Collagen

What is it?

Collagen is an important building block for the skin.  It makes up to 30% of the protein of the living body and 70% of the protein that makes up skin.  Collagen ensures the cohesion, elasticity and regeneration of skin.  Skin tissue is composed of various molecules, some of which are amino acids, and these amino acids are essential for maintaining an even skin structure and thus healthy skin. 

The dermis, which provides the foundation for the skin, is closely involved in the skin’s elasticity and flexibility.  Collagen is the main component of the dermis.  Maintaining the amount of collagen is the key to beautiful skin.  Glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline are the main constituents of collagen; replenishing these constituent amino acids appears to be needed to maintain the amount of collagen at healthy levels.





                                                     

Skin changes are among the most visible signs of aging. There has been a considerable increase in understanding how skin ages, along with significant progress toward reducing the visible signs of aging. Evidence of increasing age include fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity such as sagging skin.  Skin changes are related to environmental factors, genetic makeup, nutrition, and other factors. 

With aging, the outer skin layer (epidermis) thins, even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged.  Changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin’s strength and elasticity.  This is known as elastosis.
Collagen, as a food ingredient has a texturizing effect while as a cosmetic ingredient, it has a moisturizing effect on the skin. It is also known to make the skin firmer, treat aging signs such as wrinkles and skin sagging. Collagen is now seen in almost every cosmetics brand from America to Asia. It is available as an eye cream, night cream, serum, facial foam, mask, and filler.

                                        

 

 

 

 

 

Hydrolysed Collagen (also known as Collagen Peptides) is becoming a very popular protein substitute.  It is naturally found in humans & animals and is revolutionising the way people consume and utilise protein.  It is fat-free, cholesterol free and easily digestible in liquid form.  The human body absorbs and utilises liquid collagen more efficiently compared to powder and other forms. 


Hydrolysed collagen is produced from collagen found in the bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals such as cattle, fish, horses, pigs, and rabbits.

The amino acid content of hydrolysed collagen is the same as collagen.
Hydrolysed collagen contains 20 amino acids, predominantly glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which together represent around 50% of the total amino acid content.

Amino acids	Percentage
Proline/Hydroxyproline	25%
Glycine	20%
Glutamic acid	11%
Arginine	8%
Alanine	8%
Other essential amino acids	16%
Other non-essential amino acids	12%

                                
                             

                

    

 

 

The bioavailability of hydrolysed collagen in mice was demonstrated in a 1999 study; orally administered. C hydrolysed collagen was digested and more than 90% absorbed within 6 hours, with measurable accumulation in cartilage and skin. A 2005 study in humans found hydrolyzed collagen absorbed as small peptides in the blood

 

Ingestion of hydrolysed collagen may affect the skin by increasing the density of collagen fibrils and fibroblasts, thereby stimulating collagen production

 

                                                       

 

 

Some clinical studies report that the oral ingestion of hydrolysed collagen decreases joint pain, those with the most severe symptoms showing the most benefit.

Beneficial action is likely due to hydrolysed collagen accumulation in the cartilage and stimulated production of collagen by the chondrocytes, the cells of cartilage.

Several studies have shown that a daily intake of hydrolysed collagen increases bone mass density. It seems that hydrolysed collagen peptides stimulated differentiation and osteoblasts activity- the cells that build bone- over that of osteoclasts (cells that destroy bone).

 

 

 

 

 

                                                           

 

 

 

 Collagen is a fibrous protein that functions as a building block for skin, tendons, joints, other connective tissues and bones. Collagen also keeps skin, bones, teeth and blood vessels healthy. Taking collagen supplements helps replenish and replace natural collagen, which decreases with age

 

 

 

 

                                                        

 

 

 

 

Reduction of Skin Wrinkles

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), skin wrinkle reduction is one of the possible benefits of taking collagen supplements. As people age, their skin’s natural elasticity lessens because of the decrease in collagen production. When the skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines start to appear and skin will seem less firm and look loose.

The AAD notes that collagen supplements is one of several things you can do to improve your skin's elasticity and ability to recover from wounds. Wrinkle reduction and skin repair can also be achieved by using moisturizers, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and by stopping smoking.

Collagen is a unique protein and the building material to renew cells in all areas of the body including: the hair, skin, nails, eyes, teeth, cartilage, bones, tendons, organs, arteries, blood vessels, hemoglobin, immune cells and the immune system. Collagen is responsible for eighty percent of all connective tissue and seventy five percent of the skin. Collagen, when hydrolysed into smaller molecules for easier absorption and combined with adequate amounts Vitamin C and certain amino acids, can be assimilated and utilised rendering a younger body.

Collagen production slows down as we age. The Aging process is accelerated after age 30 when we start to lose 1.5% of our natural collagen stores each year. By age 40 when most people start to notice hormonal and body changes, the body has already lost approximately 15% of its natural collagen stores.


              
                                    




Collagen Peptides are a natural bioactive ingredient that improves epidermis moisture content and prevents skin aging.  Several studies have demonstrated that collagen peptides are highly digestible.  If native collagen is very resistant and regarded as indigestible, collagen peptides can be easily attacked by proteolytic enzymes.  More than 90% of collagen peptides are digested and quickly absorbed after oral ingestion.  As a food ingredient, oral ingestion of collagen peptides has been reported as safe.  In order to be active, collagen peptides must have an excellent bioavailability. 

This has been confirmed in animals and human after oral administration wherein 95% was absorbed within the first 12 hours.  These studies show that collagen peptides reached their peak value in cartilage after ingestion of collagen peptides and remained relatively high after 96 hours.
When collagen is digested, the peptides are attracted to cells that synthesize collagen in the human body, fibroblasts, and are the most common cells of connective tissues in the skin. 

Collagen peptides may bring about the production and reorganisation of new collagen fibers by stimulating the fibroblasts cells.  Furthermore, some studies show that collagen peptides increase the density and diameter of collagen fibrils in the dermis and may improve the strength of skin.

