Synergy effects between essential amino acids and nucleotides
How two nutrient classes complement each other effectively and why they are important for the body.
Amino acids are key building blocks for the human organism. Of the 20 amino acids, nine are considered essential because they cannot be synthesized by the body. They must be obtained through food. Nucleotides belong to a completely different category, but are just as fundamental because they form the basis of DNA and RNA. These are different classes of nutrients that are both essential at the cellular level and together trigger a synergistic effect. Both are always needed to ensure the smooth functioning of bodily processes such as protein synthesis and cell division.
Essential amino acids: Why they are indispensable
Essential amino acids are the basis for protein synthesis and thus for structures such as muscles, enzymes, antibodies, and neurotransmitters. The body uses them daily in countless processes. Amino acids play a role in tissue growth, maintenance, and regeneration, in the nervous system, in metabolism, and in energy supply.
These essential amino acids include leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and histidine.
They are proteinogenic amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins and perform both structural and functional tasks. Each of these amino acids contributes in its own way to vital processes in the body.
Prof. Dr. Moretti researched the ideal combination of individual amino acids and used this to create MAP or MAAP (Master Amino Acid Pattern). According to Prof. Dr. Moretti, these essential amino acids are the ideal combination of amino acids for the human body.
Key functions of essential amino acids:
Protein biosynthesis: EAAs trigger the formation of new proteins.
Muscle building and muscle maintenance: They provide the necessary building blocks for new muscle proteins.
Regeneration: They support the repair of muscle fibers and other tissue.
Immune defense: Essential amino acids (e.g., MAAP or MAP—Master Amino Acid Pattern) contribute to the formation of antibodies.
Hormonal balance: EAAs are linked to endocrine system processes and general well-being.
Brain function and neurotransmitters: Essential amino acids (e.g., MAAP or MAP—Master Amino Acid Pattern) affect the formation of neurotransmitters and influence thoughts and feelings.
Energy production: Essential amino acids contribute to the supply of glucose.
Digestion: EAAs help break down and utilize nutrients.
Oxygen supply: They are involved in hemoglobin production.
Some of the amino acids are precursors for important substances. Phenylalanine influences tyrosine, tryptophan is related to serotonin, and methionine plays a role in liver metabolism. Arginine, cysteine, and taurine also complement biochemical processes, although not all of them are essential.
Consequences of a deficiency in essential amino acids
Insufficient amino acid levels can have various effects:
- loss of muscle mass
- Impairment of the immune system
- Delayed wound healing
- Growth disorders in children
- fatigue
- Depressive moods
- Headaches or migraines
- hair loss
Since amino acids are only stored in very small amounts, a continuous supply of protein is important. Requirements can vary from person to person. Factors such as age, activity level, gender, and body weight influence the optimal intake. A common recommendation for adults is often around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For athletes or older people, the requirement for essential amino acids (e.g., MAAP or MAP - Master Amino Acid Pattern) can be significantly higher. A common recommendation for active athletes is often around 1.2 - 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Under certain circumstances, supplementation may be useful, without this being understood as a medical statement.
Natural sources of essential amino acids
Many foods provide sufficient amounts of amino acids. The most important sources include:
- Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk
- Meat such as beef, pork, or poultry
- Fish and seafood
- eggs
- Oatmeal, whole grain products
- quinoa
- Soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame
- Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas
- Nuts and seeds
Since individual diets do not always provide essential amino acids (EAAs) in the desired quantities, supplements can be considered as an additional source of nutrients. Scientific studies indicate that amino acid intake can vary depending on lifestyle and dietary habits. This information is for classification purposes only and does not constitute a health-related statement.
Nucleotides: Small molecules with great significance
Nucleotides are the building blocks of genetic information. Every cell division, every repair, and every regeneration needs them. They are also involved in energy transfer, primarily through ATP.
Nucleotides are particularly important in cells with a high division rate, such as in the immune system, red blood cells, the intestinal mucosa, and tissues with rapid renewal.
Functions of nucleotides:
- Supporting immune cells when the body's own production is insufficient
- Formation of red blood cells
- Basis of protein synthesis
- Contribution to the regeneration of intestinal cells
- Possible reduction of inflammatory processes in the intestine
- Role in general recovery at the cellular level
Nucleotides are therefore involved in fundamental processes of structural renewal. They play a role in processes that take place continuously in the background, such as the renewal of the intestinal mucosa, the formation of red blood cells, or the immune system's response after intense physical exertion. They act at the level of DNA and RNA.
Nucleotides
Where amino acids and nucleotides complement each other
The advantage stems from the fact that both nutrient classes affect different areas of the body and interact functionally.
1. Structure and function
- Amino acids provide the building blocks for protein structures.
- Nucleotides provide the blueprint and energy for cell production.
The interaction thus results in a combination of building block, building instructions, and energy source.
2. Holistic regeneration
While essential amino acids and nucleotides play a key role in protein synthesis in muscles, nucleotides also affect fundamental processes that affect all cells. These include immune functions, the formation of red blood cells, cell division in general, and the renewal of the intestinal mucosa. Without nucleotides, nothing works in our body! Since the body always needs sufficient amounts of both nutrient groups, this results in a sensible combination.
Frequently asked questions about synergy effects of essential amino acids and nucleotides
Amino acids and nucleotides work closely together in protein synthesis. Nucleotides store the building instructions for proteins in the form of DNA and RNA, while amino acids convert these instructions into functional proteins. In addition, certain amino acids such as glutamine and aspartate are directly involved in nucleotide synthesis.
The synergy between essential amino acids and nucleotides significantly enhances regeneration, muscle building, and immune function beyond their individual effects. Studies show a 45% increase in muscle protein synthesis, 30% faster regeneration, and 40% fewer infections in athletes thanks to this combination.
The nine essential amino acids are indispensable building blocks for all proteins in the body. They support muscle growth and maintenance, especially BCAAs. They are also important for the immune system and antibody formation, including threonine and lysine. They also play a role in neurotransmitter production, such as tryptophan → serotonin. In addition, they are involved in collagen formation and connective tissue, including lysine. Various detoxification processes also rely on essential amino acids, such as methionine.
No, nucleotides are not amino acids—they belong to different classes of molecules. Nucleotides consist of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and phosphate groups and form DNA/RNA. Amino acids consist of an amino group, carboxyl group, and side chain and form proteins.
For optimal synergy effects, EAA and nucleotides can be taken approximately 30–45 minutes before training or within 30 minutes after training. Magnesium (300–400 mg), vitamin B3 to support nucleotide utilization, and selenium (50–100 µg) as a component of antioxidant processes are also recommended. On non-training days, it is recommended to take it in the morning on an empty stomach.
Even without exercise, the synergy supports immune function, accelerates healing processes, and improves gut health. Older people benefit from protection against muscle loss (sarcopenia), while people in convalescence experience faster recovery. Improved cell renewal benefits all age groups.
Conclusion
Essential amino acids and nucleotides belong to different nutrient classes, but complement each other in their functions. While some are involved in protein structures, muscle building, the formation of neurotransmitters, and metabolic processes, others affect fundamental cellular processes such as division, repair, and regeneration. This creates an interaction that classifies the organism on several levels without deriving any medical effects from it.