alanine C3H7NO2 
Edited by:
Joe Hing kwok Chu
<amino acid> Alanine is a nonessential amino acid that can be manufactured by the body from other sources as needed.
Alanine is one of the simplest of the amino acids and is involved in the energy-producing breakdown of glucose. In
conditions of sudden anaerobic energy need, when muscle proteins are broken down for energy, alanine acts as a carrier
molecule to take the nitrogen-containing amino group to the liver to be changed to the less toxic urea, thus preventing
buildup of toxic products in the muscle cells when extra energy is needed. Because the body easily constructs alanine
from other sources, no deficiency state is known. Alanine is found in a wide variety of foods, but is particularly
concentrated in meats.
Source: OMD