Addressing these skin care concerns is a lifelong process.  Good nutrition and adequate fluids are helpful and can dramatically improve the youthful, healthy appearance of skin.  Maintaining the right amount of collagen is the key to beautiful skin.  Collagen is primarily composed of the amino acids glycine, proline, alanine and hydroxyproline.

These amino acids appear to be needed to maintain the amount of collagen at healthy levels and thus reduce the signs of skin aging.



                                           

A growing body of research is showing nutraceuticals can contribute to healthy skin.  While topical creams and cosmetic products can affect skin condition from outside, nutritional supplements taken orally can have an impact from within the skin.  Clinical research has shown that Vital Proteins' Collagen, a natural protein:

• Promotes younger looking skin;
• Improves skin moisture level;
• Improves skin smoothness by reducing the number of micro-relief furrows;
• Improves the signs of deep wrinkles
• Improves skin suppleness.

                                                 

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient required to increase collagen production, while also providing stability and structure to the collagen itself. Amino acids must also be present to take this delicate material from a pro-collagen structure to the actual collagen material. Additional nutrients in large doses such as proline, glycine, lysine, copper and manganese are all required to produce strong collagen fibers and elastin.
Clinical studies verify that a regular intake of collagen, taken daily for up to 12 weeks, improves the basic skin condition and structure. Studies have shown that taking collagen peptides showed a significant improvement in skin elasticity and skin moisture.

Dr. Venessa’s Anti-Aging 3 Collagen, the world’s leading collagen source has used the research of the late Dr. Linus Pauling to create the very best in oral ingestible collagen. The 3.6 grams of hydrolysed Types I, II and III, bovine and chicken sternum collagen is combined with thirteen grams of the amino acids proline, lysine, glycine, copper, manganese and a 1,000 mg of pure buffered vitamin C. Daily consumption on an empty stomach (am or pm) leads to a stronger and more attractive body usually over a period of 2-6 months.




                                                   

Reduction of Joint Pain and Stiffness

Relief from joint pain and stiffness is among the many benefits of taking collagen supplements, as described by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) . Collagen is responsible for keeping cartilage and joints intact and mobile by maintaining the fibrous and elastic structure of bones and joints. This elasticity enables people to move freely without pain or discomfort. Taking collagen supplements enables the joints to flex and extend properly. It also allows joints to absorb the shock associated with such everyday movements as walking and doing other activities.

Hydrolysed Collagen for Athletes, Muscle growth, and Joint Pain

In the United States, the CDC reported results from a 2010 survey that roughly 30% of adults are experiencing joint pain, back pain, or arthritis. Using hydrolysed collagen is not only a beneficial as an aid to relieve joint and muscle pain, but also is shown to be an effective preventative for such problems.
Branched-chain amino acids, which are contained in hydrolysed collagen, improve the body’s synthesis of protein while also increasing the capacity for protein synthesis. These combined effects result in gains for both muscle mass and generation. Additionally, clinic trials have shown that hydrolysed collagen dietary supplements assist athletes with joint pain and reduce the risk of joint deterioration. A 24-week trial which studied 147 subjects who were provided with either a collagen hydrolysate or a placebo produced significant results in reduced joint pain and improved overall performance.

Collagen supplements are the perfect protein to consume before and after exercise, helping to maintain and restore the protein content of muscle.  Collagen peptides, which consists of 20% glycine and 8% arginine, may help the synthesis of creatine in the body.

Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that occurs naturally in vertebrates and helps to supply energy to all cells in the body, primarily muscle. This has been shown to help improve performance during short periods of exercise, thus helping athletes to increase their body mass and reduce body fat percentage.  Creatine is made of three amino-acids, glycine, arginine, and methionine.  Each serving of Vital Protein’s Collagen Peptides contains 3.7g of Glycine, 1.5g of Arginine, and 108mg of methionine.
Several studies highlight the beneficial effect of oral arginine supplements on athletic performances by increasing strength.  Arginine stimulates the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, which is known to increase muscle mass, and may explain the performance gain.
For sports nutrition, Vital Proteins’ collagen supplements are the perfect protein to help muscle restoration after exercise, and it may be closely involved in creatine production, aiding athletic performance, due to it glycine and arginine content.

                                         

 

  

Hydrolysed Collagen for Weight Loss

Hydrolysed collagen has been utilised in energy bars because it helps curb your appetite.
While products containing collagen should not be your sole source of nutrition, they can help keep you from snacking between meals, and help burn excess fat when paired with exercise. While there have been no clinical studies to support or deny claims of weight loss from Hydrolysed Collagen alone, many doctors agree that it provides a usable protein that supports the body’s functions and gives you the energy needed to support you throughout the day.

Numerous studies show that dietary protein needs increase for individuals engaged in resistance and aerobic training. Individuals aiming to maximize nitrogen balance would likely benefit from repeated ingestion of moderate amounts of protein (~20g) at regular intervals (~3h) throughout the day.

Those individuals looking to reduce body fat and increase lean body mass through caloric restriction have increased protein needs.  Increased protein intake reduces lean body mass loss during weight loss in athletes.  Protein needs for energy-restricted resistance trained athletes are likely 2.3 - 3.1g / kg of fat free lean body mass.  The 2.3g / kg was significantly superior to 1.0g / kg for maintenance of lean body mass in young healthy athletes. 
For senior athletes, increasing protein intake improves muscle strength and insulin sensitivity.



                                               

 

Faster Wound Healing

According to the NIAMS, one of the benefits of taking collagen supplements is faster wound healing. Skin repair and wound healing after an injury usually happens on its own, but collagen supplements may speed up the process by stimulating tissue formation and wound contraction.

                                                       

 

                                            

                                           

 

Hydrolysed Collagen for Cancer Treatment & Recovery

Cancer is a degenerative disease that takes a toll on your body, causing fatigue and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. Combined with the process of chemotherapy, which is detrimental to both your healthy and cancerous cells, the disease and treatment of cancer is extremely degenerative to muscles and tissues, and can lead to prolonged loss of appetite and fatigue. Doctors, as well as the American Cancer Society, recommend additional supplements of protein to heal tissues and help fight infection.

