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Amino acids are both the building blocks of proteins and participants in metabolism. The human body has 21 amino acids, and each one possesses unique functions and features that can make them helpful in the prevention or treatment of various symptoms and ailments.
A combination of the amino acids alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine, 200 mg of each daily, have been used to reduce symptoms of BPH, including urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and delayed initiation of flow. (Urology Channel) In one placebo-controlled study, 40 men who had BPH were given either placebo or 780 mg of alanine, glycine, and glutamic acid daily for two weeks, then reduced the dose to 390 mg daily for the next 10 weeks. The treated men experienced a significant reduction in symptoms: 92 percent had a reduction in the size of their prostate, and 33 percent had it return to normal size; 95 percent had relief in nighttime urgency (complete relief in 72%); 81 percent had improvement in urgent urination, 73 percent improved in frequency, and 71 percent had improvement in discomfort. No comparable improvement was experienced by the men who took a placebo. (Feinblatt 1958) In a subsequent trial, the three amino acids again proved successful in alleviating BPH symptoms. (Damrau 1962)
It appears that not much research has been done since the 1960s regarding amino acids and BPH. In fact, supplements that contain these three amino acids and that are marketed for prostate health and BPH in particular often mention these two studies as the basis for offering this treatment approach. Consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider before taking amino acid supplements.
References
Damrau F. Benign prostatic hypertrophy: Amino acid therapy for symptomatic relief. J Am Geriatr Soc 1962; 10:426-30.
Feinblatt HM, Gant JC. Palliative treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy: value of glycine-alanine-glutamic acid combination. J Maine Med Assoc 1958 Mar; 49(3): 99-101
Urology Channel.com Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/enlarged prostate. Accessible at http://www.urologychannel.com/prostate/bph/treatment_alt.shtml. Viewed Jan. 13, 2010.
