Threonine : The essential amino acid that helps to maintain the proper protein balance in the body.

list of the hormones found in the endocrine gl...
list of the hormones found in the endocrine glandes on the nervous system (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Threonine is the uncharged polar amino acid. It is an essential amino acid as it is not manufactured in our body and is found in high concentrations in the heart, skeletal muscles and central nervous system. It must be provided through food to our body. Threonine is an essential amino acid that helps to maintain the proper protein balance in the body. It is important for the formation of many proteins and tooth enamel, collagen, and elastrin. It metabolizes fat and prevents the buildup of fat in the liver, and is useful with intestinal disorders, and indigestion. Antiulcer.

A precursor of the amino acids glycine and serine, threonine is present in the heart, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle, and helps to prevent fatty buildup in the liver. It enhances the immune system – aiding in the production of antibodies, and may be helpful in treating some types of depression. It also very useful indigestion.

Uses and Benefits of Threonine

  • It has also important role in maintaining the normal functioning of our various system like central nervous system, cardiovascular system, liver and immune system.
  • This amino acid plays an important role along with glycine and serine in porphyrin metabolism. Threonine is incorporated into proteins and enzymes at a molar rate of 6 percent compared to the other amino acids.
  • It is required to help maintain the proper protein balance in the body, as well as assist in the formation of collagen and elastin in the skin.
  •  It is further involved in liver functioning (including fighting fatty liver), lipotropic functions when combined with aspartic acid and methionine, as well as assisting the immune system by helping the production of antibodies and promotes thymus growth and activity.
  • Other nutrients are also better absorbed when threonine is present, and it has also been used as part treatment of mental health.
  • Threonine has also found to aid antibodies production which are major components of our immune system. These antibodies combat with various infections, microbes and foreign bodies.
  • Threonine supplements have seemed to be useful in treating various diseases due to lesion on central nervous system like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease as threonine produces glycine. Multiple scleroses symptoms have also been alleviated by the use of this amino acid. The dose of threonine may not be taken in excess amount as it may damages the liver and kidney functions.

Deficiency Symptoms of Threonine

It is a precursor of isoleucine and imbalance may result if the synthesis rate from asparate is incorrect. In humans, deficiency may result in irritability and a generally difficult personality.

Rich Food Sources of Threonine

  • Animal Sources: Threonine is present in high amount in meat, eggs, dairy products, cottage cheese, and fish.
  • Plant sources: Threonine is also present in many leafy vegetables, lentils, wheat, beans, mushrooms, grains, sesame seeds and nuts.