---
title: "New Functions and Potential Applications of Amino Acids"
description: "Amino acids have diverse newly discovered functions with potential applications in digestion, muscle health, sleep, metabolism, immunity, and disease…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27872968.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27872968.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27872968.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d27872968"
journal: "Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol"
year: 2017
pmid: "27872968"
doi: "10.1007/10_2016_35"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# New Functions and Potential Applications of Amino Acids

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**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d27872968.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/d27872968

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol |
| Year | 2017 |
| PMID | [27872968](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27872968/) |
| DOI | [10.1007/10_2016_35](https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2016_35) |
| Study key | d27872968 |

## Takeaway

Amino acids have diverse newly discovered functions with potential applications in digestion, muscle health, sleep, metabolism, immunity, and disease diagnosis.

## The question

What are the newly discovered functions and potential applications of various amino acids?

## Hypothesis

Not applicable; this review article summarizes existing research on amino acid functions and applications rather than testing a specific hypothesis.

## Methods

This is a review article summarizing recent discoveries regarding amino acid functions and potential applications. It compiles information on glutamate, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), glycine, alanine, glutamine, cystine, and theanine.

## Results

Oral glutamate stimulates the cephalic phase response and is recognized by specific systems in the stomach and intestines. Monosodium glutamate enhances gastric secretion in a vagus-dependent manner. BCAAs decrease muscle pain and are considered beneficial for aging. Glycine ingestion before bedtime improves subjective sleep quality. Alanine and glutamine accelerate alcohol metabolism, while cystine and theanine prevent colds. The balance of amino acids in the blood may serve as a diagnostic indicator for disease risk, such as cancer.

## Conclusion

Newly discovered functions of amino acids, including their roles in digestion, muscle health, sleep, metabolism, immune function, and disease diagnosis, are expected to offer solutions to various health issues.

## Limitations

This abstract does not describe specific limitations of the reviewed studies or the review itself. It presents a summary of potential benefits without detailing study designs, sample sizes, or statistical significance.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> glycine ingestion before bedtime significantly improved subjective sleep quality

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Glycine Powder | Moderate evidence | [Glycine Powder](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/125.md) |

## Reference

1. **New Functions and Potential Applications of Amino Acids**
   Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol 2017 · [PMID 27872968](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27872968/) · [DOI 10.1007/10_2016_35](https://doi.org/10.1007/10_2016_35)

   > glycine ingestion before bedtime significantly improved subjective sleep quality

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Glycine Powder](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/125.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: collagen and methylation substrate](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s125.md)
- [Supplementing Glycine and N-Acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) in Older Adults Improves Glutathione…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/glutathione_glynac.md)
- [GlyNAC supplementation in older adults improves glutathione deficiency, oxidative…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/x8.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).