The memory cells recognize the invader by the combination of amino acids in their protein structure and signal for rapid production of many antibodies. They are called antigen-specific antibodies because the immune system has constructed them to identify and attack only molecules with the identifying sequence. This process is the basis of vaccination and acquired immunity. |
Some bonds between the amino acids that form gluten proteins are extremely resistant to intestinal digestion. While some individuals produce a liver enzyme capable of digesting gluten, many do not. It is not yet clear if the presence of these enzymes provides protection from gluten sensitivity, but it does seem probable. For the many who lack these digestive enzymes, grains need much more processing than the foods that are common to a hunter-gatherer's diet. Even after grinding, cooking, and the many assaults of processing and digestion, some of these gluten proteins remain stubbornly intact. |
Rupert Sheldrake See book keywords and concepts |
Different triplets of bases specify different animo acids, and thus the genetic code is 'translated' into a sequence of amino acids, which are linked together to give characteristic polypeptide chains, which then fold up to give proteins. Finally, the characteristics of a cell depend on its proteins: its metabolism and its capacities for chemical synthesis on enzymes, some of its structures on structural proteins, and the surface properties which enable it to be 'recognized' by other cells on special proteins on its surface. |
Thirdly, it is known how DNA is able to act as the chemical basis of hereditv: on the one hand, it serves as a template for its own replication, owing to the specificity of the pairing of the bases in its two complementary strands; on the other hand it serves as the template for the sequence of amino acids in proteins. It does not play the latter role directly; one of its strands is first 'transcribed' to give a single-stranded molecule of'messenger' RNA from which, in the process of protein synthesis, the sequence of bases is 'read off three at a time. |
In nature, most of the amino acids and sugars occur rarely, if at all, outside living organisms. Therefore these particular asymmetric forms should contribute overwhelmingly by morphic resonance to the morphogenetic fields of the molecules. But when they are synthesized artificially equal proportions of right and left handed forms are obtained, indicating that the morphogenetic fields have no intrinsic handedness.
6. |
So far, there has been a set of one-to-one relationships: a gene is 'switched on' by a specific stimulus; the DNA is transcribed into RNA; and the RNA is translated into a particular sequence of amino acids, a polypeptide chain. But now this simple causal sequence comes to an end. How do the polypeptide chains fold up into the characteristic three-dimensional structures of proteins? How do the proteins give the cells their characteristic structures? How do cells aggregate together to give tissues of characteristic structures? And so on. |
James Trefil See book keywords and concepts |
Other scientists are trying to use clever computing techniques to predict the final shape a string of amino acids will take ?techniques that do not require following each atom through the folding process. For example, computer programs can estimate the final energy state of different folding patterns. Since systems in nature move to states of lowest energy, the suggestion is that when you find the lowest energy state, you have found the final pattern of the molecule. The problem: there may be many low-energy states, and it becomes difficult to know which one the molecule will wind up in. |
Even if we know the sequence of amino acids in a protein ?the order of the beads on the string ?we simply do not know how to predict the protein's final shape. A solution to what is known as the "protein folding problem" remains tantalizingly beyond the grasp of modern science.
The reason for this gap in our understanding is simple: there can be hundreds of thousands of atoms in a single protein, and even our best computers aren't good enough to keep track of everything that goes on when the protein folds up.
At the moment, two lines of research are being pursued. |
Christian B. Allan and Wolfgang Lutz See book keywords and concepts |
In a series of metabolic reactions, L-carnitine is made from two amino acids: lysine and methionine. This process also requires niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and iron.4 Although L-carnitine deficiency is an infrequent problem in a healthy, well-nourished population consuming adequate protein, many people appear to be somewhere on the continuum between mild deficiency and overt disease. It seems likely that the decreased anabolic (building) effect of excess insulin that accompanies high-carbohydrate eating would tend to reduce the biosynthesis of L-carnitine. |
Michael Janson, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
The evidence does not support the FDA claims that nutrients, including amino acids, are in any way a significant risk. These baseless claims mislead Congress and the public and make it dangerous to give such regulatory power to the FDA.
In case there is doubt about the regulatory intentions of the FDA, let me include some quotes from FDA officials pinpointing their position:
From the Task Force Report on Dietary Supplements:
"... |
J. Robert Hatherill See book keywords and concepts |
Therefore it seems prudent for a woman who is about to undergo diagnostic X-ray tests to supplement her diet prior to exposure with radioprotective amino acids like cysteine (see notes on DNA repair in chapters 3, 5 and 7).
