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Threonine is an essential amino acid that cannot be produced by the body and must be acquired through the diet. It supports bone and teeth formation, immune system, muscle and connective tissue health, and neurotransmitter synthesis. Deficiency is rare but can cause psychological symptoms, digestive problems, and liver failure. Threonine may help control symptoms of ALS, MS, and mild depression, but high levels can cause liver problems and ammonia toxicity.
Threonine (T or Thr) is an amino acid or a molecule that is one of the building blocks of proteins. It is an essential amino acid, which means that it cannot be produced by the body and therefore must be acquired through the diet. Many different foods contain threonine, including most meats, poultry, cottage cheese, mushrooms, and some leafy vegetables.
This amino acid supports many different bodily functions. Threonine is necessary for the formation of healthy bones and teeth and plays a role in the immune system because it is a necessary component of antibodies. It is also present in large amounts in muscles and connective tissues. It is believed to help contribute to your strength and elasticity due to its high collagen to elastin ratio. Finally, it is required for the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, suggesting a role in neuronal health.
It is well known that threonine is an essential component of many proteins, but its actual role in metabolism is less well known. This amino acid can be converted to pyruvate or alpha-ketobutyrate and eventually to succinyl-CoA, suggesting an association with the citric acid cycle. It is one of the amino acids that can be phosphorylated, which is a major mechanism by which cells control various signaling pathways. In addition, the body is required to synthesize two non-essential amino acids, glycine and serine, which play important roles in various physiological functions.
Due to the large number of foods that contain this amino acid, threonine deficiency is considered rare in most westernized countries. However, some vegetarians, vegans, or people with very restricted diets may show a slight deficiency of this amino acid. Deficiency symptoms are often psychological in nature, such as depression or excessive nervousness. Other symptoms can include digestive problems and, in severe cases, a buildup of fats in the liver, which can lead to liver failure. People who suspect they have low threonine intake can safely supplement their diets by drinking a protein shake or eating a protein bar daily.
Some experiments have suggested that threonine may help control the symptoms of two diseases that affect muscle and nerve function: Lou Gehrig’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). It can also help with mild depression. High levels of threonine can cause serious liver problems and possible ammonia toxicity in the body, so therapeutic doses of this amino acid are not recommended for anyone not under a doctor’s care.
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