             


                                           

Collagen Benefits

• Hair Nail and Skin Health
• May decrease arthritis symptoms
• Can boost skin health and help reduce rashes, red patches or age spots

Dr Oz Collagen Anti-Ageing Dosage
Take 2 grams (2000mgs) each morning on an empty stomach

conclusion

Hydrolysed Collagen is high in essential amino acids and is effectively zero allergenic.   It is being used in the medical field to help with recovery from sore joint recovery, anti ageing skin, cancer recovery treatment, and post-surgery treatments.  Collagen is also commonly used as meal replacement for those who want to reduce weight.  It helps maintain blood sugar levels while providing essential Amino Acids, giving an immediate boost of energy.  Hydrolysed collagen is naturally caffeine free.





 References:     Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology.   Asghar, A and Henrickson, Iwai, K.Hasegawa, T. Taguchi, Y. Morimatsu, F. Sato, K. Nakamura, Cosgrove, M.C., Franco, O.H., Granger, S.P., Murray, P.G. and Mayes, A.E.   Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oess Oesser, S Adam, M Babel, W Seifert, Barnett ML, Kremer JM, St Clair EW, Clegg DO, Furst D, Weisman M, Fletcher MJ, Chasan-Taber S, Finger E, Morales A, Le CH, Trentham DE, Moskowitz, R. Ruiz-Benito, P. Camacho-Zambrano, M.M. Carrillo-Arcentales, J.N. Mestanza-Peralta, M.A.; Vallejo-Flores, C.A. Vargas-Lopez, S.V. Villacis-Tamayo, R.A. Zurita-Gavilanes, Dr. Venessa, Moore, Daniel R., et al, Helms, Eric R., et al, Mettler, Samuel, Nigel Mitchell, and Kevin D. Tipton, Baglio, V., et al., Hoffman, J. R., et., Appleton, Jeremy.

L-Tyrosine

What is it?

L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid the body makes from another amino acid called phenylalanine. 

Phenylalanine is the starting compound used in flavonoid biosynthesis. Lignan is derived from phenylalanine and from tyrosine.

It is an essential component for the production of several important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate and influence mood. Tyrosine also helps produce melanin, the pigment responsible for hair and skin color. It helps in the function of organs responsible for making and regulating hormones, including the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands.

It is involved in the structure of almost every protein in the body. It's rare to be deficient in tyrosine. Low levels have been associated with low blood pressure, low body temperature, and an underactive thyroid. This does not mean, however, that taking tyrosine supplements will help any of these conditions.





                                           






Phenylketonuria (PKU) This is an inborn error of metabolism involving impaired metabolism of phenylalanine. Phenylketonuria is caused by absent or extremely low phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) enzyme activity.

The role of PAH is to break down excess phenylalanine from food. Phenylalanine is a necessary part of the human diet and is naturally present in all kinds of dietary protein. It is also used to make the sweetener aspartame, known by the trade name Nutrasweet. The enzyme PAH breaks down excess phenylalanine from these sources beyond what is needed by the body.

However, if there is not enough of the PAH enzyme or its cofactor, then phenylalanine can build up in the blood and brain to toxic levels, affecting brain development and function. This can lead to brain damage and intellectual impairment. PKU is rare, but important to identify, because if caught early it is very treatable. It is not contagious but it is lifelong With early diagnosis and consistent treatment, the damaging effects can be minimal or non-existent.

 

People with PKU must avoid any phenylalanine in their diets. Because tyrosine is made from phenylalanine, people with PKU can be deficient in tyrosine.

Protein-rich foods or the sweetener aspartame can act as poisons for people with phenylketonuria. 

Tyrosine is used in protein supplements for people with PKU, but most doctors don't recommend tyrosine supplements. If you have PKU, your doctor will determine if you need more tyrosine and how much.

Stress 
Tyrosine is involved in the production of the stress neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine. Some researchers believe that, under stress, the body isn't able to make enough tyrosine from phenylalanine. Some animal and human studies suggest that tyrosine supplements may help improve memory and performance under psychological stress. More research is needed.

Sleep deprivation
One study suggests that taking tyrosine may help you be more alert after sleep deprivation.
More research is needed.
Some athletes claim that tyrosine helps their performance. However, there is no proof that this claim is true or safe.
Preliminary research suggests that tyrosine kinase inhibitors may play a role in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Other studies suggest tyrosine kinase inhibitors may help improve lung function among people who have lung cancer or pulminary fibrosis.

Mental health
L-tyrosine appears to have particular benefits for mental health and mental performance, many people choose to take supplements of this amino acid or eat more food containing it, such as meat, seafood, dairy products and whole grains.
Because tyrosine helps the body produce the mood-influencing chemical dopamine, and because people who are depressed often have low levels of tyrosine, researchers thought that tyrosine might help treat depression. Studies have found that it has no effect.


                                
                                                  

                                      

Dietary Sources 
Tyrosine is found in soy products, chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. Amino acids are building blocks of protein. L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning you don't need to obtain it from diet as long as you consume enough L-phenylalanine, which the body converts to tyrosine.
Consult a qualified health care provider before taking acetyl-L-tyrosine supplements.

                                             


Absorption 
Acetyl-L-tyrosine is a type of L-tyrosine supplement that the body converts to tyrosine. It is more rapidly absorbed and has better bioavailability than L-tyrosine supplements, so less of it is lost through urine. In addition, you can take a smaller dose of acetyl-L-tyrosine to obtain the same effects of a larger dose of L-tyrosine.