Alcohol
Be cautious with alcohol. Studies of premenopausal women indicate that estrogen levels rise even with moderate consumption of alcohol.
Women who drink heavily face a 40 to 100 percent chance of getting breast cancer. Alcohol has a bruising effect on melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that acts as an antioxidant and combats cancer. |
Michael Janson, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
L-Taurine l-Taurine is one of the few sulfur-containing amino acids (others are cysteine and methionine). Although it is not essential, because it can be made from cysteine, it is not always made in adequate amounts for optimal physiological function. Sulfur carriers are important antioxidants. Taurine is important for solubility of the bile and may help prevent or treat gallstones. It is also involved in stabilizing cell membranes, and it therefore affects nerve conduction and hypersensitivity. |
These accessory food factors include coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), some non-essential amino acids and other dietary supplements.
Besides all of these nutrients, there are other substances found in the food supply that are not considered essential but that, nonetheless, offer important health benefits. Many of these are bioflavonoids, or simply, flavonoids. They are plant pigments that may act as antioxidants or enhance the effects of other nutrients or physiological molecules. |
GTF is thought to be a combination of chromium with niacin and several amino acids, but the structure of GTF itself has not been clearly characterized. However, it appears that the material that your body produces is more active than synthetic GTF.
How to take
I usually recommend the 200 meg in Basic Multiple, and this is generally enough for most people. Additional chromium supplements are available as GTF-chromium (which is not actual glucose tolerance factor) and as chromium picolinate, both of which are effective. |
Dr. Vern Cherewatenko and Paul Perry See book keywords and concepts |
Eating widely from the many alternative protein substitutes is one way to be sure you get the nutrition you need as well as the amino acids. That's where such protein substitutes as tofu, cheese, eggs, and nut butters come in.
Vegans need to include a source of vitamin B12 in their diets—for example, cereal or soy milk fortified with vitamin B12. In addition, if their exposure to sunshine is limited, a vitamin D supplement may also be needed.
When You're Sick
Whether it's a cold or a serious illness, a person with diabetes needs to take special measures when sick. |
Iron also is involved in making amino acids, hormones, and neurotransmitters and is found in meat, poultry, fish, fortified cereals, and some fruits and vegetables.
RDAs: Men, nineteen and over—10 milligrams. Women, nineteen to fifty—15 milligrams. Women, fifty-one and over—10 milligrams.
Possible negative effects of higher than recommended intake: Can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, weak pulse, dizziness, shock, confusion, and even death.
Magnesium—metabolizer. |
As a group, proteins provide your body with essential amino acids. Plan to get 10 to 20 percent of your total calories from protein sources.
Here are some ideas for eating your favorite kinds of meat, but cutting back on fat:
• It's all in the cooking. Skip the frying pan and grill, roast, steam, or poach meat.
• Spray away. Use a cooking spray or nonstick cookware to prevent sticking during the cooking process.
• Fixate on fin and fowl. Overall, seafood and skinless poultry are lower in fat than red meat, so make steaks and chops an occasional treat and focus on seafood and poultry. |
B12 plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and the synthesis of proteins and certain amino acids. Found primarily in animal products such as organ meats, clams and oysters, milk products, other seafood, and eggs, B12, in combination with other B vitamins, may play a role in reducing heart disease. RDA: 2 micrograms.
Possible negative effects of higher than recommended intake: According to the Harvard Medical School Health Group Publication on Vitamins and Minerals, no toxicity is reported for B12 at intakes up to 100 micrograms.
Vitamin C—the citrus vitamin. |
Used to synthesize fatty acids, biotin also assists in energy metabolism and the breakdown of certain amino acids.
RDAs: None established, but 30-100 micrograms is believed to be a safe and adequate daily intake for adults.
Pantothenic acid—diverse producer. A must-have for those with diabetes, who need to be exceptionally attentive to overall good health, especially eating a diet that's low in fat. |
Fulfilling many essential nutritional roles, B6 helps to synthesize amino acids, nucleic acids, and red blood cells, and aids in the metabolism of proteins and urea. In combination with other B vitamins, B6, found in chicken, fish, kidney, liver, pork, eggs, brown rice, soybeans, oats, whole-wheat products, peanuts, and walnuts, may play a role in reducing heart disease risk.
RDAs: Men—2 milligrams. Women—1.6 milligrams. |
Stanley W. Jacob, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Primary among them is methylation, a fundamental process that triggers biochemical changes throughout the body, altering the structure and function of hormones as well as other proteins and amino acids.
