Alanine Deficiency
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Alanine is a non-essential amino acid, so the body can make enough of its own, but deficiency can occur and the following are the only people who may experience it:
- People on low protein diets
People who are on low protein diets may become deficient not just in alanine but all of the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids) if their protein intake is not sufficient. - Strict vegans and vegetarians
Some really strict vegans and vegetarians may become deficient not just in alanine but all of the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids) if they are not combining their foods correctly to get the correct balance of protein and amino acids. - People with eating disorders
People with eating disorders may not be eating enough foods (or could be expelling it through their vomit) so may not be getting enough of not just alanine but also all the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids). - People who are malnutritioned or starving
People who are malnutritioned or starving are not not be eating enough foods to sustain health and will not be getting enough of not just alanine but also all the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids). - People with certain health conditions
People with certain health conditions (such as liver disease, diabetes) may have lowered levels of alanine (studies have shown that certain people with these conditions have low levels of alanine), which could exacerbate their health disorder.
Alanine is a non-essential amino acid, so the body can make enough of its own, but deficiency can occur in some people
Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of alanine deficiency include:
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia)
People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if alanine supplementation is required.