Articles

Defying Aging

Millions fall and tens of thousands die as a result of falls each year.  Frailty, a geriatric syndrome characterized by increased vulnerability across multiple health domains, is complicit in the increased risk of falls.  And, Osteosarcopenia induced frailty increases the likelihood of falls, injury, disability, hospitalization, and death among adults [1] [2].   Tens of thousands of U.S. adults, over the age of 65, die after falling each year. 

Osteosarcopenia primarily affects seniors and refers to the presence of both low bone mass (osteopenia/osteoporosis) and low muscle mass/function (sarcopenia) within the same individual.  In this article, we focus on the detection and physical mobility aspects of Osteosarcopenia caused frailty and on the role that Indispensable Amino Acids (IAAs) may play in helping to defy this aging-related condition. 

Mel's Story pt 2

Hi, Mel here again.  I am a nurse and a 32 years old vegetarian.  

In April of this year, I had my diet analyzed for protein and IAA consumption.  I was surprised to learn that I was eating far less protein and IAAs than the average amount consumed by women my age.  I had not been aware of the importance of IAAs (I ate whatever I wanted that I considered to be “vegan” or a healthy option) and did not know that eating too little can contribute to chronic systemic inflammation and numerous related ailments.   

In this article I discuss my experiences for the month of June 2024.  I intentionally increased my daily IAA intake in June to more than double what I had eaten in April; closer to the standards of the daily recommended amount for my gender and weight. I compare my April 2024 and June 2024 experiences.  And, I review the challenges I faced in significantly increasing my daily IAAs intake and take a close look at my inflammation related symptoms, noting the changes in June relative to what I observed in April.

Keywords: IAA, ADRI, inflammatory disease, vegetarian

Average Diet vs ADRI

The 2-Dooz Research Lab’s Adjusted Dietary Reference Intakes* (ADRI) for protein and indispensable amino acids (IAAs), which are built on top of evidence-based research and data, suggest a higher baseline consumption of protein and IAAs to help offset the widespread prevalence of chronic health conditions.  “What happens if you don’t eat enough protein?” considers such conditions and explains why it is important to consume an adequate amount of protein as part of a balanced diet.  And, in this article, we analyze the average American Diet to see how it stacks up against the Protein ADRI.  Spoiler alert: all considered study subgroups fall short of the Protein ADRI, with women and older Americans performing the worst.

Keywords: protein, IAA, ADRI, deficiency, health, diet, WWEIA

IAA ADRI

The current USDA and WHO recommendations for how much protein and indispensable amino acids (IAAs) we should consume are 20 years old.  Much has happened since their original publication.  The world in the mid-2020s is vastly different than it was at the turn of the century.  Adults are living longer, and are doing so with one or more chronic health conditions; many of which can be correlated to their diets. 

Given the critical role that IAA play regarding our health, this ORIGINAL-RESEARCH article proposes Adjusted Dietary Reference Intakes (ADRI) for IAAs.  The IAA ADRI incorporate more recent evidence-based research and data, which suggest a higher baseline consumption of IAAs may be warranted to help offset the widespread prevalence of chronic health conditions. 

The IAA ADRI are approximately 1.6 times the current USDA and WHO dietary reference intakes for indispensable amino acids.

Click to read article.   

Keywords: protein, IAA, ADRI, deficiency, health, diet

Health Charms

Our 37 trillion cells form our various tissues, including those that make up our nervous system (e.g., brain and nerves), skin, muscles, bone, lymphatic system, and blood.  And, every cell in all the tissues of our bodies is made from amino acids--the building blocks of protein. 

Analogically speaking, protein can be thought of as a charm bracelet that has amino acids (AAs) as its charms.  The protein and amino acids charm bracelet is essential for the creation, growth, and maintenance of our bodies. 

Keywords: protein, indispensable amino acids, protein quality, health, wellbeing

Protein Quality pt 1

When it comes to protein, quantity is not enough; protein quality must also be considered.  We propose a model for determining the protein quality of foods.  We define a food’s protein quality as a function of the indispensable amino acids (IAAs) composition of the protein content in the food.  

Part 1 analyzes foods for their protein quality relative to our selected gold-standard food, which governs a food’s IAA Quality Scores.  We explain why eating higher protein quality foods can be protective against overeating and can help to prevent unwanted weight gain.

Key words:  protein quality, protein quality, weight gain, indispensable amino acids, essential amino acids, IAA Quality Scores

Protein Quality pt 2

When it comes to protein, quantity is not enough; protein quality must also be considered.  We propose a model for determining the protein quality of foods.  We define a food’s protein quality as a function of the indispensable amino acids (IAAs) composition of the protein content in the food.  

Part 2 examines each of the USDA food categories from the perspective of protein quality and protein quantity.  We identify those food categories that have the most optimal blend of protein quality and quantity.

Key words:  protein quality, protein quality, weight gain, indispensable amino acids, essential amino acids, IAA Quality Scores

Protein Digestion and Production

When we consume foods that contain protein, our bodies break the proteins down into simpler entities (i.e., amino acids).  Our bodies then use the amino acids to build other proteins that are needed for various bodily functions.  

Keywords: protein, digestion, IAA, enzymes, absorption, metabolism

What Happens When You Don't Eat Enough Protein?

Protein is an essential nutrient.  When you don't eat enough protein, your body can't function properly and you may experience poor health.

This article discusses the dangers of not eating enough protein, how much protein you need, and how to get enough protein in your diet.  

Keywords: protein, deficiency, health, diet

Tryptophan:  A Dream Amino Acid that Improves Sleep, Enhances Mood, and Reduces Cancer Risk

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which is a key building block for serotonin, melatonin, endorphins, and other metabolites, which help to improve sleep, enhance mood, reduce pain, and decrease cancer risk.  

Keywords: Tryptophan, essential amino acid, serotonin, melatonin, endorphins, mood enhancement, reduced cancer risk

Lysine

Lysine: A Swiss Army Knife Amino Acid that  Kills Viruses, Heals Wounds and Enhances Mood

Lysine is an indispensable amino acid (IAA) that is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. It can  also help with wound healing,  stress management,  treating viral infections and blood pressure management. 

Keywords: Lysine, essential amino acid, viral infections, managing stress, eye floaters, skin health, wound healing

MyPlate

MyPlate is a visual representation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).  It can be tailored to your individual needs and preferences and emphasizes the importance of eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups, inclusive of protein.  It also recommends eating less unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium.  

Keywords: MyPlate, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, healthy eating

Meat Substitutes

Meat substitutes are food products made from vegetarian or vegan ingredients, eaten as a replacement for meat.   We provide a classification, history, and comparison of the amount of protein in fake meat versus real meat.  

Keywords: meat substitutes, fake meat, vegetarian protein, cultured meat

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