Amino Acids in the Treatment of Neurologic Disorders

Abstract

Abstract Studies of metabolism- and diet-based therapies in the acute treatment of neurologic disorders and neuroprotection have focused primarily on the quality and quantity of fat supplementation or carbohydrate restriction. However, protein is another key dietary component that is underappreciated and understudied. Several amino acids have been shown to stop, terminate, or prevent seizures. In addition, some have been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in other neurologic disorders. Amino acids (and their metabolites) may exert their effects by acting at membrane or cytoplasmic receptors, by serving as substrates for membrane transporters, and by acting as modulators of signaling pathway activity. This chapter highlights examples of each of these mechanisms of action in select nervous system disorders.