This is beneficial, because large doses of L-tyrosine can cause irritability, restlessness, anxiety and abnormal heart rhythms, according to physician Ray Sahelian, who specializes in natural supplements. Tyrosine is also available as a dietary supplement, in capsule or tablet form. Take tyrosine supplements at least 30 minutes before meals, divided into 3 daily doses. Taking vitamins B6, B9 (folate), and copper along with tyrosine helps the body convert tyrosine into important brain chemicals. To treat symptoms of sleep deprivation, one study used 150 mg per kilogram of body weight per day



                                            



                  References:University of Maryland Medical Center, DrGreene.com

L-Arginine

What is it?
It helps relieve memory loss in which is one of the most disheartening aspects of ageing.
Arginine is the precursor of spermine and spermidine.

L-Arginine is one of the most metabolically versatile amino acids. In addition to its role in the synthesis of nitric oxide, l-arginine serves as a precursor for the synthesis of polyamines, proline, glutamate, creatine, agmatine and urea. Several human and experimental animal studies have indicated that exogenous l-arginine intake has multiple beneficial pharmacological effects when taken in doses larger than normal dietary consumption. Such effects include reduction in the risk of vascular and heart diseases, reduction in erectile dysfunction, improvement in immune response and inhibition of gastric hyperacidity. This review summarises several positive studies and personal experiences of l-arginine. The demonstrated anti-aging benefits of l-arginine show greater potential than any pharmaceutical or nutraceutical agent ever previously discovered.

L-arginine  is a very important semi-essential amino acid.
That means and can be produced by the body, but is often needed in larger quantities so the body relies on extra supplementation via the diet.
The most important characteristic of Arginine is that it is the only reactant for the molecule NO (nitric oxide), which is a vasodilator. One of the characteristics of NO is to regulate vascular tone, ensuring, so to say, the flexibility of blood vessels and a healthy cardiovascular system.

Arginine can improve the blood flow in the arteries of the heart and improve symptoms of coronary artery disease, chest pain, clogged arteries and angina. Arginine also helps the kidneys remove waste products from the body and maintains immune and hormone function. Some more benefits of Arginine amino acid are as follows.

 

• Good for body building, muscle growth.
• Helpful in the treatment of Cancer or tumours.
• Helpful in exercise and athletic performance.
• Used to increase the level of growth hormones.
• Good for heart disease.
• Help in improvement of heart transplant patients.
• Help in reducing the hypertension and high blood pressure.
• Beneficial for the gestational hypertension and proteinuria
• Improves the hemodynamic responses to stress and reduces plasma homo cysteine.
• Affects the hemodynamic, glucose, insulin, or C-reactive protein.

L-Arginine and sexual function

 

 

 

Arginine is required for normal spermatogenesis. Over 50 years ago, researchers found that feeding an arginine-deficient diet to adult men for 9 days decreased sperm counts by ∼90% and increased the percentage of non-motile sperm approximately 10-fold. Oral administration of 500 mg arginine–HCl per day to infertile men for 6–8 weeks markedly increased sperm counts and motility in a majority of patients, and resulted in successful pregnancies.

There are only very few reports on the improvement of erectile function by l-arginine administration. A study by Chen et al revealed a significant subjective improvement in sexual function in men with organic erectile dysfunction (31% of cases) after oral intake of 5 g l-arginine for 6 weeks, but only if they had decreased NOx excretion or production. Other studies have shown that long-term oral administration of pharmacological doses of l-arginine improves the erectile response in the aging rat as well as in patients with erectile dysfunction and. However, Klotz et al reported in a controlled crossover study that oral l-arginine at 3× 500 mg/day was not better than a placebo as a first line treatment for the mixed type of impotence.

In general, studies in this area are scarce and provide inconsistent results. Further studies, particularly of long-term usage of l-arginine, are needed to distinguish the group of patients that can most benefit from this supplement. The theoretical basis of these studies is furnished by the established crucial role of NO from nerves and possibly endothelia in initiating and maintaining intracavernous pressure increase, penile vasodilatation, and penile erection that are dependent on cyclic GMP synthesised with activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase by NO in smooth muscle cells.

The aphrodisiac properties of l-arginine have not been adequately studied, despite the noticeable presence of l-arginine in most aphrodisiac and sexual stimulation formulas commercially available in the international market.

 

Other effects of l-arginine

Other than the benefits in the above stated conditions, l-arginine has been demonstrated to improve peripheral circulation, renal function, and immune function. It also possesses anti-stress and adaptogenic capabilities. l-Arginine stimulates the release of growth hormone as well as the release of pancreatic insulin and glucagon and pituitary prolactin. The antioxidant property of l-arginine has been well documented in several reports and. An interesting article by Grasemann et al has demonstrated an acute and transient improvement of pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis patients by a single inhalation of l-arginine. Nebulised l-arginine significantly increased exhaled nitric oxide concentrations.

Additional observations at the end of the 4-week study reported by some subjects.

1. Adjustment of blood pressure in mild hypertension.

2. High energy, especially in the morning when waking up.

3. Clear mind.

4. Stamina and resistance to depression and anxiety.

5. Increase in urine output.

6. Improvement of hair and nail growth and hardness.

7. Improvement of skin texture and appearance.

8. Increase in night dreams.

9. Improvement of circulation and temperature of extremities.

10. Reduction of hyperacidity.

11. Overall improvement of GIT system and defecation.

12. Improvement of most vital activities greatly affected in diabetics, including: reduction of neuritis, improvement of glucose metabolism, enhancement of libido and sexual performance and adjustment of body weight.

Arginine is an essential amino acid involves in cell division and protein synthesis, thus must be obtained from the diet. Arginine intake is increased during the periods of growth like in childhood and pregnancy, when body is actively using amino acid for protein synthesis. Although there are many Arginine supplements available on the market, yet the natural ways of obtaining Arginine are the best way. There are many food sources of Arginine amino acid.

 

 

Some of them are as follow.

 

 

 

 

 

a) Nuts: Plant products like nuts are the richest sources of Arginine which contains around 1 to 3 g per 100 g of nuts. Some nuts with their arginine content are as follow.                              

