Amino acids and creatine

[PeteW]

Yes I take creatine (5g day) and several amino acids (all 21 if possible).

All of the above are very good for optimum muscle performance, especially recovery. Some amino acids are needed for cellular functions and brain health. No doctor will tell you this. You have to find out yourself. Lots of good information on bodybuilding.com which of course is all about muscle performance. Personally I am very angry that my neurologist has not told me anything about amino acids or Creatine. Creatine is actually made up of three amino acids anyway! In fact, I am so annoyed with my neurologist I am thinking of cutting the cord and going it alone.

Amino Acids are incredibly central to good health

There is 21 amino acids and each one has an important role in the body. They are needed to make up the proteins that have a dedicated role in the body.

There are 9 essential amino acids. Essential means the body can't make them. Their role and functions are:

Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is a

precursor for the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. It plays an integral role in the structure and function of proteins and enzymes and the production of other amino acids (4).

Valine: Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids, meaning it has a chain branching off to one side of its molecular structure. Valine helps stimulate muscle growth and regeneration and is involved in energy production (5).

Threonine: Threonine is a principal part of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are important components of the skin and connective tissue. It also plays a role in fat metabolism and immune function (6).

Tryptophan: Though often associated with causing drowsiness, tryptophan has many other functions. It’s needed to maintain proper nitrogen balance and is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates your appetite, sleep and mood (7).

Methionine: Methionine plays an important role in metabolism and detoxification. It’s also necessary for tissue growth and the absorption of zinc and selenium, minerals that are vital to your health (8).

Leucine: Like valine, leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that is critical for protein synthesis and muscle repair. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, stimulates wound healing and produces growth hormones (9).

Isoleucine: The last of the three branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine is involved in muscle metabolism and is heavily concentrated in muscle tissue. It’s also important for immune function, hemoglobin production and energy regulation (10).

Lysine: Lysine plays major roles in protein synthesis, hormone and enzyme production and the absorption of calcium. It’s also important for energy production, immune function and the production of collagen and elastin (11).

Histidine: Histidine is used to produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that is vital to immune response, digestion, sexual function and sleep-wake cycles. It’s critical for maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective barrier that surrounds your nerve cells (12).

[neta]

L still think its challenging to read. where is it from? Sounds very interesting.. My neurologist also never' 'mentioned this., N

[PeteW in reply to neta]

Many moons ago I used to be an athlete and I remembered the significance of creatine and amino acids so I googled them all and made a chart detailing their functions.I have been seen my neurologist for 10 years and I am disgusted that he has not mentioned the importance of amino acids. I think if you google creatine and ataxiayou might get a few hits but given that creatine is just a blend of three amino acids...

[falcon946 in reply to PeteW]

Have you looked into HGH? I always wonder if that would be helpful with the other amino acids and other supplements.

Do you take B1 and B2? I was treated for severe deficiency (I had so little they barely registered on blood tests), but the vitamins have helped some

Thanks

[HarryB Administrator]

Dear PeteW

The only people who require to take amino acid supplements for medical reasons are those with disorders where there is a deficiency of an amino acid. Ataxia does not cause any deficiency in amino acids and there is no scientific evidence to suggest amino acid supplements are beneficial to people with ataxia. As such there is no reason a neurologist would recommend amino acid supplements. A good and healthy diet is the best source of amino acids, which as you know are the building blocks of protein. Indeed too much protein can itself lead to serious medical problems.

Harriet

[PeteW in reply to HarryB]

Perhaps you could explain to me why both creatine and amino acids are both undergoing extensive research into improving ataxia.

Also the US official ataxia website recommends taking creatine in your diet.

Lastly and not least there is no such thing as a good balanced healthy diet. By its nature it is subjective. A definite variable.

[HarryB Administrator in reply to PeteW]

HI PeteW

You are right that there have been a few research studies for the use of creatine and amino acids to help improve ataxia. All of these have been small studies and/or in mice. While it may be promising research, many more studies are needed before it can be regarded as a treatment for ataxia with robust medical evidence behind it regarding its safety and its efficacy, both short and long-term.

Views and opinions on taking supplements widely differ. I do understand why you might want to take a medication/supplement based on favourable results in early and preliminary research studies. However these do not have the robust scientific evidence behind as mentioned above it in order to be recommended by Ataxia UK and doctors.

Nevertheless I would urge you to discuss taking them with your doctor, particularly to ensure there would be no interactions with any prescribed medication you may be taking.

I base my comments on diet on the NHS eating well information nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/

As you will see it does advise that people with a medical condition should ask their doctor or a registered dietitian for advice. Again this is maybe something to discuss with your neurologist.

Harriet