Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid critical for the production of the body’s proteins, enzymes and muscle tissue. It is involved in the metabolic control of cell functions in nerve and brain tissue. Asparagine is biosynthesized from aspartic acid and ammonia by asparagine synthetase. Supplements of this amino acid are claimed to balance nervous system function.
Symptoms Linked to Asparagine Deficiency:
Significantly increased prevalence of asparagine deficiencies has been detected in two clinical manifestations: 1) fatigue, and 2) immune system stress. For example, in 75 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, 32.0% exhibited an asparagine deficiency. There are no published deficiency symptoms for asparagine in the medical literature, partly due to previous lack of adequate assessment tests. Therefore, tentative associates of asparagine deficiencies with clinical complaints of fatigue, and clinical finds of immune dysfunction (autoimmune disorders, severe allergies, infections) have been identified by the Functional Intracellular Analysis test for asparagine.
Health Problems Associated to Asparagine Deficiency:
- Fatigue – Supplementation of this amino acid delayed fatigue during exercise by decreasing the rate at which glycogen was used up. It is needed for gluconeogenesis, a process that allows glucose to be made from protein to prevent blood sugar from getting too low.
- Hypothyroidism – this amino acid is part of the structure of thyroid stimulating hormone which regulates communication with other hormones.
- Sports Nutrition – Increases the capacity of muscle to use fatty acids and spare glycogen, thus increasing time to physical exhaustion. Intensive training lowers asparagine levels.
- Weight Management – This amino acid increases insulin sensitivity which helps the body store energy in muscle instead of storing it as body fat.
How to Acquire Asparagine:
Since asparagine is a dispensable amino acid, no RDA exists. Asparagine is present in all proteins, but is partially degraded into aspartate by heat (cooking), storage, or acid. Asparagine supplementation as L-asparagine appears safe in modest doses (up to 6 grams daily).
Clinical Updates on Asparagine
