Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Nutrition 1 (Semester II) > 13b. Proteins & Amino Acids > Flashcards

13b. Proteins & Amino Acids Flashcards

(157 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

What is the most abundant AA in the body?

A

Glutamine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is glutamine the preferred fuel for?

A

Rapidly dividing cells - enterocytes, lymphocytes, macrophages

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Why is glutamine considered conditionally essential?

A

Body’s own synthesis of glutamine is unable to meet increased demands during acute stress/stress states e.g. injury, infection

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How does glutamine act as a buffer?

A

It receives excess ammonia before releasing it when needed to form other amino acids and nucleic acids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How does glutamine function in the intestinal barrier?

A

Helps to regulate tight junction integrity

Regulates enterocyte proliferation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does glutamine depletion result in with regards to the intestinal barrier?

A

Decreased expression of tight junction proteins

Increased intestinal permeability

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What can cause increased intestinal permeability?

A 
Coeliac disease
IBD
Candidiasis
SIBO
Alcohol
Food allergies/intolerances
Chronic stress
Nutrient deficiencies
NSAIDs
Chemo
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What can be leaked into the blood if intestinal permeability is present?

A

LPS (lipopolysaccharides)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What can the leakage of LPS lead to?

A

AI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What nutrients can be used to address intestinal permeability?

A 
Glutamine supplementation
Glutamine-rich foods
N-acetyl glucosamine
Quercetin
Zinc
AO
Herbs
Bone broth
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What dose of glutamine is recommended to support leaky gut?

A

10g/day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Examples of glutamine rich foods

A 
Cabbage juice
Spirulina
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cod
Salmon
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Examples of food sources of quercetin

A

Apples
Red onion
Tomatoes
Red pepper

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Why is zinc needed to support leaky gut?

A

Rapid cell division

Tight junction support

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Which herbs can be used to support leaky gut?

A

Turmeric
Slippery elm
Marshmallow

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is bone broth good for leaky gut?

A

Collagen
Glucosamine
Chondroitin
Glycine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Functions of glutamine

A

Muscle recovery
Immunity
Neurotransmitter
Hypoglycaemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why is glutamine good for muscle recovery?

A

Abundant in muscles
Promotes faster recovery
Reduces muscle breakdown

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Why is glutamine good for immunity?

A

Supports lymphocyte and macrophage proliferation

Supports production of cytokines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Why is glutamine good as a neurotransmitter?

A

It’s converted to glutamate (excitatory) before converting to GABA (inhibitory)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Which nutrients does the conversion of glutamate to GABA need?

A

B6
Zinc
Taurine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

If the conversion of glutamate to GABA works well, what effect can glutamine supplementation have?

A

Anxiety relieving

Sleep supporting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Why is glutamine good for hypoglycaemia?

A

It’s a substrate for gluconeogenesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Glutamine - drug interactions

