title: Dietary requirements of "nutritionally non-essential amino acids" by animals and humans.
abstract: Amino acids are necessary for the survival, growth, development, reproduction and health of all organisms. They were traditionally classified as nutritionally essential or non-essential for mammals, birds and fish based on nitrogen balance or growth. It was assumed that all "non-essential amino acids (NEAA)" were synthesized sufficiently in the body to meet the needs for maximal growth and health. However, there has been no compelling experimental evidence to support this assumption over the past century. NEAA (e.g., glutamine, glutamate, proline, glycine and arginine) play important roles in regulating gene expression, cell signaling, antioxidative responses, neurotransmission, and immunity. Additionally, glutamate, glutamine and aspartate are major metabolic fuels for the small intestine to maintain its digestive function and protect its mucosal integrity. Therefore, based on new research findings, NEAA should be taken into consideration in revising the classical "ideal protein" concept and formulating balanced diets to improve protein accretion, food efficiency, and health in animals and humans.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA. g-wu@tamu.edu
authors.forename: Guoyao
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Zhenlong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Zhaolai
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Weiwei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chuang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Junjun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yulong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yin
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids