L-Threonine

• Threonine is an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks the body uses to make proteins.

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other Names
• References

Uses

• Threonine is used to treat various nervous system disorders including spinal spasticity, multiple sclerosis, familial spastic paraparesis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease).

Benefits

• Threonine is changed in the body to a chemical called glycine. Glycine works in the brain to reduce constant and unwanted muscle contractions (spasticity).

Cautions

• Threonine is POSSIBLY SAFE when doses of up to 4 grams daily are taken by mouth for up to 12 months. Some people experience minor side effects such as stomach upset, headache, nausea, and skin rash.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking threonine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease):’ There is some concern that threonine might decrease lung function in patients with ALS. In one study, ALS patients taking 1 gram of threonine four times per day for 6 months had significantly reduced lung function compared to patients who did not receive threonine. More evidence is needed to determine if threonine was actually at fault.

Interactions

Major Interaction Do not take this combination:

• Medications used for Alzheimer’s disease (NMDA antagonists) interacts with THREONINE: There is some concern that threonine might decrease how well a medication used for Alzheimer’s disease works. This medication is called memantine (Namenda).

Other Names

L-threonine, L-thréonine, Thréonine, Treonina.

References

Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1083-threonine.aspx?activeingredientid=1083&activeingredientname=threonine