Amino Acids - The Elixir Of Children With Metabolic Disorders

Amino acids promote growth and help convert food into energy. And children who suffer from inborn metabolic disorders need amino acids the most. 

In order to facilitate this requirement, we need good data on different foods that are rich in amino acids. That’s why parents of children with metabolic disorders approached the National Institute of Nutrition, requesting that this data be listed in the Indian Food Composition Table.

Mr. T. Longvah, Director of NIN, explained, “These parents had been referring to international data on amino acids and found that it varied from source to source. That’s the reason why they made a request for Indian-centric data. We’ve profiled the 500 known types of amino acids components, and this information can be very helpful for their children.”

Amino acids are proteins that give cells their structure, influence the functioning of organs, glands, tendons, and arteries, and play a key role in the transport and storage of nutrients. 

Nutritionist Fatema Taher Ali had this to say, “Amino acids play an important role in metabolism as these work hand-in-hand with insulin to balance metabolism.  When the functioning of these acids slows down, individuals gain weight.”

The liver plays an important role in this balancing act by processing amino acids and manufacturing non-essential amino acids. In the case of children who are born with metabolic disorders, it’s important to maintain a steady supply of amino acids—they need to regularly consume foods that are rich in these nutrients so that their bodies can function properly. 

But nutritionists also state that once the child’s metabolism improves, then they need to reduce their amino acid intake and work towards a more balanced diet.