INCREASING AMINO ACIDS INTAKE MAY EASE DIABETES-RELATED PAIN

A new study in mice shows that increasing the amount of a particular amino acid may reduce diabetes-related pain in the animals, although human benefits remain unclear.

We don’t usually report on animal studies, as it can be a long time before their findings can be useful to human patients, but a new study from the states shows some interesting, if very early findings. Scientists from the Salk Institute have found that adding an amino acid called serine to the diets of mice appeared to relieve diabetes-related nerve pain – known as peripheral neuropathy. However, they say people with diabetes shouldn’t be making any changes to their diet just yet!

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects many people who have diabetes. It causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet, which can make it difficult to do everyday tasks. This condition occurs when high blood glucose levels have damaged the nerves that carry pain and other messages to and from the brain. Researchers have now found another reason why people with diabetes might experience peripheral neuropathy. They have discovered that when the body doesn’t have enough of two specific building blocks, called amino acids, it can make the condition worse.

Amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins and special fat molecules called sphingolipids. Sphingolipids are found in high amounts in the nervous system, which is why they are important for the health of nerve cells. The two amino acids that the researchers found to be important for peripheral neuropathy are serine and glycine. These amino acids are considered non-essential because the body can make them from other substances. However, the researchers found that when the body doesn’t have enough of these two amino acids, it can lead to changes in the structure of sphingolipids. This can cause atypical sphingolipids to accumulate, which can damage the peripheral nerves and lead to symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

The researchers conducted a study using mice to test their hypothesis. They found that mice with diabetes who had low levels of serine and glycine were more likely to experience peripheral neuropathy. However, when they supplemented the mice’s diets with serine, their symptoms improved. This suggests that serine could be a potential treatment option for people with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy. However, more research is needed to determine if this treatment is safe and effective for humans. acid called serine to the diets of mice appeared to relieve diabetes-related nerve pain.

In addition to the potential treatment implications, the study adds to growing evidence that non-essential amino acids play important roles in the nervous system. This could have implications for other conditions that affect the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders.

Serine deficiency has also been associated with other conditions, such as macular telangiectasia, a condition affecting the macular, which causes vision loss. The study’s authors previously found a link between altered serine and sphingolipid metabolism in people with this condition. In mice, reduced serine led to increased levels of atypical retinal sphingolipids and reduced vision. Serine is currently being tested in clinical trials for its safety and efficacy in treating macular telangiectasia and Alzheimer’s disease.

While the findings of the study are promising, it is important to note that more research is needed before serine can be recommended as a treatment option for peripheral neuropathy. It is also important to note that there are other ways to manage this condition, such as managing blood glucose levels, getting regular foot checks, daily foot care, medications, physical activity and mobility aids if necessary.

Foods that are naturally rich in serine include soybeans, nuts, eggs, chickpeas, lentils, meat, and fish. However, the study’s lead author Professor Christan Metallo cautions against people with diabetes taking serine supplements without further research, as they may have a negative impact on your health.

“You would likely need to take a lot to make a difference, and not everyone needs extra serine,” Metallo says. “We need more time to understand serine physiology in humans and explore potential downsides to supplementation.”

As always, consult your health professional before making any changes to your diet.