 

Peanuts  - 3.1 g per 100 g

Almonds - 2.5 g per 100 g

Walnuts -  2.3g per 100 g  

Hazelnuts - 2.2 g per 100 g  

Cashews -2.1 g per 100 g 

Pistachios -2.03 g per 100 g 

Brazil nuts -2.15 g per 100 g

Pecans -1.18 g per 100 g                                    
                      

b) Spinach and Lentils: Vegetables are very good sources of protein, particularly they have a concentration of Arginine. Spinach and lentils are most common vegetables rich in Arginine content. Frozen spinach contain 3.3 g of arginine per 100 g and lentils have 2.1 g per 100 g of the raw vegetable. 

Some other vegetable sources of Arginine are as follow.

 

• Flax seed -1.93 g
• Raw kidney beans -1.46 g
• Raw French beans -1.17 g
• Raw green soybeans -1.04 g
• Raw garlic -0.63 g
• Blueberry muffins -0.30 g
• Raw onion -0.10 g

c) Whole Grains: Cereal grains like whole wheat contains the highest content of arginine, around 650 mg per 100 g. Hence breads and pastas made from whole grain are rich in arginine.

 

d) Soya: Soya-based proteins contain a high content of arginine.100 g of tofu contains 600 mg of Arginine and a 200 calorie serving from soy proteins isolate has more than 4 g of Arginine.

 

e) Seafood: Sea food like crustaceans is the best animal-based sources of arginine. A 200-calorie serving of food like crabs, shrimps or lobsters contains 3.6 to 3.8 g of arginine. Tuna and salmon fishes contain maximum amount of arginine 1.7 g per 100 g and 1.2 g per 100 g respectively. Chicken and pork have even greater amount of Arginine compare to sea food.

f) Eggs: The yolk part of eggs is very rich in this amino acid. Around 1.10 g of arginine present in 100 g of raw egg yolk while 0.65 g per 100 g is in raw egg white. Some other food sources with Arginine content are as follows.

 

	Food items	Arginine content (g/100 g edible portion)
1	Seeds, sesame flour, low-fat	7.44
2	Seeds, cottonseed flour, low fat (glandless)	6.73
3	Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, SUPRO	6.70
4	Soy protein isolate, potassium type	6.67
5	Soy protein isolate	6.67
6	Seeds, cottonseed meal, partially defatted (glandless)	6.63
7	Gelatines, dry powder, unsweetened	6.62
8	Soy protein isolate, PROTEIN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL, ProPlus	6.50
9	Peanut flour, defatted	6.24
10	Seeds, sesame flour, partially defatted	5.98
11	Seeds, cottonseed flour, partially defatted (glandless)	5.53
12	Seeds, pumpkin and squash seed kernels, roasted, with salt added	5.42
13	Seeds, sunflower seed flour, partially defatted	5.70
14	Mollusks, whelk, unspecified, cooked, moist heat	4.94
15	Seeds, watermelon seed kernels, dried	4.90
16	Nuts, butternuts, dried	4.86
17	Snacks, pork skins, plain	4.84
18	Egg, white, dried, powder, glucose reduced	4.81

Therapeutic use of l-arginine supplement

l-Arginine is available commercially in several countries in variable dosage forms and mostly indicated as a nutritional supplement. It is available as capsules, tablets, powder, effervescent granules, injection, infusion, and cream with a very wide range of doses. The indications also are quite inconsistent. Amongst the many indications provided on the commercial forms of l-arginine are: prevention and improvement of ischemic heart disease, improvement of microcirculation, improvement of erectile function, improvement of physical exercise capacity, reduction of high blood pressure, improvement of local tissue blood supply and oxygenation, improvement of creative transport, increase of energy levels, antioxidant, stimulation of dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline release, increase of growth hormone production, improvement of wound healing, enhancing immunity, help to reverse atherosclerosis, management of metabolic alkalosis, aphrodisiac, enhancement of sperm mobility and viability, and treatment of interstitial cystitis. l-arginine is also available commercially as a vaginal lubricant and sexual enhancer cream.

 References: L.E. Holt Jr., A.A. Albanese, Bull Osaka Med School,  A. Melman, N. Toda, K. Ayajiki, T. Okamura, R.H. Boger, S.M. Bode Boger, B. Lubec, M. Hayn, E. Kitzmuller, H. Vierhapper, G. Lubec, K.G. Park, P.D. Hayes, P.J. Garlick, H. Sewell, O. Eremin, S.R. Collier, D.P. Casey, J.A. Kanaley, A. Mugge, S. Kienke, R. Brandes, A. Dwenger, et al.

L - Cysteine

What is it?
It's the youthful skin Connection

One of the most important factors in keeping your skin young-looking is the amount of moisture it retains. This is regulated by the prostaglandins, the chemicals derived from the unsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid. Prostaglandins have many roles in the body. They play a part in the immune response, and lubricate connective tissue. They also account for the natural oiliness of our skin. This oiliness works to retain billions of water molecules in the tissue, keeping it well irrigated.


The Sulphur-Based Skin Support

Supplements of the sulphur-based amino, the most effective in reliving skin problems is Cysteine.
As a quarter of all the amino acids contained in collagen (the skin protein) are Cysteine molecules, without them, collagen would simply fall apart. This is because cysteine's sulphur atoms link with each other in spiral collagen helixes to form strong, flexible bones, and these bonds help maintain the helix structure.

Compare a collagen helix with a spiral staircase (their shapes  are very similar), then each step of that staircase would be a cysteine bond, keeping the spiral shape intact.
The free-radical-generated oxidation process that causes the skin to age works by undoing these bonds, making the spiral fall apart.

L-cysteine and Anti-Aging

L-cysteine supports the synthesis of the highly antioxidative Glutathione and can also be stored in this chemical form. It therefore plays an important part in detoxification and the resulting protection of several tissues and organs.

According to recent research studies this does not only slow down the natural process of ageing, but also helps in preventing dementia and multiple sclerosis, because both conditions are associated with an accumulation of toxins.

