{"id":38594,"date":"2023-12-19T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=38594"},"modified":"2023-12-18T18:23:40","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T18:23:40","slug":"amino-acid-intake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/amino-acid-intake\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Really Curb Your Cravings by Hacking Your Amino Acid Intake?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s nothing like an insanely strong food craving to throw your diet for a loop\u2026 especially if it pops up on repeat. Perhaps the thought of a decadent dessert is enough to make you race to the nearest bakery, or maybe a salty bag of chips seems to call your name like clockwork. While a few treats here and there won\u2019t do much harm (including throughout the holiday season, when eating for joy and merriment is very much called for), cravings can grow into bigger health issues if they persist\u2014and you simply can\u2019t resist\u2014over long periods of time.<\/p>\n\n\n

That said, some rumors are swirling around positing that specific amino acids can sweep in to curb your strongest cravings. Apparently, this could apply whether they\u2019re for sugar, carbs, or salty foods\u2014or even depending on the type of snacker you are (think: stressed, fatigued, comfort-seeking, and the like). But is there any merit to them?<\/p>\n\n\n

In search of answers about the connection between amino acids and cravings\u2014as well as how protein<\/a> fits into the larger question\u2014we reached out to Brooklyn\u2013based dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RD<\/a>, of East Coast Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Can a lack of certain amino acids trigger specific food cravings?<\/h2>\n\n\n

First, Pasquariello offers a quick recap of what amino acids are in the context of cravings. \u201cAmino acids are the building blocks of protein and are components of hormones, neurotransmitters, and more. As a result, our reward systems are linked to protein intake,\u201d she explains. It seems like amino acids and cravings could be connected since we tend to experience pleasure by indulging in them\u2026 but the dietitian says the link isn\u2019t terribly strong.<\/p>\n\n\n

\u201cWhile the evidence is very limited when it comes to whether a specific amino acid deficiency can trigger cravings, diets deficient in protein-rich foods in general can lead to cravings\u2014including for foods that contain the amino acids the diet might be lacking,\u201d she clarifies. Carb cravings are another such manifestation, which arise when the body seeks a quick (and ideally tasty) source of fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Amino<\/figure>\n\n\n

As far as the research to date goes around specific amino acids, cravings, and satiety, Pasquariello calls out one small study on tryptophan<\/a>. It found that \u201ca reduction in the tryptophan\/large neutral amino acid (LNAA) ratio\u2014which can be caused by consuming meals high in protein\u2014can reduce the overall desire to binge eat among women.\u201d As such, it suggests a possible link between amino acid intake and strong urges to acquiesce to cravings.<\/p>\n\n\n

Other amino acids, she continues, have been studied in the context of cravings\u2014yet the jury is out since the bulk lack clear and conclusive evidence. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n