Monthly Archives: October 2023

The Sweet Taste of Amino Acids

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Humans perceive some amino acids as sweet and some as umami (glutamate-like). For example, glycine, L-alanine, L-glutamine, and L-threonine are sweet tasting amino acids and when added to food they can cause the food to increase in sweetness. However, when … Continue reading →

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Beetroot Supplements and Liver Disease

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Nitric oxide is an important signal molecule. Evidence suggests that supplements that can increase levels of nitric oxide may have significant health effects. Beetroot is very high in nitric oxide and evidence suggests that supplements of beetroot powder may have … Continue reading →

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Selenium Levels Decline in the Elderly

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Selenium is an important micronutrient that is required for the formation of the selenoproteins. Of the selenoproteins perhaps the most well known is the tissue antioxidant glutathione peroxidase. Via its incorporation into selenoproteins, selenium plays a wide range of roles … Continue reading →

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Lysine, Vitamin B6 and Carnitine: Blood Lipids

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Hyperlipidaemia is a condition characterised by high levels of certain lipids in the blood. The cause of hyperlipidaemia is a dysfunctional metabolism centreing on insulin resistance and fatty liver disease. The consequences of hyperlipidaemia are the development of cardiovascular disease. … Continue reading →

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L-Carnitine Supplements For Athletes

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Robert Barrington

L-carnitine is a substance produced naturally in the body, but which can be found in the diet in sources of meat. This relates to the main tissue concentration of carnitine which is in muscle tissue. The main physiological function of … Continue reading →

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Is Glycine a Longevity Supplement?

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Glycine is a proteinaceous amino acid that has a number of functions in humans. One interesting fact about glycine is that a number of studies have suggested that supplements of glycine can extend the lives of animals. Although the extension … Continue reading →

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Lysine, Protein, Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone and Muscle Health

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Lean tissue is associated with health and those with higher amounts of lean tissue are conferred better health. Optimising the amount of bone and muscle is therefore important for health. Calcium, along with vitamin D, lysine and protein can all … Continue reading →

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Glutamine as a Sports Supplement

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Glutamine is an amino acid that may have some benefits when taken as a supplement. The prolonged physical activity that typifies exercise causes an increased requirement for nutrients that support muscle function, and glutamine may fulfill that role. Prolonged exercise … Continue reading →

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Lesser Known Facts About Nuts

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Tree nuts are an important source of nutrients. In particular nuts are perhaps best known for their essential fatty acid content, in relation to walnuts, and their mineral content. The mineral content of nuts will vary depending on the soil … Continue reading →

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Oxalate in plants

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Oxalic acid is a metabolite of plants and is found in many plant tissues. High intakes of oxalates are present in some diets and they may have detrimental effects in humans. The main problem with oxalates is they can bind … Continue reading →

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