Cysteine is not an essential amino acid. Your body makes it from merhionine. But it performs big chores in the body, including protection of sensitive tissue from excess oxidation that causes disease and premature aging. Cysteine is the key ingredient in glutathione, a molecular "superman" found in virtually all living cells. It is a primary antioxidant and detoxifying agent in the body. |
Skin, hair, and fingernails are normally quite high in cystine, one of the sulfur amino acids that gives keratin, a particular kind of protein found in these tissues, its property of toughness.
As physicians who treat patients fot pain disorders, we are not experts in the field of cosmetics. But we do receive frequent feedback from our patients about how surprised they are to experience the cosmetic bonuses of MSM: softer skin, harder nails, and thicker hair. This gives us additional clinical evidence that MSM is a biologically active source of sulfur that is utilized by the body. |
The body produces sulfites in its normal metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulfite compounds have been used for more than three hundred years and are generally considered safe. Currently they are used to control microbial growth and prevent browning and spoilage. However, an estimated half-million people are sulfite-sensitive in the U.S. Most often they are asthmatic adults and predominantly women. Reactions in non-asthmatics are very rare. Most reactions are mild and include a constricting of the bronchial tubes (the main reaction), GI symptoms, and behavioral changes. |
This utilization could fortify these crucial amino acids.
Do people in a health crisis or recovering from trauma, have an increased demand for more sulfur? We know that a body under physiologic stress has an increased demand for more nutrients. Does that include an increased need for sulfur?
Does the sulfur payload of MSM strengthen the body's ability to carry out critical detoxification and tissue-building activities in times of physical stress?
Can an MSM supplement come in, like a white knight, and cover these bases?
At this point in time, we have many questions but not all the answers. |
Michael Janson, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
The overwhelming body of evidence in the official medical and scientific indices regarding the efficacy and safety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, herbs, and other nutritionally related substances is obviously being ignored or, at best, misinterpreted to suit the special interests of a medical and political contingency. |
Francisco, M.D. Contreras See book keywords and concepts |
The codes for cellular reconstruction can be in perfect order, but the quality of the cell generated depend on the quality of its constituent amino acids, vitamins, minerals and so forth. These nutrients require the energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats. If these elements are lacking, or if there is insufficient energy to power them, the reconstruction process is less than adequate. In this way, too, the aging process is accelerated.
The body's biochemical processes are not unlike the building of a house. Imagine that you just finished building the house of your dreams. |
Mary G. Enig See book keywords and concepts |
Acetyl CoA is the active form of acetate and it is derived mainly from the oxidation of simple carbohydrate units, the oxidation of amino acids from protein, or the oxidation of fatty acids. Units of acetyl CoA are used for de novo fatty acid synthesis, to elongate existing fatty acids, and as the building blocks for cholesterol. The actual structure of acetyl CoA contains, in addition to the acetyl group, a sulfur containing molecule called beta(P)-mercaptoethylamine, the vitamin pantothenic acid, and the adenine nucleotide adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-diphosphate. The molecular weight is 809.6. |
Several amino acids can also be formed into ketones when they are incompletely burned. Ketones are acetone, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, and acetoacetic acid. Excess ketones in the blood induce a condition called ketosis; ketosis can be a result of disease (semi-starvation and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) or a result of a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet, high in fat is used for treating epilepsy in children. Some high protein, high fat diets are known to produce ketosis during dieting.
Lauric acid is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid with 12 carbons and no double bonds. |
Thus the enzyme lipase that hydrolyzes triglycerides into two free fatty acids and a monoglyceride (or three fatty acids and glycerol) does not hydrolyze a starch molecule into individual maltose and glucose molecules, nor does it hydrolyze protein peptides into amino acids. Lipases only work on (fats and oils) lipids. The names given to enzymes have an ending with -ase as well as wording that describes their action, and all enzymes have been given systematic numbering. The enzyme lipase hydrolyzes lipids and its number is E.C.3.1.1.3, the enzyme amylase hydrolyzes starch and its number is
E. |
Elaine Feuer See book keywords and concepts |
Lennie Meyers was forced to undergo a kidney transplant at age thirty-eight, and he started taking True Health as a dietary supplement shortly after the operation:
"I take True Health for the amino acids it provides. One of the things associated with a kidney transplant is a drug that you have to take, an anti-rejection drug called cyclosporine. It's [cyclosporine] an oil-based medication that has to be taken with a liquid and I choose to use True Health as the liquid to take with my anti-rejection drug. So I take True Health every day, along with one essential fatty acid capsule. |