What Does It Mean?
Amino acid deficiency occurs when the body lacks essential amino acids required for protein synthesis, metabolic function, and neurotransmitter production. Amino acids are fundamental building blocks for muscle repair, immune function, and enzymatic reactions.
Key Physiological Imbalances:
- Protein Malnutrition: Leads to muscle wasting and poor tissue repair.
- Neurotransmitter Deficiency: Can result in mood disturbances and cognitive decline.
- Impaired Detoxification: Amino acids are necessary for liver detoxification pathways.
- Weakened Immune Function: Decreased antibody production and immune cell activity.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Insufficient dietary protein intake
- Malabsorption disorders (IBD, leaky gut, SIBO)
- Chronic stress increasing protein catabolism
- Liver or kidney dysfunction impairing amino acid metabolism
- Genetic metabolic disorders affecting amino acid synthesis
Signs & Symptoms:
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Slow wound healing
- Hair loss and brittle nails
- Mood instability, anxiety, or depression
- Digestive disturbances (bloating, poor digestion)
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Diagnostic Criteria:
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and laboratory testing.
Lab Test Findings
(Note: Additional labs for an amino acid panel can be included for a more comprehensive assessment within this protocol)
| Lab Test | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Alanine | Decreased | 209.2-515.5 µmol/L |
| Alloisoleucine | Decreased | 0.0-3.2 µmol/L |
| Alpha-aminoadipate | Decreased | 0.0-1.9 µmol/L |
| Alpha-aminobutyrate | Decreased | 5.4-34.5 µmol/L |
| Arginine | Decreased | 36.3-119.2 µmol/L |
| Argininosuccinate | Decreased | 0.0-3.0 µmol/L |
| Asparagine | Decreased | 29.5-84.5 µmol/L |
| Asparate | Decreased | 0.0-7.4 µmol/L |
| Beta-alanine | Decreased | 1.1-9.0 µmol/L |
| Beta-aminoisobutyrate | Decreased | 0.0-4.3 µmol/L |
| Citrulline | Decreased | 15.6-46.9 µmol/L |
| Cystathionine | Decreased | 0.0-0.7 µmol/L |
| Cystine | Decreased | 15.8-47.3 µmol/L |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on replenishing amino acids, supporting digestion, and addressing underlying causes.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| V-Pax | Provides mitochondrial and antioxidant support | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Perfect Protein | High-quality protein source for amino acid replenishment | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Increase High-Quality Protein Intake: Include grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins.
- Support Digestion: Consider digestive enzymes or HCl for better protein breakdown.
- Reduce Inflammatory Foods: Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and refined grains.
- Optimize Gut Health: Address malabsorption issues with probiotics and gut-healing nutrients.