Threonine is an essential amino acid that helps to maintain the proper protein balance in the body. It is important for the formation of collagen and elastin, and aids liver and lipotropic function when combined with aspartic acid and methionine.
The commonly known amino acids are combined in various ways to create the hundreds of different types of proteins present in all living things.
In the human body, the liver produces about 80 percent of the amino acids needed. The remaining 20 percent must be obtained from human nutrition.
Threonine is present in the heart, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle, and helps to prevent fatty buildup in the liver. It enhances the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies.
Because the threonine content of grains is low; vegetarians are more likely than others to have deficiencies.
