Amino acids, protein and the intestine.

Abstract

The role of the gut in the intermediary metabolism of amino acids and proteins is discussed, as well as the specific functions of the different amino acids and their intermediate products. Also, the disturbances in intermediary metabolism of amino acids, specifically of glutamine, citrulline, taurine and cysteine, in patients with intestinal failure or short bowel syndrome undergoing home parenteral nutrition are discussed.