About Threonine

Threonine is an essential amino acid that plays a vital role in regulating protein balance in the body. Because it is considered essential, our bodies cannot synthesize it. The diet must, therefore, provide it by consuming products rich in threonine. Threonine plays many vital roles in our bodies, including the structure of bones, teeth (such as enamel), ligaments, tendons and skin. It involves several body systems, including connective tissue like collagen and elastin.

Threonine also plays a role in synthesizing glycine and serine, two amino acids necessary for producing neurotransmitters and the nervous system's function. Threonine plays a significant role in the nervous and digestive systems. It helps regulate digestion by protecting the digestive tract and limiting fat accumulation in the liver. It is also useful for intestinal disorders and may have an antidepressant effect. A well-balanced diet that includes high-quality protein foods will usually provide the body with enough threonine to maintain healthy levels.

Top threonine foods include meat (e.g., beef, pork, veal, lamb, game meat), poultry, seafood (e.g., whelk, cuttlefish, octopus), fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel), eggs, dairy products (e.g., cheese), legumes (e.g., soybeans, lupins, white beans) and tofu.

Scientific references:

• Li, P., & Wu, G. (2018). Roles of dietary glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline in collagen synthesis and animal growth. Amino acids, 50, 29-38.

• Tang, Q., Tan, P., Ma, N., & Ma, X. (2021). Physiological functions of threonine in animals: beyond nutrition metabolism. Nutrients, 13(8), 2592.

• Mourad, F. H., & Saadé, N. E. (2011). Neural regulation of intestinal nutrient absorption. Progress in neurobiology, 95(2), 149-162.

• Mao, X., Zeng, X., Qiao, S., Wu, G., & Li, D. (2011). Specific roles of threonine in intestinal mucosal integrity and barrier function. Front Biosci, 3(1192), 200.

• Hamard, A., Mazurais, D., Boudry, G., Le Huërou-Luron, I., Sève, B., & Le Floc'h, N. (2010). A moderate threonine deficiency affects gene expression profile, paracellular permeability and glucose absorption capacity in the ileum of piglets. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 21(10), 914-921.