Glutathione also inhibits inflammation and leads to an overall strengthening of the immune system. It also stimulates the productions of so-called Leukotriene, which supports the defensive work of the macrophages, which are key elements in the immune system.

In cases of short falls of Cysteine infections may therefore become more prevalent due to the reduced amount of killer cells. In extreme cases, however, such shortfall can lead to cancer when the immune system is extremely weakened.

L-cysteine is also important in the metabolism of lipids. It plays, for example, a part in building essential fatty acids and therefore enables the production of cell membranes and protective covers of nerve endings. These consist mainly of myelin, a dielectric (electrically insulating) material that forms a layer, the myelin sheath, usually around only the axon of a neuron.

This protects the axon from environmental damage and attacks from free oxidative radicals. In this way L-cysteine has very high preventative potency in helping to prevent major degenerative illnesses such as Parkinson.

L-cysteine combats Osteoporosis

A further application of this semi-essential amino acid is the therapy of osteoporosis especially in older women.  The continuous reduction of bone tissue may increasingly lead to a loss of bone density and ultimately fractures.

It was suspected in the past that low bone density is often correlated with low L-Cystine concentration in the blood plasma. A study ultimately proved this inverse correlation between increased risk of osteoporosis and L-cysteine supplementation. 

It was shown that the supplementation of L-cysteine was able to significantly decrease the osteoporosis. It was able to reduce the activity of the osteoclasts whilst increasing synthesis of collagen , reversing both effects that subjects with Osteoporosis suffer from.

L-cysteine may therefore be classed as an extremely important remedy of orthomolecular medicine einzustufen and is used increasingly to treat conditions such as above. Although side effects are virtually non existent, diabetics should discuss the consumption of dietary L-cysteine supplements with their doctor first, because L-cysteine can reduce the concentration of insulin in the blood requiring an adjustment in the antidiabetic medicine.

L-cysteine combats Illnesses

L-cysteine's exceptionally strong antioxidant properties have so many positive effects on the overall health, that it can be used for both prevention as well as therapy of illnesses.

A study in 2009 investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of L-cysteine.  It was already well-known that there was a direct correlation between oxidative stress und inflammatory processes. The assumption was therefore that the elimination of damaging free radicals would also reduce the inflammatory risk in subjects with existing illnesses.

It was ultimately proven that the supplementation of L-cysteine reduces inflammatory reactions in the body promoting an acceleration of healing processes without complications ort side-effects.

                   Healthy Skin and Hair with L-cysteine

Skin is the single biggest organ of the body. Like any other organ, it plays a crucial role in the living process. it helps regulate body temperature and is an important part of the immune defences, guarding against viral, fungal, and bacterial infection.  Using amino acid L-cysteine keeps the skin soft, moist, pliable and looking young.

Around one quarter of keratin is comprised of cysteine. Researchers have found that cysteine supplementation can be very beneficial for treating the symptoms of androgenic alopecia.

Cysteine is also necessary for the body to produce glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

Thus, cysteine is indirectly responsible for defending the follicles from free radical damage. Like arginine, cysteine is non-essential. However, eating cysteine rich foods will help to ensure that the body has a good supply of this important amino acid. Good food sources of cysteine include pork, dairy, poultry, whole grains, broccoli and legumes.

                      Foods containing lots of L-cysteine

L-Cysteine is found in most high-protein foods, including:

• Animal sources: pork, poultry, eggs, dairy.
• Plant sources: red peppers, garlic, onions, broccoli, brussels sprout, oats, granola, wheat germ.

L-cysteine levels in the body should always be kept high by consuming supplements in addition to a healthy diet, because it helps to fulfil a multitude of functions.  Many foods rich in protein usually contain L-cysteine, although usually in small amounts.

The diet should be as varied as possible and complimented with dietary supplements in order to ensure the ingestion of sufficient L-cysteine.

Meat and Soy products are best suited to cover the minimum daily required amounts of 1.400 mg L-cysteine. Pork and Chicken are particularly high in L-cysteine with 220 biological functions 240 mg per 100 g. Raw salmon (approximately 219 mg per 100 g) and chicken eggs (approximately 272 mg per 100 g) are also for an appropriate supply of L-cysteine.
Vegetarians can get their supply from sunflower seeds (approximately 451 mg per 100 g) and walnuts (approximately 208 mg per 100 g). Soybeans have the highest concentration with approximately 655 mg per 100 g.
L-cysteine is very soluble in water. When cooking the above foods, special care should be taken that they are not be kept in water for too long to avoid washing out the amino acid.

A very important role of the semi-essential amino acids lies with protein synthesis, meaning the building of proteins. L-cysteine is a natural building block of many important structural proteins in the connective tissue. The body is also able to convert this multifunctional nutrient into Taurine, which is important for the conducting of electric nervous impulses, the digestive as well as the vascular system.

Functions of L-cysteine

Cysteine is able to fulfil several important functions in the human body due to its specific structure including sulphur and contributes significantly to the general well-being.

L-cysteine: Reasons to supplement your diet

Especially when the individual has chronic conditions, cataract or arthritis he or she will greatly benefit from the appropriate supplementation of this semi-essential amino acid. Also illnesses of the intestines usually increase the needs for L-cysteine, because many nutrients simply cannot be absorbed and get lost as a result of the digestive system being  compromised.

Environmental factors such as stress or extreme physical strain will also lead to an increased demand in Cysteine.

The effect of extreme Reduction Diets on the body is not to be underestimated. This can severely deplete the body’s levels of vitamins and amino acids.

The way our body works changes as we age. Body systems and organs adjust and this alters our vulnerability to diseases. Scientists are still working to understand these changes and the relationship to ageing. What we do know is that as we age:

•  Our heart muscle thickens
•  Arteries stiffen
•  Lung capacity reduces
•  Our kidney and bladder become less efficient
•  Our immune system declines
•  Body fat increases
•  Cognitive function reduces
•  Muscle tone declines
•  Bones lose density
•  Hearing and sight decline

 All these factors combine to reduce our physical abilities and make us more susceptible to diseases.

