Amino Acids
Amino acids are essential for parenteral nutrition
Amino acids are the smallest components of proteins that perform many tasks in the body. Every organ requires proteins for its structure and function. Proteins transport, act as messengers, fight germs or control and create vital metabolic reactions. They are also important building blocks for muscles, hair and finger nails, for example.
All proteins consist of different amino acids. Therefore, amino acids are also indispensable for parenteral nutrition. Fresenius Kabi offers solutions containing amino acids in an ideal composition that the body can use to generate the required proteins.
The body can only store a small amount of protein
The body requires 20 different amino acids to produce the various proteins. The single molecules are linked into long amino acid chains according to "plans" stored in the genes.
Unlike fats or carbohydrates, the body cannot store proteins. The proteins are subject to a continuous process of de- and re-composition, depending on the respective demand. Some of the emerging amino acids in the process are broken down and released from the body via the kidneys. These deficits must be compensated for by eating. If a person cannot take the amino acids necessary for building new proteins from food, they have to be extracted through decomposition of the body’s own proteins. This can lead to a loss of body functions depending on the state of health.
The right mixture
Doctors can prevent such a loss of proteins by infusing amino acid solutions. Especially important are amino acids that cannot be produced by the body such as isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. The demand for these eight essential amino acids must be covered by a person's nutrition.
To find the right mixture for the composition of the body’s own amino acids, Fresenius Kabi scientists have based their amino acid combinations on high-quality nutritional proteins. This guarantees that the body utilizes the amino acids optimally.
Glutamine offers protection during severe illness
Glutamine is not an essential amino acid but plays a key role during stress-induced metabolism, which can arise from severe illness, for instance. Because glutamine is difficult to dissolve in water and is not stable in a solution, Fresenius Kabi offers glutamine in the form of a short chain together with another amino acid, known as a dipeptide. This dipeptide can be easily dissolved in water and is very stable. When it enters the bloodstream with the infusion solution, the body splits the chemical link between the two amino acids. The glutamine then is released to cover severely ill patients' increased needs.
For more information, please visit the homepage of Fresenius Kabi