Essential Amino Acids

Arginine

• Nictric Oxide precursor : relaxes smooth fibers of the blood vessels•Plays a part in the synthesis of urea from ammonia.

•If newborns puppies are deficient, they can develop cataracts and go blind•If felines are deficient, even for just a short period of time, they develop ammonia toxicity. Vomiting, hypersalivation nerve problems and death my occur if not corrected.

•It reduces respiratory problems associated with chronic heart failure•Plays a role in immune function

Abundant in animal tissue such as muscle, skin and hair.

Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine

The body is unable to synthesize a sufficient amout so needs must be met in the diet.

•Able to stimulate synthesis of protein and slow their degradation in the muscles•Helps to prevent muscle atrophy by shifting the protein balance of cells towards anabolism rather than catabolism

•Sources: represents at least 1/3 of all essential amino acids in the composition of muscle proteins.•The only amino acids to initially be broken down by muscles

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Lysine and Methionine

Together these two amino acids create Carnitine, a non essential amino acid. Carnitine helps turn fats into fuels for cells. Very useful during physical effort

Carnitine also plays a role in reproduction

Carnitine is synthesized in the liver, but fresh meat is also a rich source specifically mutton and lamb

Lysine has shown benefit in combating the herpes virus in cats It is very sensitive to heat, which may make it unavailable to the body. This makes it a good tracer in the control of food cooking.Lysine can be found in animal tissues and soy

Phenylalanine

Active in the creation of the non essential amino acid Tyrosine

This is the key enzyme to melanin production, which is important in coat color

Supplementation may help with the intensity of hair coloration

Has a role in hair and iris pigmentation, and is also a dopamine, noradrealin and adrenalin precursor. The are involved in proper functioning of brain and reproduction

Phenylalanine can be found in milk, bananas, eggs and meat.

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Taurine

Used to prevent cardiomyopathy and is also needed for vision and reproduction.It is also a first rate antioxidant.

It is found in most animal tissue and concentrates in the muscle.It does not have a role in protein synthesis, unlike most other amino acids.

Enables the liver to synthesize bile salts and regulates calcium flowing in and out of the cells.

Meats are a primary source.

Histidine, Threonine and Tryptophan

Aids in proper growth and development, therefore important in young animals

Histidine aids in wound healingA precursor of histamine

Tryptophan can be metabolized into serotonin and melatonin neurotransmitters that exert a calming effect and regulates sleep. **However, L-tryptophan needs to be taken on an empty stomach and without any other amino acids or protein in order to make you drowsy.

Words to live by!!