Amino acids play pivotal roles in our bodies as both the building blocks of proteins and as catalysts of metabolism. The chemical properties of amino acids that make up proteins actually determine the biological activity of the protein. Therefore, just as proteins are very important to our diet, amino acids are even more so. To name a few essential amino acids that cannot be produced inside our body include Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, and Threonine. These core acids are essential in fulfilling the metabolic and growth needs of the human body. Alpha-amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that are held together by a peptide bond. Amino acids combine in a condensation reaction that releases water to create a new amino acid residue known as the peptide bond. The main structure of the proteins are defined by their unique sequence of amino acid residues. Just as the keys of a piano can be combined to create an almost endless variety of music, amino acids can be linked in varying sequences to form a vast variety of proteins.
Obesity has become an epidemic in America. It is literally out of control with about 34 million of us over twenty percent above our ideal body weight and even more astonishing, there are about 13 million of us who are more than 100 pounds overweight! The amino acids carnitine, tryptophan and phenylalanine may help to fight the obesity epidemic according to some doctors. As we know obesity can lead to a montage of health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, some forms of cancer, arthritis, and a negative self image which can lead to psychological problems.
Interestingly most people tend to think that those who are obese are that way because of their eating habits. While this may contribute research has shown that most people who are overweight don’t ordinarily eat anymore calories than those who are not. It is much more likely, according to these studies that obesity is genetically predetermined. One study looked at children who were adopted. This was the perfect opportunity to study environment versus genetics. As it turned out, genetics won! As the participants in the study more closely mimicked the body weight and size of their biological parents rather than the adoptive parents.
With this genetic link uncovered, we are left to determine what exactly it is that is inherited that causes the obesity. One doctor, Kelly Brownell of the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that LPL determines fat storage. LPL is an enzyme found in the body. Its purpose is to filter how much glucose and other nutrients get into the cells from the blood stream. When too much is allowed to enter the cell, the body feels as though it needs to consume more calories since there is a drop in blood sugar. This theory also explains why that crash dieting can actually lead to a more severe form of weight gain. While this is certainly an interesting theory there are a lot of others who are studying the link between amino acids and obesity.
Some other researchers have slightly different ideas than Ms. Brownell. Some suggest that amino acids play a role in a successful weight loss regimen. One type of amino acid, carnitine, is responsible for getting fatty acid into the cell where it is burned. While our bodies to make this amino acid with no help from us, often times it is not enough. We may benefit from supplements when trying to lose weight or increase stamina and energy.
Another type of amino acid, phenylalanine and tryptophan, are also a big help for those who are trying to lose weight. Tryptophan works by actually taking away the craving for carbohydrates. Since a lot of those yummy, sugary, baked goods are full of carbohydrates less of a desire for those foods will significantly keep the extra calories away. Phenylalanine, another amino acid, increases our bodies production of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter in our brain. With this increase in norepinephrine, comes a decrease in appetite. Some of the most popular diet pills work on this same principle. Although phenylalanine is a better option since it does not cause a “crash” that we see with diet pills.
Another reason why the amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan are being watched so closely in their relationship to weight loss is there ability to cause the release of cholecystokinin or CCK. The hormone, CCK, is produced and released in the small intestine. When a person eats and food enters the small intestine, the CCK is released and caused us to have a full feeling. In animals, CCK, has significantly reduced appetite which leads to weight loss.
This information is essential to our understanding of how a person becomes obese and how it can be prevented and/or treated. With all the health problems that come along with obesity we should be studying and desperately searching for answers. This finding of the amino acid relationship is an amazing advancement. For now, eat foods that are high in amino acids and continue to diet and exercise. Use common sense and stay away from high calorie foods and those which are high in fat. Most importantly remember that to burn calories you must move! Simply going for a short walk each day can really help to boost your metabolism and get your body burning calories!
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