Essential Amino Acids

An essential amino acid blend achieves 99% protein utilization, representing the highest utilization available. The protocol expects the supplement to replenish depleted IAA stores and support intestinal barrier function. Supplementation is administered once daily for 28 days. The daily supplement dose is set at 1.5 times the estimated average requirement for the child’s current weight. The central hypothesis is that chronic gut dysfunction in environmental enteropathy depletes indispensable amino acid status and contributes to growth faltering. Amino acids support gut function by fueling enterocyte metabolism, immune peptide production, epithelial renewal, and mucin production. Any protein intended for tissue repair must supply all essential amino acids in the right proportions to be effective. The intervention supplement contains all nine indispensable amino acids. Essential amino acid supplements function as an adjunct to whole-food protein intake, not as a dietary protein replacement.