  Summary
L-cysteine is a vital amino acid that is widely utilised within the body. Its sulphur content helps to covert toxic heavy metal compounds into stable complexes that can be removed from the body. In carrying out its natural functions alongside other amino acids, cysteine offers excellent anti-oxidant effects and can help to boost the immune system and fight off infections.
Not only that, because cysteine protects the cells of the nervous system from oxidative degradation it helps to prevent debilitating diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
While L-cysteine improves your inner health its strong anti-aging properties are also very desirable. Cysteine contributes to a healthy appearance through strengthen and stabilising human connective tissue, providing you with healthy hair and skin.
Since L-cysteine has many positive effects on human health, it’s important not only for the prevention of diseases, but also for therapeutic purposes such as the treatment of Osteoporosis. Undoubtedly as more research is conducted on this amazing amino acid further revelations of its health benefits will be revealed.
Next time you are thinking about your diet, remember to try and include L-cysteine rich foods or appropriate supplements to enhance your well-being and longevity.

References:  Robert Erdmann, PH.D
“ScienceDaily": Targeting oxidized cysteine through diet could reduce inflammation and lower disease risk
“Baines M et al.: The Association between cysteine, bone turnover, an low bone mass; Calcif Tissue.    Blumeyer et. al. 

Lactoferrin

                         Health Benefits of Lactoferrin

•  Fighting infections to promote skin healing
•  
•  Boosting the Immune System
•  
•  Antiviral activity - HIV, Hepatitis C
•  
•  Antifungal activity
•  
•  Anticarcinogenic activity
•  
•  Bone activity
•  
•  Cystic fibrosis
•  Aiding Fat Loss

                                Fighting off infections promote skin healing

Lactoferrin helps promote skin healing. Clinical studies have shown that taking a lactoferrin supplement can also help clear acne. Lactoferrin can be found in milk, but cow’s milk only has a trace of this protein, which means you would need to drink an impossibly massive amount of milk daily to achieve any benefit, so the best way of consuming an effective dose of lactoferrin is by taking an oral soluble supplement such as each daily dosage will contain a minimum of 160mg of lactoferrin.



                                 Boosting the Immune System


Boosting the immune system is yet another of lactoferrin's functions. It's believed to stimulate phagocytosis, the engulfing of foreign organisms and waste material by specialized immune cells like macrophages and granulocytes. Additionally, it influences the number, maturity and activation of numerous other immune response cells, such as T-lymphocytes- specialized white blood cells key in protecting the body from pathogenic attack.
Lactoferrin may not yet be a well-known ingredient to the general public, but it’s one of the most effective proteins to help boost the immune system, help protect the body against bacterial infections
Lactoferrin is a protein that has many innate immunity functions so it plays a role in protecting us from bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. "It can even protect us from some forms of cancer,” says special issue guest editor Dr. Hans Vogel, a professor at the University of Calgary. “Some people describe this protein as the ‘Swiss army knife’ of the human host defense system".


                     Antiviral activity - HIV, Hepatitis C

Lactoferrin acts, mostly in vitro, on a wide range of human and animal viruses based on DNA and RNA genomes, including the herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, HIV, hepatitis C virus, hantaviruses, rotaviruses, poliovirus type 1, human respiratory syncytial virus and murine leukemia viruses.
The most studied mechanism of antiviral activity of lactoferrin is its diversion of virus particles from the target cells. Many viruses tend to bind to the lipoproteins of the cell membranes and then penetrate into the cell. Lactoferrin binds to the same lipoproteins thereby repelling the virus particles. Iron-free apolactoferrin is more efficient in this function than hololactoferrin; and lactoferricin, which is responsible for antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin, shows almost no antiviral activity.
Beside interacting with the cell membrane, lactoferrin also directly binds to viral particles, such as the hepatitis viruses. This mechanism is also confirmed by the antiviral activity of lactoferrin against rotaviruses, which act on different cell types.
Lactoferrin also suppresses virus replication after the virus penetrates into the cell. Such an indirect antiviral effect is achieved by affecting natural killer cells, granulocytes and macrophages – cells, which play a crucial role in the early stages of viral infections, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

                                    Antifungal activity

Lactoferrin shows promise for protection against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus known to cause genital warts and contribute to the development of cervical cancer. In a 2007 report published in Antiviral Research, tests on cells demonstrated that lactoferrin sourced from cow milk may help inhibit human papillomavirus infection.
Lactoferrin and lactoferricin inhibit in vitro growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which are responsible for several skin diseases such as ringworm.  Lactoferrin also acts against the Candida albicans – a diploid fungus (a form of yeast) that causes opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans.  Fluconazole has long been used against Candida albicans, which resulted in emergence of strains resistant to this drug. However, a combination of lactoferrin with fluconazole can act against fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida albicans as well as other types of Candida: C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis.  Antifungal activity is observed for sequential incubation of Candida with lactoferrin and then with fluconazole, but not vice versa. The antifungal activity of lactoferricin exceeds that of lactoferrin. In particular, synthetic peptide lactoferricin shows much greater activity against Candida albicans than native lactoferricin.



                                Anticarcinogenic activity

The anticancer activity of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has been demonstrated in experimental lung, bladder, tongue, colon, and liver carcinogeneses on rats, possibly by suppression of phase I enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Also, in another experiment done on hamsters, bovine lactoferrin decreased the incidence of oral cancer by 50%. Because bLF by far did not show any toxicity and because it's readily available in milk, bLF offers promise as a potential chemopreventive agent for oral cancer. Currently, bLF is used as an ingredient in yogurt, chewing gums, infant formulas, and cosmetics.



                                                     Bone activity



Ribonuclease-enriched lactoferrin has been used to examine how lactoferrin affects bone. Lactoferrin has shown to have positive effects on bone turnover. It has aided in decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation. This was indicated by a decrease in the levels of two bone resorption markers (deoxypyridinoline and N-telopeptide) and an increase in the level two bone formation markers (osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase). It has reduced osteoclast formation, which signifies a decrease in pro-inflammatory responses and an increase in anti-inflammatory responses  which indicates a reduction in bone resorption as well.