A

Anti-seizure meds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Glutamine - when to avoid supplementation
Cancer care Epilepsy Liver disease Kidney disease
26
Which AAs form cysteine?
Methionine | Serine
27
Where is cysteine formed?
Liver
28
Which co-factors are needed to produce cysteine?
B6 B9 B12
29
Food sources of cysteine
Legumes Eggs Sunflower seeds Chicken
30
Which AO is cysteine a component of?
Glutathione
31
Cysteine is needed for the formation of which compounds?
Coenzyme A | Taurine
32
How does cysteine help in phase 2 liver detoxification?
Source of sulphate which increases the water solubility of drugs, steroids, hormones etc for their excretion
33
What is N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)?
Derivative of L-cysteine
34
Why is NAC used in supplementation?
Easier to absorb than L-cysteine
35
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) - functions
``` Liver detoxification AO Reproduction Respiratory health Insulin resistance ```
36
How does NAC help with liver detoxification?
Crucial in drug metabolism | Drugs deplete glutathione; cysteine regenerates it
37
How does NAC work as an AO?
Cysteine - building block of glutathione | an AO
38
How does NAC help with reproductive health?
Increase sperm concentration | Positively impacts serum testosterone
39
How does NAC support respiratory health?
Expectorant | breaks up mucus to aid easier elimination
40
How does NAC support insulin resistance?
Increases insulin sensitivity
41
NAC - drug interactions
Nitro-glycerine | Insulin
42
NAC - adverse effects
GI issues
43
What is methionine?
Sulphur-containing essential AA
44
Methionine - food sources
``` High in animal foods Brazil nuts Sunflower seeds Beans Wholegrains ```
45
Methionine - function
Major methyl donor - homocysteine cycle and ph 2 liver detox
46
Which cofactors are needed to support methylation?
B6 B9 B12
47
What are the adverse effects of raised homocysteine?
Damaged vascular endothelium | Increases risk of miscarriage and atherosclerosis
48
Methionine - caution
Increases acidity in body
49
What is carnitine?
AA derivative | Obtained from diet or synthesised in body
50
Which AAs make carnitine?
Methionine | Lysine
51
Carnitine - cofactors for synthesis from methionine and lysine
Fe C B3 B6
52
Carnitine - food sources
``` Nuts Seeds Avocado Spinach Red meat Dairy ```
53
Which gene mutation can make carnitine a conditionally essential AA?
SLC22A5
54
Carnitine - functions
ATP synthesis | Thyroid hormone antagonist
55
How does carnitine support ATP synthesis?
Facilitates transport of long chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane (so they can be oxidised) Removes toxic metabolites out of the mitochondria Acts as an AO
56
Carnitine - therapeutic uses
``` Weight loss Fatigue Athletic performance Heart failure Infertility ADHD ```
57
Carnitine - drug interactions
Warfarin - increases blood thinning effects | Thyroid meds - thyroid hormone antagonist
58
Carnitine - cautions
Nausea Vomiting Diarrhoea Body odours
59
What is creatine made from?
Arginine Glycine Methionine
60
Where is creatine formed?
Liver Pancreas Kidneys
61
Where is most creatine found in the body?
Muscles
62
Creatine - food sources
Meat Fish Eggs
63
Creatine - functions
Fast source of ATP (creatine phosphate) Enables explosive power in the muscles Enhances muscular activity
64
Creatine - therapeutic uses
Enhancing muscular performance Heart failure Coronary artery disease
65
Creatine - cautions
Combining caffeine, ephedra and creatine may lead to ischaemic stroke GI issues Palpitations Muscle cramping Draws water from rest of body - hydration!
66
Creatine - drug interactions
Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g. NSAIDs, antibiotics) may have harmful effects on kidney function
67
In which circumstances is glycine a conditionally essential AA?
Increased haem synthesis for blood formation Collagen formation for growth and repair Glycine conjugation in detoxification
68
What is needed to make glycine?
Serine | B6
69
Why do we need to ensure a good intake of serine and B6?
Can't make glycine without them
70
Glycine - food sources
``` Legumes Eggs Spinach Seaweed Kale Cauliflower Cabbage Banana Meat Fish ```
71
What is glycine needed for?
``` Haem synthesis DNA/RNA Bile acids Glutathione synthesis Creatine synthesis Skin/connective tissue ```
72
Glycine - functions
Collagen synthesis Liver detox Neurotransmitters
73
Why is glycine important for collagen synthesis?
Collagen is 1/3 glycine | Crucial for structural integrity in bones, skin, GIT, tendons and ligaments
74
Glycine - therapeutic uses in collagen synthesis
GIT repair IBD (intestinal permeability) Skin integrity MSK integrity
75
Why is glycine important for liver detoxification?
Required to conjugate toxins in ph2 LD Component of glutathione Component of bile acids
76
Glycine - therapeutic uses in liver detox
Liver support | Digestion (due to bile acids)
77
Why is glycine important as a neurotransmitter?
Inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS Reversibly converted to serine (used to form acetylcholine)
78
Glycine - therapeutic uses as a neurotransmitter
Insomnia Cognition Memory Learning
79
What is taurine?
Conditionally essential AA synthesised in the body
80
What is needed to make taurine?
Cysteine | B6
81
In which circumstances may the body be unable to make taurine?
Extreme stress/illness
82
Taurine - food sources
Chicken Turkey thighs Fish Breast milk
83
Taurine - functions
``` Neurological AO Muscle health Bile Insulin ```
84
How does taurine support neurological health?
Inhibitory neurotransmitter that increases effects of GABA Supports development of cerebellum Has neuroprotective functions
85
Taurine - therapeutic uses in neurological health?
Parkinson's Epilepsy Insomnia
86
How does taurine support as an AO?
Protects mitochondria from ROS | Present in neutrophils
87
Taurine - therapeutic uses as an AO
Atherosclerosis | Infertility
88
Taurine - functions in muscle health
