Amino Acids Spotlight

Now that you’re an expert on the importance of protein (hint: check out this article), let’s take a deep dive into the building blocks of protein: amino acids. Histidine, leucine, and threonine may sound foreign now, but you’ll soon be an expert on these essential amino acids — along with several others.

Why Do Amino Acids Matter?

Amino acids make proteins in the body, which are key to helping our bodies function at their best. There are both essential and non-essential amino acids. Non-essential means our body produces them on its own. The essential ones, however, must be obtained from our diet. But even with a healthy diet, sometimes we lack certain amino acids. That’s why Kyäni offers two exceptional products containing amino acids. Kyäni FIT20^® contains all 9 and Kyäni HL5™ contains 8 of the 9 essential amino acids.

9 Essential Amino Acids

• Histidine — Promotes growth and the creation of blood cells, along with enabling the body’s natural ability to repair tissue. It also helps maintain the special protective covering over nerve cells called the myelin sheath. The body metabolizes histidine into histamine, which is crucial to support the immune system, reproductive health, and digestion. In a study of women with obesity and metabolic syndrome, research suggests histidine supplements may help maintain healthy BMI and insulin levels.^1,2
• Isoleucine — Helps support immune function, the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels, hormone production, and the body’s natural ability to heal wounds. It is primarily present in muscle tissue and also supports energy levels.^3,4
• Leucine — Helps maintain blood sugar levels and promotes the growth and repair of muscle and bone. It is also necessary for the body’s natural ability to heal wounds and the production of growth hormones.⁵
• Lysine — Plays a vital role in building muscle, maintaining bone strength, supporting the body’s natural ability to recover from injury or surgery, and supporting hormones, antibodies, and enzymes.
• Methionine — Plays a role in the health and flexibility of skin and hair, along with the nonessential amino acid cysteine. It also helps keep nails strong and promotes the proper absorption of selenium and zinc, as well as the removal of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.⁶
• Phenylalanine –– Helps the body use other amino acids, as well as proteins and enzymes. The body converts phenylalanine to tyrosine, which is necessary for specific brain functions.⁷
• Threonine — Necessary to support healthy skin and teeth, as it is a component in tooth enamel, collagen, and elastin. It also helps optimize fat metabolism and supports immune function.⁸
• Tryptophan –– Necessary for proper growth in infants and is a precursor of serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that supports appetite, sleep, mood, and pain. Melatonin also regulates sleep.⁹ One study indicates that tryptophan supplementation can promote mental energy and emotional processing in healthy women.¹⁰
• Valine — Essential for mental focus, muscle coordination, and emotional peace. Some people use valine supplements for muscle growth, tissue repair, and energy.¹¹

Give your body the essential amino acids it needs to thrive with Kyäni HL5^TM and Kyäni FIT20^®.

DISCLAIMER: This information relies upon scientific research on certain ingredients in Kyäni products. None of the studies examined Kyäni products specifically, and there is not necessarily a relationship between the results of these studies and any Kyäni product. Neither the studies nor the statements and products referenced here have been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Kyäni products are not intended to, and do not, diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate any disease or condition.  

Resources:

1. Feng, R.N., Niu, Y.C., Sun, X.W. et al. Histidine supplementation…insulin resistance through suppressed…in obese women with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Diabetologia 56, 985–994 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-013-2839-7
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6274, Histidine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Histidine.
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6306, l-Isoleucine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/l-Isoleucine.
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6306, l-Isoleucine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/l-Isoleucine.
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6106, Leucine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Leucine.
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6137, Methionine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methionine.
7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6140, Phenylalanine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Phenylalanine.
8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6288, L-Threonine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-Threonine.
9. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 54608559, L-Tryptophan,. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-Tryptophan.
10. Mohajeri, M., Wittwer, J., Vargas, K., Hogan, E., Holmes, A., Rogers, P., . . . Gibson, E. (2015). Chronic treatment with a tryptophan-rich protein hydrolysate…emotional processing, mental energy levels and reaction time in middle-aged women. British Journal of Nutrition, 113(2), 350-365. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003754
11. National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6287, Valine. Retrieved June 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Valine.