The Benefits and Side Effects
of the Amino Acid Threonine

Threonine is an essential amino acid that cannot be manufactured by the body. It has beneficial effects on the liver, the nervous system, heart and lung function, immune response, and helps in the growth and maintenance of tendons, ligaments, bones, and tooth enamel. Supplements should follow all dosage requirements since high doses of Threonine can inhibit proper liver function.

Top 5 Amino Acid Supplements

	ISS Research Complete Amino 2200 Bodybuilders can especially benefit from supplementing amino acids because they aid in repair, growth, and development of muscle tissue.
	SciVation Xtend Xtend is a scientific blend of energy aminos consisting of the proven ratio of branched chain amino acids, glutamine, citrulline malate, and vitamin B6 that will give you the energy you need to maximize your training while enhancing recovery at the same time.
	Universal Animal Nitro Animal Nitro is the first and only supplement that contains the correct ratios of those aminos based on human muscle protein itself. This complex of aminos is appropriately called Human Muscle Protein Complex (HMPC).
	Optimum Amino 2222 Softgels Getting enough amino acids is an important factor in maintaining good nutrition. Each two softgel serving of Superior Amino 2222 Softgels provides 2,000 milligrams of high quality amino acids.
	Twinlab Amino Fuel Liquid A fast acting, easily digested liquid concentrate providing L-carnitine, branched chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine) and pharmaceutical grade, peptide bonded and free amino acids.

Threonine helps the body, particularly the liver, break down fatty acids. Fatty acids can clog the liver and lead to serious complications or even death if they are not dealt with properly. Therefore, it is absolutely essential for anyone, not just athletes. Fortunately, most people are able to get enough of this amino acid just by eating a normal diet.

The proper function of connective tissue (ligaments and tendons) is crucial in all forms of athletics. Strains and sprains are among the most common sports injuries and are likely responsible for more missed training time than any other type of injury or illness. Sprains and strains are much more common in people who do not have enough Threonine in their diet. Threonine is a necessary precursor for chemicals that are instrumental in the growth and maintenance of tendon and ligament tissue. Any athlete who is concerned with connective tissue health should consider using a Threonine supplement.

Training can also be impacted by illness. Athletes who continuously push their bodies to the limits may find that they get sick more than other people do because their intensive exercise activities use up many of the resources that are used to fuel the immune system. Studies have shown that it is one of the amino acids that are crucial to proper immune system functioning. Threonine is central to the production of natural antibiotics that help the body resist bacterial infection. This amino acid is also important in the creation of chemicals that help ward off viral infections.

Threonine is vital to keeping the central nervous system healthy. Glycine is an amino acid that is critical to keeping the brain and spinal cord fully functional. Glycine can not be supplemented directly, however, because it can not cross into nervous system tissue from the blood stream. Threonine is able to enter the nervous system and, from there, serves to create the Glycine that the brain and spinal cord need.

It is clear that supplementation is very important for athletes who are seeking to get the most they can out of their bodies. However, Threonine can have severe and possibly even fatal effects if taken in huge doses. Studies have shown that Threonine overdoses can disrupt normal liver function and can even cause liver failure in certain circumstances. It is therefore very important to follow all of the dosing guidelines from the manufacturer of the supplement.

More Amino Acid Supplements

Read more on BCAA - Branched Chain Amino Acids for muscle building.

• Alanine
• Arginine
• Aspartic Acid
• Carnitine
• Cysteine
• Dopa
• Glutamic Acid
• Glutathione
• Histidine
• Isoleucine*
• Leucine *
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Ornithine
• Phenylalanine
• Taurine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Tyrosine
• Valine *