presence of a guanidine group, which resides in the cell in cationic form, the compound is capable of forming a huge number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Thanks to this, arginine in the form of a zwitterion acquires the ability to bind to the phosphate regions of DNA molecules. The result of the interaction is the formation of many nucleoproteins - the packaging form of DNA. Arginine, when changing the pH of the nuclear matrix of the cell, can be detached from the nucleoprotein, providing unwinding of the DNA chain and the beginning of translation for protein biosynthesis.

The amino acid methionine contains a sulfur atom in its structure, which is why the pure substance in crystalline form has an unpleasant rotten odor due to the released hydrogen sulfide. In the human body, methionine performs a regenerative function, promoting the healing of liver cell membranes. Therefore, it is available in the form of an amino acid preparation. A second drug intended for diagnosing tumors is also synthesized from methionine. It is synthesized by replacing one carbon atom with its C11 isotope. In this form, it actively accumulates in tumor cells, making it possible to determine the size of brain tumors.

Unlike the amino acids mentioned above, threonine is of lesser importance: amino acids are not synthesized from it, and its content in tissues is low. The main value of threonine is its inclusion in proteins. This amino acid has no specific functions.

Asparagine, lysine, glutamine

Asparagine is a common nonessential amino acid present as the sweet-tasting L-isomer and the bitter-tasting D-isomer. Body proteins are formed from asparagine, and oxaloacetate is synthesized through gluconeogenesis. This substance can be oxidized in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and provide energy. This means that in addition to the structural function, asparagine also performs an energetic one.

Lysine, which cannot be synthesized in the human body, is an amino acid with alkaline properties. Immune proteins, enzymes and hormones are mainly synthesized from it. Moreover, lysine is an amino acid that independently exhibits antiviral agents against the herpes virus. However, the substance is not used as a drug.

The amino acid glutamine is present in the blood in concentrations much higher than other amino acids. It plays a major role in the biochemical mechanisms of nitrogen metabolism and the excretion of metabolites, participates in the synthesis of nucleic acids, enzymes, hormones, and is capable of strengthening the immune system, although it is not used as a drug. But glutamine is widely used among athletes, as it helps to recover after training and removes nitrogen and butyrate metabolites from the blood and muscles. This mechanism for accelerating the athlete’s recovery is not considered artificial and is not rightly recognized as doping. Moreover, there are no laboratory methods for convicting athletes of such doping. Glutamine is also present in significant quantities in food.

Aspartic and glutamic acid

Aspartic and glutamic amino acids are extremely valuable to the human body due to their neurotransmitter-activating properties. They speed up the transfer of information between neurons, ensuring the maintenance of the functioning of brain structures lying below the cortex. In such structures, reliability and constancy are important, because these centers regulate breathing and blood circulation. Therefore, there is a huge amount of aspartic and glutamic amino acids in the blood. The spatial structural formula of amino acids is shown in the figure below.

Aspartic acid is involved in the synthesis of urea, eliminating ammonia from the brain. It is an important substance for maintaining a high rate of reproduction and renewal of blood cells. Of course, in leukemia this mechanism is harmful, and therefore, to achieve remission, enzyme preparations that destroy the aspartic amino acid are used.

One fourth of all amino acids in the body is glutamic acid. This is a neurotransmitter of postsynaptic receptors, necessary for synaptic transmission of impulses between neuron processes. However, glutamic acid is also characterized by an extrasynaptic pathway of information transmission - volumetric neurotransmission. This method underlies memory and represents a neurophysiological mystery, because it has not yet been clarified which receptors determine the amount of glutamate outside the cell and outside the synapses. However, it is the amount of substance outside the synapse that is thought to be important for bulk neurotransmission.

Chemical structure

All non-standard and 20 standard amino acids have a common structure plan. It includes a cyclic or aliphatic hydrocarbon chain with or without the presence of radicals, an amino group at the alpha carbon atom and a carboxyl group. The hydrocarbon chain can be anything, in order for a substance to have the reactivity of amino acids, the location of the main radicals is important.

The amino group and carboxyl group must be attached to the first carbon atom of the chain. According to the nomenclature accepted in biochemistry, it is called an alpha atom. This is important for the formation of a peptide group, the most important chemical bond that makes proteins exist. From the point of view of biological chemistry, life is the mode of existence of protein molecules. The main importance of amino acids is the formation of peptide bonds. The general structural formula of amino acids is presented in the article.

Physical properties

Despite the similar structure of the hydrocarbon chain, amino acids have significantly different physical properties from carboxylic acids. At room temperature they are hydrophilic crystalline substances and are highly soluble in water. In an organic solvent, due to dissociation at the carboxyl group and the removal of a proton, amino acids dissolve poorly, forming mixtures of substances, but not true solutions. Many amino acids taste sweet, while carboxylic acids taste sour.

These physical properties are due to the presence of two functional chemical groups, due to which the substance behaves in water like a dissolved salt. Under the influence of water molecules, a proton is removed from the carboxyl group, the acceptor of which is the amino group. Due to the shift in the electron density of the molecule and the absence of freely moving protons, pH (an indicator of acidity) the solution remains quite stable when acids or alkalis with high dissociation constants are added. This means that amino acids are able to form weak buffer systems, maintaining homeostasis in the body.

