Part 1:
Explain what the term 'essential' means to you.
Identify one essential amino acid and describe how it could be obtained in your diet?
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease that is screened for in newborns. Kwashiorkor is described in your readings this unit as a form of malnutrition caused by inadequate intake of proteins. Compare and contrast these two diseases and their requirements for amino acids.
Part 2:
Stress-related anxiety is a very common occurrence in society today. Recent studies have shown that life-style choices such as diet may influence stress.
Article: Smriga, M., & Torii, K. (2003). Prolonged Treatment with l -Lysine and l -Arginine Reduces Stress-induced Anxiety in an Elevated Plus Maze. Nutritional Neuroscience, 6(2), 125.
There are also dietary amino acid supplements available. Explain if these supplements will work in your body.
What is an L-Lysine supplement? Who regulates the marketing claims and recommended dosages on these labels?
Provide one additional example of a situation when an amino acid is conditionally essential.