                                   Cystic fibrosis

The human lung and saliva contain a wide range of antimicrobial compound including lactoperoxidase system, producing hypothiocyanite and lactoferrin, with hypothiocyanite missing in cystic fibrosis patients. Lactoferrin, a component of innate immunity, prevents bacterial biofilm development. The loss of microbicidal activity and increased formation of biofilm due to decreased lactoferrin activity is observed in patients with cystic fibrosis. These findings demonstrate the important role of lactoferrin in human host defense and especially in the lung.

                         Lactoferrin For Fat Loss

The potential anti-obesity effect of lactoferrin was confirmed in obese mice, when researchers found that a lactoferrin-rich diet resulted in increased fat loss. Another study in mice found that a lactoferrin-rich whey protein isolate prevents obesity by inhibiting weight gain, and fights obesity by enhancing fat loss. During spontaneous feeding (when mice were not calorie restricted), the lactoferrin-rich whey protein isolate prevented weight gain and fatty liver formation. During a calorie-restricted diet, the lactoferrin-rich whey protein isolate enhanced fat loss.
New research is showing that lactoferrin might help humans shed body fat as well. One indicator is that higher blood levels of lactoferrin are associated with lower BMI (body mass index, an indicator of obesity), lower waist-to-hip ratio, and lower fasting triglyceride (blood fat) and glucose concentrations.

A number of studies confirm this finding as well. In one notable study, healthy men and women between 22 and 60 years old supplemented with 300 mg of lactoferrin tablets a day for 8 weeks. Subjects were told to maintain their regular food habits. Compared to the placebo group, the group taking the lactoferrin supplement experienced a significant 12.3% reduction in intra-abdominal (visceral) fat. The lactoferrin group also showed significant decreases in body weight (-3.3 lb), BMI (-0.6), hip circumference (-1 inch), and waist circumference (-1.7 inches). The placebo group, on the other hand, gained 2.2 pounds.
The researchers concluded that lactoferrin appears to be a promising supplement for counteracting the accumulation of belly fat.


What is Lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin (LF) is a human protein that has many functions. Also known as lactotransferrin, it is found in breast milk and in mucosal secretions, such as saliva, tears, and gastric secretions. This protein has strong antibacterial activity, due to both iron-binding properties and the intrinsic structure of the protein. It also modulates inflammatory events. In combination with hypothiocyanate, lactoferrin is used to treat cystic fibrosis patients.

The antimicrobial defense system of the respiratory tract involves layers of defense mechanisms that protect it, and the lungs, against microorganisms that have been inhaled.

Lactoferrin is one of the components of the immune system of the body; it has antimicrobial activity (bacteriocide, fungicide) and is part of the innate defense, mainly at mucoses. In particular, lactoferrin provides antibacterial activity to human infants. Lactoferrin interacts with DNA and RNA, polysaccharides and heparin, and shows some of its biological functions in complexes with these ligands.





 

Lactoferrin is one of the transferrin proteins that transfer iron to the cells and control the level of free iron in the blood and external secretions. Though human colostrum (“first milk”) has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cow’s milk, lactoferrin is found throughout the human body.

 

Breast milk contains lactoferrin

Published studies examining lactoferrin as a supplement and its beneficial effects on immunity have been quite promising.  Lactoferrin helps maintain a proper level of “good” bacteria in the intestinal tract, while controlling the number of “bad” bacteria.  Lactoferrin is also known to have an extremely high affinity to bind to iron.

Studies show that apolactoferrin, the iron-depleted form of lactoferrin, has unique benefits and may be superior to lactoferrin for supplementation. Life Extension’s lactoferrin supplement from bovine whey contains only the superior apolactoferrin form of this important whey.

                                    
First isolated from human milk in 1960, lactoferrin (above), also known as lactotransferrin, is an important member of raw bovine (cow's) milk's self-defense system.

A member of the glycoprotein family- a class of large molecules in which a group of sugars teams up with a functional protein, it's found in tears, saliva and other bodily fluids as well.

Over the past few decades, a large number of studies have looked at lactoferrin's many bioactive properties, and ways to commercialize them.

Interestingly, the first 52 amino acids of the nearly 700 that form the molecule are functionally identical to those in human lactoferrin, and appear to be where the bulk of its activity lies. The rest of the molecule is fairly similar as well (see table below). 




  Sources of Lactoferrin

When used in dietary supplement form, lactoferrin is typically sourced from cow's milk or genetically modified rice or cow's milk.

There's some evidence that colostrum (the first milk produced by lactating women after giving birth) contains particularly high levels of lactoferrin.

Caveats

When taken in excessive doses, lactoferrin may cause a number of adverse effects, including fatigue, constipation, and loss of appetite.

The long-term safety of lactoferrin use isn't known.

Where To Find It

Widely available for purchase online, supplements containing lactoferrin are available in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and stores specializing in dietary supplements.
Using Lactoferrin for Health


            

 

         

 

References: Sánchez L, Calvo M, Brock JH, Levin RE, Kalidas S, Gopinadhan P, Pometto A,
Helga George,  Bharadwaj S, Naidu AG, Betageri GV, Prasadarao NV, Naidu AS,
Sojar HT, Hamada N, Genco RJ, Nozaki A, Ikeda M, Naganuma A, Nakamura T, Inudoh M,
Tanaka K, Tsuda H, Sekine K, Fujita K, Ligo M, Chandra Mohan KV, Kumaraguruparan R, Prathiba D, Nagini S,  Singh PK, Parsek MR, Greenberg EP, Welsh MJ, _{Kaito M, Iwasa M, Fujita N, Kobayashi Y, Kojima Y, Ikoma J, Imoto I, Adachi Y, Hamano H, Yamauchi K,} Pilvi TK, Harala S, Korpela R, Mervaala EM.