Analytical Chemistry Department

Meridian Valley Lab offers analytical chemistry support to clinicians and patients. Many of these tests are useful to support healthy aging and preventative medicine.

Learn more about our new Age Management Profile for Healthy Aging

Digestion is essential to healthy aging and preventative medicine. Our essential amino acids test can help you evaluate your protein status.

Here is a brief overview of why adequate stomach acid is so important:

Protein And Amino Acids:

Proteins are made up of large numbers of Amino Acids lined into chains (peptide bonds) joining the amino group of one amino acid to the carboxyl group of the next. Amino acids are “Building Blocks” of our bodies. They make up over 3/4 of total body solids, and are involved in a wide range of chemical processes. As components of, they help build cells, muscle and organs; as neurotransmitters, they influence brain functions; they are involved in enzymes, nutrient carriers, antibodies, and many other substances and functions essential to life.

Protein and Digestion:

Infants can also absorb from the gastrointestinal tract. However, adults absorb only the component of proteins, which is Amino Acids. For the complete digestion of proteins (breaking the chains joining various amino groups), a large number of digestive enzymes is involved; each is most effective on certain types of linkages within the proteins digested. In the stomach the presence of sufficient hydrochloric acid is also vital for the breaking down of proteins in order that amino acids are made available for absorption.

Digestive Problems and Amino Acids:

(Maldigestion / Malabsorption)

Clinical research indicates that deficiencies in hydrochloric acid (hypoclilorlydria or acblorhydria) along with enzyme deficiencies as well as food allergies would greatly affect the body’s absorption of these essential nutrients, causing the body to function at subnormal levels.

Complaints that Can Be Associated with Amino Acid Deficiencies:

• Chronic Fatigue
• Allergies
• Frequent Headaches
• Recurrent Infections
• Mental-Emotional Problems
• Hyperactivity
• Learning Disabilities
• Neurological Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Depression and Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Diabetes
• Addiction
• Arthritis

Essential Amino Acids:

Essential Amino Acids (EAA) are Amino Acids that can only be absorbed by proper digestion of food.

They are as follows: lsoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine. Two “Conditionally Essentials” are Taurine and Histidine. The body can only manufacture the Non-Essential Amino Acids and all proteins when the Essential Amino Acids are present and in sufficient amounts. Health problems can arise when there are deficiencies of these and other Amino Acids.

Essential Amino Acid Analysis:

An Amino Acid Analysis of fasting plasma can reveal whether an individual has any in Essential Amino Acids. The sophisticated analysis is done using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The results will show an individual’s Essential Amino Acids levels and how they compare with established normal reference ranges.

Individualized Custom Amino Acid Supplementation Formula:

By comparing the test results of an Essential Amino Acid analysis with the established reference range, we can calculate a customized supplementation formula for each individual.

Individuals with deficiencies in various EAA can be treated with these customized EAA supplements. They can order the amino acids formula through various health suppliers. Since these are free form amino acid supplements, they do not require further digestion. The body can absorb them directly thus many disorders caused by the Amino Acid deficiencies can be corrected.

These free form amino acid supplements are safe because the body recognizes them as food and it knows how to metabolize them. Side effects have been rarely associated with Amino Acid therapy. However, as individuals differ, cut back or stop using them if any abnormal symptoms occur.

Learn More Essential Amino Acids Test

References:

1. Chaitow, L., Amino Acids in Therapy: A guide to the Therapeutic Application of Protein Constituents. Leon Chaitow, London, 1985.

2. Lubec, G. ed.; Rosenthal, G.A.; Amino Acids: Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. ESCOM Science Publisher B. V., 1990

3. Rechcigl, M. ed; Handbook Series in Nutrition and Food, Section E: Nutritional Disorders VIII. CRC Press, NY, 1978

4. Engelhardt, H.; Seperation and Detection of Amino Acids by HPLC. Chrom. Forum. Vol. 1, No.3. 1986