L-Threonine 72-19-5,Basic Information

L-Threonine is an essential amino acid and one of the 20 common amino acids. It cannot be synthesized by the human body or its synthesis is insufficient to meet physiological needs, so it must be obtained from food. Its chemical name is L-2-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid, with a molecular formula of C4H9NO3 and a molecular weight of 119.12. It has a chiral center and exists in two isomeric forms: L-type and D-type. The naturally occurring and biologically active form is L-threonine.

L-Threonine appears as colorless to yellowish prismatic crystals or crystalline powder. It is odorless and has a slightly sweet taste. It is easily soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in ether. It is relatively stable at room temperature but may degrade or deteriorate under high temperature and humidity conditions.

As a fundamental building block of proteins, L-threonine is involved in the synthesis of various proteins in the body. It is essential for maintaining normal physiological functions, growth, development, and tissue repair. L-threonine plays an important role in the immune system, as it promotes antibody synthesis, enhances immune response, and helps the body resist infections and diseases. In the liver, L-threonine participates in fat metabolism and transport through specific metabolic pathways, helping to reduce fat accumulation in the liver and contributing to normal lipid metabolism and liver function. L-Threonine is also a precursor of certain neurotransmitters, such as glycine and serine, and is involved in neurotransmission and regulation, playing a crucial role in the normal functioning of the nervous system.

L-Threonine is commonly used as a nutritional supplement in food to enhance its nutritional value, meeting the essential amino acid requirements of specific populations such as infants, the elderly, and athletes. It can also improve the flavor and texture of food. For example, adding L-threonine to baked goods such as bread and biscuits makes them softer and enhances their aroma.

L-Threonine is an important additive in animal feed, helping to balance the amino acid composition of feed, improve its nutritional value and utilization efficiency, promote animal growth and development, and enhance production performance, such as increasing poultry egg production and improving lean meat yield in livestock.

In the pharmaceutical field, L-threonine is used in the preparation of compound amino acid infusions to provide nutritional support for patients who cannot eat normally or need additional nutrition. It is also used as a raw material for synthesizing certain drugs to treat specific diseases or improve physiological conditions.