As the essential building blocks of protein for the body, amino acids are receiving increasing attention for the important metabolic role they play in modulating health and disease. Recent studies have uncovered several crucial amino acid imbalances in patients with MS that may shed new light on how the disease develops and progresses.

Relapses of MS are associated with periods of increased stress, and this stress is believed to increase the body's metabolic need for the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to the crucial brain neurochemicals such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. One researcher has linked lower availability of tryptophan in the blood in MS patients with greater susceptibility to stress, and hence, increased vulnerability to progression of MS.1 Several amino acids play crucial anti-inflammatory anti-oxidant roles in the body, such as cysteine, glutathione, and taurine, which may safeguard against the neurodegeneration in MS.

Patients with multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating conditions also commonly show critical deficiency of vitamin B12, signaled by high levels of homocysteine, which may exacerbate symptoms and/or hinder recovery.2,3 Westall and colleagues reported "extensive amino acid abnormalities" in MS patients. They noted that relapses of MS are preceded by gradual rises of glutamate, a month or two before each relapse, with levels peaking during the relapse and declining slowly thereafter.4 Other amino acid abnormalities reported in MS patients include elevated glutamine, asparagine, glycine, alanine and arginine.5,6

Underscoring the significance of amino acids in MS disease conditions are numerous clinical trials that show treatments with copolymers of amino acids (e.g. glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, and tyrosine) greatly reducing relapses in MS patients, without incurring serious side effects.7,8

The Amino Acids Analysis is the most comprehensive and sensitive assay available for urine or plasma analytes. Commentary is thorough and provides clear guidelines for possible treatment interventions.

Related Information: Multiple Sclerosis and Oxidative Stress

References
1 Sandyk R. Tryptophan availability and the susceptibility to stress in multiple sclerosis: a hypothesis. Int J Neurosci 1996;86(1-2):47-53.
2 Bottiglieri T. Folate, vitamin B12, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Nutr Rev 1996;54(12):382-390.
3 Reynolds EH. Multiple sclerosis and vitamin B12 metabolism. J Neuroimmunol 1992;40(203):225-230.
4 Westall FC, Hawkins A, Ellison GW, Myers LW. Abnormal glutamic acid metabolism in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 1980;47(30:353-364).
5 Barkhatova VP, Zavalishin IA, Askarova LSh, Shavrataskii VKh, Demina EG. Neurotransmitter changes in multiple sclerosis [Russian]. Zh Nevropatol Psikhaitr Im S S Korsakova 1997;97(5):7-10.
6 Iijima K, Takase S, Tsumuraya K, Endo M, Itahara K. Changes in free amino acids of cerebrospinal fluid and plasma in vrious neurological diseases. Tohoku J Exp 1978;126(20:133-150.
7 Brod SA, Lindsey JW, Wolinsky JS. Multiple sclerosis: clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Am Fam Physician 1996;54(4):1301-1306.
8 Katchalski-Katzir E. Synthesis, structure and function of poly-alpha-amino acids the simplest or protein models. Cell Mol Life Sci 1997;53(10):780-789.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.