In 1956, amino acid infusions for the supply of nutrients to patients before and after surgery were introduced in Japan. This was the world's first application of purified amino acids to the medical field. High-calorie amino acid infusions have been found to increase surgical success rates. Amino acid production technology has made it possible to manufacture high-quality amino acids in large amounts.
The levels of amino acids in the blood of patients with liver disease are characterised by lower BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine and valine) and higher aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan) compared to healthy people. This imbalance of amino acids in the blood can affect the brain, which can lead to a coma in some cases.
BCAA preparations with a well-adjusted amino acid composition are effective in the treatment of this aspect of liver disease.
Dietary proteins are metabolised to amino acids, which are finally metabolised to urea, a waste product. Patients with kidney disease do not excrete urea well.
Patients are supported with kidney dialysis and need to follow a low-protein diet. However, this can lead to decreasing levels of essential amino acids in their blood.
Amino acid preparations make it possible for kidney patients to maintain a healthy amino acid balance.