Importance of Sulfur Amino Acids

Summary

Are we getting enough sulfur in our diets? This brief article covers the functions of sulfur amino acids, adverse effects of insufficiencies, and common food sources of these essential amino acids. Metametrix

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Importance of Sulfur Amino Acids - Metametrix Article (PDF) 2009

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Are we getting enough sulfur in our diets? In a review on the importance of sulfur status, Nimni, M., et. al. (2007) found that a significant portion of the population may not be consuming sufficient amounts. After calcium and phosphorus, sulfur is the most abundant mineral in our body. Sulfur amino acids are important for glutathione production, sulfation (a major pathway for detoxificication), protein synthesis, and methylation. Sulfur containing metabolites are used in many essential physiologic pathways and compounds such as, omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing sulfur reserves with supplementation (in the form of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, or taurine) or by diet is used in several clinical applications, including the treatment of: depression, detoxification impairments, arthritis, diabetes, AIDS, allergy, pain syndromes, skin conditions, and in those with chemical sensitivities...