Journal
AMINO ACIDS
Volume 44, Issue 4, Pages 1107-1113Publisher
SPRINGER WIEN
DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1444-2
Keywords
Amino acids; Food efficiency; Health; Metabolism; Nutrition
Categories
Funding
- National Research Initiative Competitive Grants from the Animal Reproduction Program [2008-35203-19120]
- Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture [2008-35206-18764]
- AHA [10GRNT4480020]
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research [H-8200]
- National Natural Science Foundation of China [u0731001, 30810103902, 30928018, 30972156, 31172217, 31272450]
- China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [2012T50163]
- Chinese Universities Scientific Funds [2012RC024]
- China Agricultural University
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Amino acids are necessary for the survival, growth, development, reproduction and health of all organisms. They were traditionally classified as nutritionally essential or non-essential for mammals, birds and fish based on nitrogen balance or growth. It was assumed that all non-essential amino acids (NEAA) were synthesized sufficiently in the body to meet the needs for maximal growth and health. However, there has been no compelling experimental evidence to support this assumption over the past century. NEAA (e.g., glutamine, glutamate, proline, glycine and arginine) play important roles in regulating gene expression, cell signaling, antioxidative responses, neurotransmission, and immunity. Additionally, glutamate, glutamine and aspartate are major metabolic fuels for the small intestine to maintain its digestive function and protect its mucosal integrity. Therefore, based on new research findings, NEAA should be taken into consideration in revising the classical ideal protein concept and formulating balanced diets to improve protein accretion, food efficiency, and health in animals and humans.
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