I have reviewed several forums where parents are opting to place their children on amino acids, hoping that it will be the ultimate attempt at stopping seizures. Some opt to place their children or themselves on branched chain amino acids, or on individual amino acids, without testing. I too would grasp at any potential for stopping seizures that I would hear from another parent. And as a practitioner, I get the question from parents and individuals questioning whether they should be taking an amino acid complex.
My reaction is, ‘yes’ to individual amino acids, if identified, because they can be instrumental in healing. But if there is no ‘test’ than the answer is always ‘no’ to supplementing. Here is why.
Amino acids are used to build enzymes, antibodies, immunoglobulins and hormones and they help to promote detoxification. They are derived from mostly animal based proteins and are processed initially through absorption of the mucosal cell wall (the lining surrounding the small and large intestine). Digestive enzymes then help breakdown the smaller more absorbable molecules into specialized proteins such as creatine (used in the conversion of energy), serotonin (calming neurotransmitter), melatonin (sleep hormone), adrenal catecholamines (manages our stress response), and glutathione (the body’s major antioxidant and method for detoxification), for our discussion.
If the digestive process is compromised from assaultive foods, leaky gut, heavy metals and impaired in enzyme production then supplementing with branched chain amino acids will not address the impairments nor will they be optimally absorbed and assimilated, even in pill form. This is why it is essential to address the source (s) of malabsorption by supporting the digestive processes, by identifying the assailants (infections, foods) and supporting the pancreatic enzymes, along with diet.
What about branched chain amino acids? A branched chain amino acid (BCAAs) supplement includes Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine, all essential and necessary for the body to function optimally. However, I’ve had clients with extremely elevated levels of leucine, isoleucine and valine. Supplementing with BCAAs without knowing my client’s levels, could have created seriously negative results. In addition the BCAAs create a trickling effect, producing other products that the body may or may not need. When a person is in a state of health crisis, as a functional nutritionist, I try hard to seek a balance rather than over-stimulating chemistry.
In total, there are 21 Amino Acids, essential, non-essential and what I refer to as conditionally essential, meaning if you are deficient, it becomes essential. Glycine is an excellent example of a conditionally essential amino acid. When glycine is deficient, the body’s major detoxifier, glutathione, may also be deficient. Adequate glycine is necessary for the making of glutathione.
How to know what amino acids are deficient? Testing for Amino Acids is necessary if you, as a parent, or as self, are considering supplementing with BCAAs or any of the 21 amino acids. Do not supplement without testing.
A person who is experiencing seizures and also experiences a heightened immune responses (allergies, food sensitivities) may have elevated levels of histidine. Supplementing with histidine can worsen the immune response.
As a practitioner I currently do not recommend glutamine to be supplemented knowing that with seizures, the glutamine/glutamate/GABA pathway is in question.
Some parents, on the forums, are discussing using NAC, also referred to as N-acetylcysteine. I would also strongly discourage the use of this amino acid because it worsens yeast and fungal infections, which I have found in every one of my clients that experience seizures or neurological symptoms. It’s essential to address digestion first, then detoxification.
If the bacteria infection, clostridia, is present and an individual is taking amino acids, specifically tryptophan, tyrosine, and/or phenalalanine, dopamine (neurotransmitter) can become impaired.
Unfortunately the body can respond negatively with an excess of certain amino acids. It is necessary to identify which amino acids may be deficient in an individual that experiences seizures, through testing, rather than guessing. Ideally, both 24 hour urine and plasma should be measured during the same time period. Yet, one lab sample will provide more information than none.
I hope that this offers clarification.
Much light,
Lynn