Highly concentrated in muscles Contraction Heart - anti-inflammatory, BP lowering
89
Taurine - therapeutic uses in muscle health
Heart failure Hypertension Atrial fibrillation Sarcopenia
90
Taurine - functions in bile
Bile acid conjugation
91
Taurine - therapeutic uses in bile conjugation
Digestion of fats | Liver detox support
92
Taurine - functions in insulin
Improves insulin resistance
93
When is taurine supplementation necessary?
Bottle-fed infants Ability to synthesis taurine is underdeveloped Cow's milk doesn't provide a sufficient amount
94
Taurine - drug interactions
Lithium | Blood pressure meds
95
Taurine - contraindication
Bipolar disorder | may worsen symptoms
96
Taurine - caution
Added to energy drinks | Not a good source as the drinks contain refined sugars, caffeine, artificial sweeteners
97
Is theanine an essential AA?
No
98
In which substance is theanine found in?
Green tea
99
What function does theanine play in green tea?
Reduces negative effects of caffeine | relaxing rather than stimulating
100
Theanine - functions
Calming
101
Why is theanine calming?
Crosses the BBB and blocks glutamate receptors, increasing GABA activity Increases alpha-brain waves producing a calming, mood enhancing effect without drowsiness Increases serotonin and dopamine levels
102
Theanine - therapeutic uses
``` Studying/increasing concentration Anxiety Stress PMS Insomnia Low mood Hypertension ```
103
Why isn't green tea considered a practical source for therapeutic doses?
Doses are high | Some of the theanine in green tea is used to offset caffeine effects
104
Theanine - drug interactions
Avoid with hypertensives as can lower BP
105
Theanine - adverse effects
Headaches | Sleepiness
106
What is tyrosine derived from?
Phenylalanine
107
Tyrosine - food sources
``` Nuts Seeds Legumes Wholegrains Meat Fish Poultry ```
108
Tyrosine - functions
Endocrine health
109
Why is tyrosine necessary for endocrine health?
Precursor to thyroid hormones, dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline Precursor to melanin (skin pigment)
110
Tyrosine - therapeutic uses
``` Adrenal fatigue Hypothyroidism ADHD Depression Anxiety Cognition ```
111
Tyrosine - drug interactions
MAOI antidepressants Levodopa Thyroxine
112
Tyrosine - contraindications
Overactive thyroid | Melanoma
113
Tyrosine - adverse effects
GI upset
114
What is tryptophan?
An essential AA
115
Tryptophan - food sources
``` Brown rice Quinoa Pumpkin seeds Oats Bananas Turkey Fish Eggs ```
116
Tryptophan - functions
Endocrine health | ATP synthesis
117
Tryptophan - functions in endocrine health
Serotonin and melatonin synthesis
118
What hormone assists tryptophan across the BBB?
Insulin
119
Tryptophan - therapeutic uses in endocrine health
``` Insomnia Depression Stress/anxiety PMS Weight control (reduced cravings) Overcoming smoking addiction ```
120
Tryptophan - functions in ATP synthesis
Used to make B3 | needed to form NAD and NADP
121
Tryptophan - therapeutic uses in ATP synthesis
Fatigue Fibromyalgia AZD
122
In what supplemental form is tryptophan best taken in?
5-HTP
123
Why is 5-HTP best as a supplemental form of tryptophan?
Can only be used for serotonin and melatonin production
124
What is best to consume with a tryptophan supplement?
Carb rich snack
125
Tryptophan - drug interactions
Antidepressants | Sedatives
126
Tryptophan - adverse effects
GI upset Headaches Light headedness Muscle weakness
127
What is phenylalanine?
Essential AA
128
Phenylalanine - food sources
``` Avocado Brown rice Lentils Soy Meat Fish Eggs ```
129
Phenylalanine - functions
Endocrine health | Skin pigmentation
130
Phenylalanine - functions in endocrine health
Can be converted to tyrosine | thyroid hormones, dopamine etc
131
Phenylalanine - therapeutic uses in endocrine health
Depression Cognition Parkinson's
132
Phenylalanine - functions in skin pigmentation
Melanin production | via tyrosine pathway
133
Phenylalanine - therapeutic uses in skin pigmentation
Vitiligo
134
Phenylalanine - drug interactions
Antipsychotics
135
Phenylalanine - caution
Can worsen schizophrenia symptoms
136
Phenylalanine - contraindications
PKU | can't break down phenylalanine
137
What is lysine?
An essential AA
138
Which other AA does lysine compete for absorption?
Arginine
139
Lysine - food sources
``` Quinoa Legumes Tempeh Chicken Eggs Dairy Fish Meat ```
140
Lysine - functions
Structure Absorption Glucose-lowering
141
Lysine - functions in structure
Part of collagen | Helps build muscular tissue
142
Lysine - therapeutic uses in structure
Muscle injury recovery | Osteoporosis
143
Lysine - functions in absorption
Aids intestinal absorption of Ca, Fe, Zn
144
Lysine - therapeutic uses in absorption
Anaemia Hair loss Osteoporosis
145
Lysine - key therapeutic use
Herpes simplex virus
146
Why is lysine good for cold sores?
Helps prevent and fight outbreaks
147
Why are lysine and arginine antagonists in herpes simplex virus?
The virus uses arginine to replicate | Lysine limits viral replication
148
What is arginine?
Conditionally essential AA
149
Arginine - food sources
Nuts Seeds Seaweed Meats
150
Arginine - function
Precursor to nitric oxide Vasodilator Lowers BP
151
Arginine - therapeutic uses
Hypertension CV disease Sports performance Erectile dysfunction
152
Arginine - drug interactions
``` Anti-hypertensives GTN spray (angina) ```
153
When should any isolated AA be avoided?
Pregnancy | Breastfeeding
154
Why can an AA imbalance occur when supplementing an isolated AA?
AAs compete with each other at the cell surface for transportation through the membrane Using just one AA gives that AA an advantage in terms of absorption
155
What is the main reason for impaired utilisation of AA
Dietary lack of conversion cofactors e.g. Zn, B6, B12 | address diet first
156
Why is it more beneficial to supplement using the free-form AAs (Ls)?
More efficiently absorbed | Good when absorption is compromised
157
How is it best to take free-form AA?
Mix with fruit juices or food | have little flavour

Nutrition 1 (Semester II) (16 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions