What are amino acids and why are they crucial for human health. How much amino acid intake is optimal for the body. Can excess amino acid consumption lead to health issues. What are the best sources of amino acids in our diet.

Understanding Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of Life

Amino acids are fundamental components of life, serving as the essential building blocks for proteins in our bodies. These organic compounds play a crucial role in various physiological processes, from muscle growth to neurotransmitter production. But what exactly are amino acids, and why are they so important?

Amino acids are molecules that contain both an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH), along with a unique side chain that distinguishes one amino acid from another. There are 20 standard amino acids that combine in different sequences to form the vast array of proteins found in living organisms.

The Role of Amino Acids in Human Health

Why are amino acids so vital for our well-being? Here are some key functions:

• Protein synthesis: Amino acids are the raw materials for building proteins, which are essential for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance.
• Energy production: When carbohydrates are scarce, amino acids can be broken down to provide energy.
• Neurotransmitter synthesis: Several amino acids serve as precursors for important brain chemicals.
• Immune system support: Certain amino acids play a crucial role in maintaining a robust immune response.
• Hormone production: Some hormones are derived from amino acids or require them for synthesis.

Essential vs. Non-Essential Amino Acids: What’s the Difference?

Not all amino acids are created equal in terms of our body’s ability to produce them. Amino acids are classified into two main categories: essential and non-essential.

Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. These include:

1. Histidine
2. Isoleucine
3. Leucine
4. Lysine
5. Methionine
6. Phenylalanine
7. Threonine
8. Tryptophan
9. Valine

Non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body, given that there are sufficient nitrogen, carbon, and other necessary compounds available. However, some of these may become conditionally essential under certain circumstances, such as illness or stress.

Amino Acid Intake: How Much is Enough?

Determining the optimal amino acid intake can be complex, as individual needs vary based on factors such as age, sex, body composition, activity level, and overall health status. Generally, a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources can provide adequate amounts of all essential amino acids.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day for adults. However, this may increase for athletes, pregnant women, or those recovering from illness or injury.

Can You Consume Too Many Amino Acids?

While amino acids are essential for health, it is possible to consume excessive amounts, particularly through supplementation. Excess amino acid intake can lead to several issues:

• Increased metabolic load on the liver and kidneys
• Potential imbalances in amino acid ratios, which may affect absorption and utilization
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• In rare cases, toxicity or adverse reactions

It’s important to note that the body has mechanisms to deal with excess amino acids. When more amino acids are consumed than needed, the body typically breaks them down and excretes the excess as waste. However, this process can put additional stress on organs like the liver and kidneys.

Amino Acid Sources: Food vs. Supplements

Obtaining amino acids through a balanced diet is generally preferable to relying on supplements. Whole food sources of protein provide not only amino acids but also other essential nutrients and fiber. However, there are situations where amino acid supplementation may be beneficial.

Food Sources Rich in Amino Acids

To ensure a balanced intake of amino acids, include a variety of these protein-rich foods in your diet:

• Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef)
• Fish and seafood
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
• Soy products (tofu, tempeh)
• Nuts and seeds
• Whole grains

When Might Amino Acid Supplements Be Useful?

Amino acid supplements may be beneficial in certain circumstances:

1. For athletes or bodybuilders looking to enhance muscle recovery and growth
2. In cases of specific amino acid deficiencies
3. For vegetarians or vegans who may struggle to obtain all essential amino acids from plant-based sources
4. During periods of increased physiological stress, such as illness or recovery from surgery

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any amino acid supplementation regimen, as individual needs can vary greatly.

The Impact of Excess Amino Acid Intake on Health

While amino acids are vital for numerous bodily functions, consuming them in excess can potentially lead to adverse health effects. Understanding these consequences is crucial for maintaining optimal health and avoiding potential complications.

Metabolic Stress and Organ Function

How does excess amino acid intake affect our body’s metabolism? When we consume more amino acids than our bodies require, several processes are set in motion:

• Increased workload on the liver: The liver must process excess amino acids through deamination, converting them into other usable substances or preparing them for excretion.
• Kidney stress: The kidneys are responsible for filtering out the waste products of amino acid metabolism, primarily in the form of urea. Excessive amino acid intake can increase the kidneys’ workload.
• Altered pH balance: The breakdown of amino acids can produce acid residues, potentially affecting the body’s acid-base balance if consumed in large quantities.

These processes, while normally manageable by the body, can become problematic if consistently overtaxed by excessive amino acid consumption.

Nutrient Imbalances and Interactions

Can an overabundance of certain amino acids interfere with the absorption or utilization of others? Indeed, amino acids often compete for absorption in the intestines and can interact in complex ways within the body. Some potential issues include:

• Competitive inhibition: Excess intake of one amino acid may impair the absorption of others that use similar transport mechanisms.
• Altered amino acid ratios: Imbalances in amino acid intake can affect protein synthesis and other metabolic processes that rely on specific amino acid proportions.
• Interference with mineral absorption: Some amino acids, particularly when consumed in large amounts, may affect the absorption of minerals like zinc and iron.

Amino Acids in Special Populations: Considerations and Precautions

While amino acids are generally safe for most people when consumed as part of a balanced diet, certain populations may require special considerations regarding amino acid intake.

Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts

How do amino acid requirements differ for those engaged in regular, intense physical activity? Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often have increased protein and amino acid needs due to higher rates of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown. Key points include:

• Increased overall protein requirements, typically ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day
• Potential benefits from branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation for muscle recovery and reduced exercise-induced fatigue
• Timing of amino acid intake in relation to exercise for optimal muscle protein synthesis

However, it’s important to note that while athletes may benefit from higher amino acid intake, excessive consumption beyond what the body can utilize may not provide additional benefits and could potentially lead to the issues associated with excess intake.

Elderly Population

As we age, our bodies’ ability to synthesize and utilize proteins can decline. This phenomenon, known as anabolic resistance, may necessitate different approaches to amino acid intake in older adults:

• Potentially higher protein and essential amino acid requirements to maintain muscle mass and function
• Consideration of leucine-rich protein sources or supplements to stimulate muscle protein synthesis
• Balanced distribution of protein intake throughout the day to maximize muscle maintenance

It’s crucial for older adults to consult with healthcare providers to determine their individual amino acid needs, especially if considering supplementation.

Pregnancy and Lactation

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, amino acid requirements increase to support fetal growth and milk production. Important considerations include:

• Increased protein intake recommendations, typically an additional 25 grams per day during pregnancy and 19 grams per day during lactation
• Emphasis on obtaining amino acids from whole food sources to ensure a balance of nutrients
• Potential need for supplementation in cases of dietary restrictions or nutritional deficiencies

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure adequate and safe amino acid intake.

Amino Acid Supplementation: Benefits and Risks

While obtaining amino acids from food sources is generally preferable, supplementation can be beneficial in certain circumstances. However, it’s important to understand both the potential advantages and risks associated with amino acid supplements.

Potential Benefits of Amino Acid Supplementation

Under what circumstances might amino acid supplements be advantageous? Some potential benefits include:

• Enhanced muscle recovery and growth in athletes and bodybuilders
• Improved exercise performance and reduced fatigue
• Support for wound healing and recovery from surgery or injury
• Potential mood and cognitive benefits from specific amino acids like tryptophan or tyrosine
• Addressing specific amino acid deficiencies in individuals with restricted diets or malabsorption issues

Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe when used appropriately, amino acid supplements can pose risks, especially when consumed in excess or without proper guidance:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, diarrhea, and bloating
• Potential imbalances in amino acid ratios, which could affect overall protein metabolism
• Increased burden on the liver and kidneys, particularly in individuals with pre-existing organ dysfunction
• Possible interactions with certain medications
• Risk of consuming contaminants or unlisted ingredients in poorly regulated supplements

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any amino acid supplementation regimen, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medications.

Optimizing Amino Acid Intake: Strategies for Balance

Achieving the right balance of amino acids is key to reaping their benefits while avoiding potential drawbacks of excess intake. Here are some strategies to optimize your amino acid consumption:

Diversify Protein Sources

How can we ensure a well-rounded amino acid profile through diet? By incorporating a variety of protein sources:

• Combine plant-based proteins to create complete protein profiles (e.g., rice and beans)
• Rotate between different types of meat, fish, and plant-based proteins throughout the week
• Include lesser-known protein sources like quinoa, hemp seeds, or spirulina for added diversity

Time Your Protein Intake

Strategic timing of protein consumption can optimize amino acid utilization:

• Distribute protein intake evenly throughout the day to maintain a steady supply of amino acids
• Consider consuming protein-rich foods or supplements shortly before or after exercise for enhanced muscle recovery
• Include a source of protein with each meal to support satiety and blood sugar regulation

Consider Individual Needs

Amino acid requirements can vary based on factors such as age, activity level, and health status. Tailoring your intake accordingly is crucial:

• Consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to determine your specific amino acid needs
• Adjust protein intake based on activity levels, increasing during periods of intense training or recovery
• Monitor your body’s response to changes in protein intake and adjust as necessary

Supplement Wisely

If considering amino acid supplements, approach them with caution and knowledge:

• Choose reputable brands that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity
• Start with lower doses and gradually increase if needed, monitoring for any adverse effects
• Use targeted supplementation based on specific needs rather than broad-spectrum amino acid supplements
• Regularly reassess the need for supplementation as your diet or health status changes

By implementing these strategies, you can work towards optimizing your amino acid intake, supporting your body’s needs while minimizing the risks associated with excess consumption. Remember, the goal is to achieve balance and support overall health, not to maximize intake at all costs.

Amino Acids Facts | Amino acids explained | Amino Acids | Ajinomoto Group Global Website

Frequently Asked Questions about Amino Acids

General Questions about Amino Acids

What is the difference between an amino acid and peptide?

Proteins are made up of hundreds of thousands or sometimes even millions of amino acids. Peptides are made up of only a small number of amino acids.

How are amino acids absorbed in the body?

Proteins are absorbed into the body through the gut. However, proteins first need to be digested and turned into peptides and amino acids before they can be absorbed.
Most dietary peptides are broken down in the gastrointestinal tract in simple amino acids.Then, they are transported into blood and reach the organs in our body.

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are essential for human life. Amino acids support the different functions of our bodies. The proteins in our bodies are made up of 20 amino acids.

• See Also: 20 Amino Acids that Make Up Proteins
• See Also: What are Amino Acids?

Why are they called amino acids?

Amino acid refers to a substance with an amino group and carboxy group.

What do amino acids do for us?

Amino acids produce the taste of food and keep us healthy. For example they are used for sports nutrition, medicines, beauty products and they reduce caloric intake.

• See Also: Glutamate and Aspartate – Amino Acids for Delicious Taste
• See Also: Video: Amino Acids are The Source of Life

What happens if I have an amino acid deficiency?

An amino acid deficiency can harm normal growth. In extreme cases it can be life-threatening. As long as you eat a normal diet, you should be getting enough amino acids. However, recent studies suggest that persons who do intensive sports and the elderly are at risk of having amino acid deficiencies.

• See Also: Amino Acids for Healthy Aging

Will consuming too many amino acids make me gain weight?

Amino acids have four calories per gram. This is the same amount of calories as glucose, an element of table sugar. However, if you take amino acids as supplements, only small amounts of amino acids are consumed. So they are low in calories, and you are very unlikely to gain weight from them.

How to Take Amino Acids

What happens to my body with the excess amino acids?

If you consume more amino acids than your body needs, the excess amino acids are broken down and leave your body as waste. Just like taking any other nutrients, if you consume more amino acids than what your body needs, it can be a burden for your body.

Can we not get enough amino acids just through food?

If you are eating a normal diet, you should be getting enough amino acids. However, eating foods with a bad nutritional balance or not eating enough food, for example by dieting, can lead to amino acid deficiencies or imbalances. Hard exercise burns specific amino acids in the body. If you do hard exercise, it can be very beneficial to take amino acid supplements. Supplementing with specific amino acids can also increase the amino acid levels in your blood. This improves various functions in your body.

What foods are good for getting a balanced intake of amino acids?

To make sure you get enough essential amino acids and in a good balance you should eat staple foods such as rice or bread together with a good balance of foods such as meat, fish, eggs and soy.

What is the difference between taking amino acids in food and taking amino acids in supplements?

Proteins are digested in the gastrointestinal tract and become amino acids. These amino acids are then absorbed by the body. It takes time to ingest and absorb proteins. Amino acids can be directly absorbed, and so are absorbed more quickly than proteins. Once absorbed, amino acids function without regard to their source. It doesn’t matter if they are ingested in food or taken in tablet form or in drinks.

Is it safe to give amino acids to children?

Children can safely consume amino acids, but children who are still growing should generally get their nutrients through food.

• See Also: Amino Acids for Nutrition Improvement

Is it safe to drink amino acids while pregnant?

It is safe to consume amino acids while pregnant. However, you should ask your doctor about your nutritional intake during pregnancy.

Can I take amino acids if I am also taking medicine?

Amino acids are nutrients that make up proteins. Amino acids are widely consumed in regular foods. There are no risks associated with taking amino acids and medicines. However, please ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

I have health issues. Is it safe for me to take amino acids?

Amino acids are nutrients that make up proteins. Amino acids are widely consumed in regular foods. There are no risks associated with taking amino acids, but if you suffer from severe kidney dysfunction or phenylketonuria, you may need to restrict your amino acid intake. Please ask your doctor.

Is it safe to take amino acids everyday? 　

Amino acids are nutrients and not medicines, so there are no intake guidelines. Daily intake can also vary widely from person to person. However, it is a good idea to increase your amino acid intake if you do a lot of hard exercise. We suggest that you experiment to find the amount of amino acids that works best for you.

Role of Amino Acids

I’ve heard that athletes supplement with amino acids. What are the benefits?

Amino acids are nutrients that make up proteins so they are essential to our everyday lives. Amino acids also make up the proteins in muscle and are very important for recovery from exercise. For these reasons, amino acids are widely consumed by athletes and those who enjoy sports and exercise. Amino acids don’t need to be broken down like proteins do so they can be rapidly absorbed and utilize by the body. So they can be easily supplemented as nutrients when needed such as for sports.

• See Also: Amino Acids for Better Sports Performance

Will taking amino acids give me lots of muscle?

Amino acids provide the building blocks to make muscle. Weightlifters and bodybuilders often take amino acids. However, taking amino acids without exercising will not increase your muscle.

Is taking amino acids considered doping?

Amino acids are already part of your body. Taking amino acids is not considered doping.

Is it true that amino acids moisturize your skin and hair?

Skin has a natural moisturizing factor to prevent it from drying out and protect it from irritation. More than half of this natural moisturizing factor comes from amino acids and other related factors. Amino acids are important for moisturizing skin and also help to moisturize hair.
Shampoos and treatments that are made with certain amino acids have been shown to promote moisture retention and make hair easier to brush.

• See Also: Amino Acids for Skin and Hair

I often see shampoos and other products that are made with amino acids. Do amino acids help with cleaning?

Amino acid-based cleaning ingredients are made by adding amino acids to cleaning ingredients, to achieve a cleaning solution with mild acidity that is similar to skin.

Are amino acids used to make medicine?

Amino acids have many different functions in the body. Several amino acids have been found to have pharmacological effects against diseases. These amino acids are used as medicine. Some amino acids are also used as intermediates in medicine.

• See Also: Amino Acids for Early Detection of Diseases

Do intravenous (IV) drips contain amino acids?

Not all IV drips contain amino acids. Patients who cannot take in enough nutrients orally after surgery are given high-calorie infusions. These infusions contain essential amino acids.

Eating too many sulfur amino acids may boost cardiovascular disease and death risk

(Malte Mueller, Getty Images)

Eating too much food containing sulfur amino acids – primarily found in proteins such as beef, chicken and dairy – may increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and death, according to new preliminary research.

Sulfur amino acids are essential for metabolism and overall health, but the average person in the United States consumes far more than needed – as much as two and a half times the estimated average requirement.

“This may provide part of the reason why people who consume diets that emphasize healthy plant foods have lower rates of cardiovascular disease than those who eat large amounts of meat and dairy foods,” said Laila Al-Shaar, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She led the study presented Thursday at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention, Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health conference in Chicago.

The researchers analyzed data from 120,699 people in two long-term national studies, the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Participants completed detailed health questionnaires, including questions about their diets, every two to four years.

On average, participants ate more than twice the recommended daily amount of sulfur amino acids, mostly from beef, chicken and milk. After adjusting for other cardiac risk factors, the researchers found that, compared to those who ate the least, those who consumed the most sulfur amino acids had a 12% increased annual risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 28% increased risk of dying from the condition over the 32-year study period. The results are considered preliminary until the full findings are published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The vast majority – at least 94% – of the participants were non-Hispanic white men and women, and because they were health professionals, their socioeconomic status may not represent the overall population. This means the results might not be generalizable to other groups, Al-Shaar said. So, other studies should include populations with different dietary behaviors, specifically those whose protein intake is primarily from plant sources, she said.

Several animal studies in the past few decades have shown that restricting these types of amino acids – notably methionine and cysteine – delayed the aging process and helped animals live longer, but translating those benefits to people has proven to be difficult.

A study from the same Penn State research group published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine journal in 2020 linked higher consumption of sulfur amino acids to higher cardiometabolic disease risk. But it was based on estimated diets from participants filling out just one or two questionnaires about their diets during the previous 24 hours. This new research builds on that work, with the advantage of using long-term diet data assessed by repeated food frequency questionnaires and health outcome data.

It also builds on a study Al-Shaar led as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. Published in the BMJ in 2020, it suggested that substituting high-quality plant foods such as legumes, nuts or soy for red meat might reduce coronary heart disease risk in men.

Al-Shaar said people can get their estimated average requirement of sulfur amino acids – 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day – through plant-based sources or fish. For a 150-pound adult, for instance, that would mean 1 cup of tofu and 1 cup of lentils a day. It can be also met through consuming a 3-ounce fillet of tuna.

“Since red meat has been found to be associated with worse health outcomes,” she said, “it would be better to focus on healthier sources of proteins for meeting the average requirement of sulfur amino acids. “

The new research adds focus to the overall way adults eat in the U.S. and highlights that a healthy diet should incorporate more fruits and vegetables, said Judith Wylie-Rosett, a professor of epidemiology and population health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

“We all need to look at dietary patterns because the American dietary pattern is far from the recommendations,” said Wylie-Rosett, who was not involved in the study. “But this study doesn’t give evidence that we should be focusing only on those two amino acids.”

The study also fits in with current research about metabolism and specific biomarkers, known as “metabolomics,” a tool that supports precision medicine tailored to a specific patient.

“We’re moving toward precision nutrition,” Wylie-Rosett said. “We’re getting much more sophisticated in how we can look at nutrition. This was a fairly simple study but may help inform future studies about some of these more complex ways of looking at nutrition and metabolism. “

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].

What is the danger of excess protein in the diet

November 26, 2019

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According to statistics, half of the world’s population is dissatisfied with their appearance. In an effort to be strong, healthy and beautiful, we carefully monitor nutrition, go to the gym and carefully study our reflection in the mirror to evaluate the results of our efforts. Everyone who is interested in healthy eating and sports is aware that in order to build muscle and get a beautiful muscle relief, you need to consume a lot of protein. After all, it is he who is the main building material for muscle tissue.

Protein is of great importance for the human body. It is not only strong muscles, but also elastic skin, healthy nails and hair. Proteins are involved in most metabolic processes.

However, sometimes the desire to get the result as soon as possible overpowers common sense. Based on superficial information and not giving due importance to dosage, food intake, and generally not having an understanding of the need to maintain a balance of KBJU, many simply try to maximize the protein content in their diet. Unfortunately, such actions can lead to undesirable, and sometimes completely unexpected consequences.

If you have:

● Constant thirst

● Digestive problems

● Bad breath

● Constant bad mood

then your body may be suffering from an excess of protein. These are the main symptoms of oversaturation with protein compounds. Firstly, a diet rich in proteins and poor in carbohydrates and fats creates a load on individual organs – the kidneys and liver. Hence the constant thirst and problems with digestion. They, in turn, provoke disruptions in the production of hormones, which cause emotional and, in especially neglected cases, endocrine disruptions.

An excess of proteins provokes an increased work of the kidneys, necessary for the removal of their decay products. An excess of proteins and a lack of fiber is a direct path to stomach problems with all the consequences: bloating, heaviness, diarrhea, heartburn and others like them.

If the above symptoms have bypassed you, or their manifestations have gone unnoticed, then in the long term, an increased content of protein and a lack of other nutrients in the diet can provoke adverse changes in the emotional state, up to depression and chronic fatigue. The fact is that the body needs carbohydrates to produce serotonin. With their lack, the production of the hormone of joy is significantly reduced. The situation is aggravated by problems with digestion, calcium deficiency in bone tissues, decreased immunity, fatigue and loss of muscle tone. That is, the result we get is the opposite of what we want.

What to do? Follow the simple truth “Everything is good in moderation”! All the main nutritional components of the body must be received with food in a balanced dosage. An overabundance of any can lead to adverse consequences, so you need to monitor your diet with particular care, especially if you set yourself the goal of achieving certain results with nutrition.

Remember that the norm of protein is no more than 3 grams per kilogram of weight, and its total share should not exceed 30% of the total diet. While consuming the maximum allowable dose of protein, do not forget to supplement your diet with fiber-rich vegetables to allow your body to properly digest the rather difficult protein. At the same time, do not forget that the process of protein breakdown itself will require a lot of energy, so along with protein food, the body needs to get a sufficient amount of carbohydrates.

If you do not have the opportunity to independently monitor the amount of protein in your diet, then use the delivery service of ready-made healthy nutrition justfood.pro. In addition to a diet that is adjusted and balanced according to KBJU in accordance with your goals, this way you will get the opportunity to free up the time needed for the selection and preparation of products. All you need to do is just open the right container, warm up your proper healthy food and eat it.

The variety of programs allows you to get the right nutrition for any goal – from simple maintenance of weight and body condition to calorie-enhanced nutrition for athletes, protein-rich for bodybuilders or calorie-reduced nutrition for cutting or losing weight. At the same time, we take care of all the concerns regarding the calculation of caloric content, protein, fat and carbohydrate content, weight or serving size. All you need to do is just select the desired program.

Excess protein intake leads to gout, determine the daily allowance in Moscow

How much protein does a person need?

There is no answer to this question that is the same for everyone. The need for protein increases with intensive growth (in children), during pregnancy, in certain pathological conditions (burns, lung diseases). In certain diseases, protein should be limited, since the body has reduced possibilities for the complete utilization of its decay products, primarily ammonia (urea).

Why do we need protein?

Any protein is a combination of twenty amino acids. We eat vegetable or animal proteins only so that our body can build its own from them. During digestion, proteins are broken down into amino acids. And these amino acids are used to build cells, synthesize hormones and many other important substances, without which human life becomes impossible.

What causes excess protein intake?

Protein is broken down in the body into water, ammonia and glucose. Glucose is a source of energy, water is healthy, and ammonia is a poison. Therefore, in the liver it binds with special enzymes and turns into urea. Urea is excreted by the kidneys. If the intake of protein significantly exceeds the norm, the endocrine glands work with great tension, nervous excitability increases, the liver, kidneys, joints suffer, and metabolism is disturbed.

Two diseases are commonly associated with excessive protein intake: urolithiasis and gout. However, they are caused by a violation of another substance – uric acid, which accumulates in the body as a result of a violation of purine metabolism. The mistake is forgivable. It is explained by the fact that both protein and purines are found in large quantities in meat and fish. That is, by eating meat without measure (especially meat delicacies!), a person receives not only proteins, but also purines.

Kidney stones

Uric acid salts crystallize in the tubules of the kidneys. As a result, stones are formed that impede the outflow of urine. While the stones are small, a person feels slight discomfort in the lumbar region. As they grow, the discomfort increases. In the case when the stone blocks the duct, renal colic occurs. Her symptoms are pronounced:

• sharp pain in the lower back;
• people rush about, changing the position of the body in search of a position in which the pain will become at least a little less.

This condition requires urgent action. You need to call an ambulance and follow the instructions of the doctor.

Gout

Chronic metabolic disease that develops when the kidneys are damaged or excessive production of purines.