Abstract
The hypothesis was tested that alanine might have an unique protein sparing effect by decreasing the catabolism in muscle of essential amino acids in order to supply the alanine-glucose cycle. Three infants with propionic acidemia, one with isovaleric acidemia, and one with OTC deficiency, were studied. First, the requirements of protein and calories for optimal growth were determined. Alanine was added isocalorically to diets containing less protein. Weight gain increased significantly (p<0.001) by an average of 15 g/day when 0.05-0.25 g/Kg of alanine were added to control diets of 70-130 Kcals/Kg and 0.55 to 1.0 protein/Kg. Nitrogen balance also increased significantly (p<0.001) by 15mg/Kg. These increases in weight gain and nitrogen balance correlated with the amount of alanine added. Alanine supplementation enabled optimal growth (23-39 g/day) at lower levels of total nitrogen intake than did diets higher in whole protein. Other experiments showed that alanine also decreased the caloric requirement for growth. These effects were not see with other nonessential gluconeogenic amino acids such as glycine or glutamate. Alanine supplementation should be useful in other patients with disorders of amino acid metabolism. It may have utility in other catabolic states in which patients are candidates for hyperalimentation.
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Wolff, J., Algert, S., Kelts, D. et al. ALANINE DECREASES THE PROTEIN REQUIREMENT OF INFANTS METABOLISM. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 303 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01258
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01258
