:Threonine:

Function: immunity.

Threonine is an essential amino acid in humans. It is abundant in human plasma, particularly in newborns. Severe deficiency of threonine causes neurologic dysfunction and lameness in experimental animals.

At the Brain Bio Center, we frequently find low levels of threonine and glycine in depression. These patients respond to 1 gram of threonine in the A.M. and P.M. Plasma levels of threonine are a useful way to monitor treatment.

Threonine is an immunostimulant which promotes the growth of thymus gland. It also can probably promote cell immune defense function. This amino acid has been useful in the treatment of genetic spasticity disorders and multiple sclerosis at a dose of 1 gram daily.

Threonine may increase glycine levels. It is highly concentrated in meat products, cottage cheese and wheat germ.