It is important that the charge modulus of a dissociated amino acid molecule is zero, since the proton removed from the hydroxyl group is accepted by the nitrogen atom. However, a positive charge is formed on the nitrogen in the solution, and a negative charge is formed on the carboxyl group. The ability to dissociate directly depends on acidity, and therefore there is an isoelectric point for amino acid solutions. This is the pH (a measure of acidity) at which the largest number of molecules have zero charge. In this state, they are motionless in the electric field and do not conduct current.

Threonine is an amino acid that was discovered in the first half of the last century by William Cummings Rose. As it turned out, this substance has the ability to support the body’s immune system and is involved in the production of antibodies. In the article we will consider the formula of threonine. We will present information about daily consumption and products in which the component is found.

Description and formula

Threonine is a monoaminocarboxylic amino acid, which means that it is not produced by the body on its own. The highest concentrations of the substance are found in the heart, skeletal muscles and cells of the nervous system. Threonine enters the body only in food.

Chemical formula of threonine: C 4 H 9 NO 3.

Science knows 4 optical isomers of the element:

• L-threonine is essential for the body.
• L-allotreonine is practically not found in nature.
• D-threonine has no significance for the human body.
• D-allothreonine is considered to be of minor importance.

The structural formula of threonine looks like this:

Scientific studies of this amino acid have made it possible to discover many of its beneficial properties. Threonine is mainly involved in protein synthesis, found in collagen and elastin, and is also one of the main components in the formation of strong tooth enamel.

For the normal functioning of the human body and the natural growth of a child, the production of proteins, which are the main builders of cells, is necessary; this process cannot do without threonine.

Advantages

Threonine's formula includes hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. Such elements have beneficial properties. Among them are:

• Positive effect on liver function.
• The ability to synthesize glycine and serine, amino acids, without which the production of elastin and muscle tissue is impossible.
• Participation in maintaining the immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems.
• It is part of proteins and enzymes.
• Effect on thymus growth.
• Fights fatty liver, subject to reasonable use of threonine.
• The ability to produce antibodies, thereby maintaining the body's defenses.
• Improving and accelerating the process of absorption of nutrients.
• Beneficial effect on psycho-emotional health.
• Help in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Daily intake and rules of use

The daily dose of the amino acid threonine ranges from 500 mg to 3 g, while the minimum dose is sufficient for an adult and the maximum for children. This difference is explained by the fact that the child’s body grows and needs more building material.

If an amino acid is present in the diet as a dietary supplement, then it is important to know that exceeding the dosage can lead to pathologies in the liver, increase the level of urea in the body and, as a result, ammonia. This in turn has a toxic effect.

Lack of threonine leads to increased excitability and confusion, impaired digestive function and fatty liver. Since threonine is involved in the synthesis of many amino acids, its deficiency leads to their imbalance in the body.

People whose work involves heavy physical labor, as well as athletes and sportsmen, need an increased dosage of the amino acid. Children during the period of active growth should increase the concentration of threonine in the body. People suffering from depression are recommended to increase the daily intake of the substance to normalize their psycho-emotional state. With age, the need for amino acids decreases.

Applications

In European countries, threonine, whose formula is C 4 H 9 NO 3, is widely used as a dietary supplement in pet food. Its main function is to stimulate the rapid growth of cattle and poultry. As a result of numerous studies, it was found that animals whose diet contained the amino acid gained significant weight in a shorter period.

The element is found in excess in blood plasma. The highest concentration of threonine is in newborns, this is explained by the participation of the substance in the growth of the child. Regular consumption of products containing threonine has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all human organs.

In medicine, threonine is used as a means to relax muscles during convulsive conditions. The substance is also indicated for people suffering from multiple and atrophic sclerosis.

In surgery, amino acid is widely used to quickly heal wounds and accelerate the recovery process. Pharmaceutical preparations with threonine help maintain the tone and elasticity of muscles and blood vessels.

What products contain?

The determining factors for the concentration of amino acids in the body are nutrition and the environmental situation in the place of residence of a person. To provide the body with threonine, it is necessary to include foods containing it in the daily diet. The highest concentration of the substance is found in eggs and shellfish. Vegetarians are advised to eat more legumes and grains, nuts and vegetables, and if they are deficient in amino acids, take threonine supplements.

Threonine is also found in foods:

1. Sources of animal food: beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, horse meat, some types of game, fish (mainly sea or fatty varieties), milk, kefir, feta cheese, hard cheese, sour cream, fermented baked milk, butter.
2. Sources of plant foods: all types of nuts, leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, buckwheat, barley, rye, sesame, flaxseed, sprouted grains, mushrooms.

How is it absorbed?

As a rule, threonine, whose formula is C 4 H 9 NO 3, is easily absorbed by the body, but for this it needs B vitamins. Vitamins B3 and B6 are involved to a greater extent in this process. In addition, it is necessary to maintain magnesium levels, since this trace element is also involved in the proper absorption of amino acids.

It is known that some people suffering from autoimmune or genetic diseases are sometimes unable to absorb threonine from food. In such cases, it is necessary to regularly take supplements with amino acids such as serine and glycine. It is with the help of threonine that these substances are produced during the biochemical reaction of the body.