Natural synthesis of amino acids in the body: young age versus old age.
The human body can naturally produce 20 amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This process, called amino acid synthesis, occurs in the liver and muscles.
The effect of age on amino acid synthesis:
With age, the body's ability to naturally produce amino acids decreases. This decline is due to several factors:
- Decreased metabolic rate: The metabolic rate decreases with age, leading to a reduction in protein production and amino acid synthesis.
- Decreased absorption of amino acids: The digestive system is less efficient in old age, causing reduced absorption of amino acids from food.
- Decreased muscle mass: Muscle mass decreases with age, leading to a reduction in amino acid production.
Rate of decline in amino acid synthesis in the human body:
- Between ages 20 and 80: A decrease of about 20%-30% in the rate of amino acid synthesis.
- Older adults who are not physically active: A decrease of about 50% in the rate of amino acid synthesis.
- People suffering from chronic diseases: A decrease of about 30%-50% in the rate of amino acid synthesis.
Effects of decreased amino acid synthesis:
A decrease in amino acid synthesis can lead to several health problems, including:
- Decreased immune system function: Amino acids are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. A decrease in amino acid levels can weaken the immune system and make a person more susceptible to infections.
- Decreased muscle strength: Amino acids are essential for building and maintaining muscles. A decrease in amino acid levels can lead to a reduction in muscle strength and muscle mass.
- Decreased cognitive function: Amino acids are essential for the proper functioning of the brain. A decrease in amino acid levels can lead to a decline in cognitive function, such as memory, concentration, and learning ability.
Ways to improve amino acid synthesis:
There are several ways to improve amino acid synthesis in old age:
- Consuming protein-rich food: Consuming protein-rich food, such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products, helps supply amino acids to the body.
- Physical activity: Physical activity helps build and maintain muscles, which contributes to amino acid production.
- Dietary supplements: Essential amino acid supplements can be taken, in consultation with a doctor.
| Name in Hebrew | Name in English | Functions in the Body |
|---|---|---|
| Alanine | Alanine | * Energy source: Can be converted to pyruvate, used for energy production. * Glucose production: Can be converted to glucose through gluconeogenesis. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. |
| Arginine | Arginine | * Protein production: Essential for the production of many proteins in the body. * Urea formation: Essential for neutralizing ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism. * Blood pressure regulation: Contributes to blood vessel dilation and blood pressure regulation. * Immune system strengthening: Contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. |
| Asparagine | Asparagine | * Production of other amino acids: Can be converted to other amino acids, such as aspartate and asparagine. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. |
| Aspartic acid | Aspartic acid | * Production of other amino acids: Can be converted to other amino acids, such as arginine and lysine. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * pH regulation: Contributes to regulating blood pH. |
| Cysteine | Cysteine | * Glutathione production: Essential for the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Coenzyme production: Contributes to the production of important coenzymes. |
| Glutamic acid | Glutamic acid | * Production of other amino acids: Can be converted to other amino acids, such as glutamine and proline. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Nerve signal transmission: Acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. |
| Glutamine | Glutamine | * Energy source: Can be converted to pyruvate, used for energy production. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Immune system strengthening: Contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. |
| Glycine | Glycine | * Collagen production: Essential for the production of collagen, an important protein in connective tissues. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Coenzyme production: Contributes to the production of important coenzymes. |
| Histidine | Histidine | * Histamine production: Essential for the production of histamine, an inflammatory mediator. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Hemoglobin protein production: Contributes to the production of hemoglobin protein. |
| Leucine | Leucine | * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Regulation of muscle growth: Contributes to muscle growth and tissue repair. |
| Lysine | Lysine | * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Calcium absorption: Contributes to calcium absorption from food. * Immune system strengthening: Contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system. |
| Methionine | Methionine | * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Fat metabolism: Contributes to normal fat metabolism. * S-adenosylmethionine formation: Contributes to the production of an important compound for the function of many systems. |
| Phenylalanine | Phenylalanine | * Tyrosine production: Essential for the production of tyrosine, dopamine, and other substances. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. |
| Proline | Proline | * Collagen production: Essential for the production of collagen, an important protein in connective tissues. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. |
| Serine | Serine | * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Phospholipid formation: Contributes to the formation of phospholipids, an important component of cell membranes. * Regulation of enzyme activity: Contributes to the regulation of many enzyme activities. |
| Threonine | Threonine | * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Collagen formation: Contributes to the production of collagen, an important protein in connective tissues. * Elastin protein formation: Contributes to the production of elastin protein, an important protein in flexible tissues. |
| Tryptophan | Tryptophan | * Serotonin production: Essential for the production of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. * Melatonin production: Contributes to the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. |
| Tyrosine | Tyrosine | * Dopamine production: Essential for the production of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter. * Norepinephrine production: Contributes to the production of norepinephrine, an important neurotransmitter. * Thyroid hormone production: Contributes to the production of thyroid hormones. * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. |
| Valine | Valine | * Protein production: An important component of many proteins. * Regulation of muscle growth: Contributes to muscle growth and tissue repair. * Coordination of movements: Contributes to the coordination of muscle movements. |
💬 תגובות (0)
היו הראשונים להגיב על המאמר.