Essential protein-building amino acid
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About Threonine
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About Threonine
Overview and History
Threonine is a proteinogenic, essential amino acid that must be obtained from the diet. Biochemically it is a polar, hydroxyl-containing amino acid incorporated into proteins and glycoproteins; it is typically measured as part of a plasma amino acid profile to assess systemic amino acid status and metabolism.
Functionally, threonine contributes to structural proteins, mucins that line the gut, and circulating glycoproteins. It also interfaces with metabolic pathways that supply other amino acids and one‑carbon units, and its handling can be influenced by liver and kidney function as well as inherited genetic differences in metabolic enzymes.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated plasma threonine may be seen with relative excess intake, reduced tissue uptake or catabolism, or altered clearance; it can appear alongside imbalances in other amino acids or metabolic markers. Low threonine values may reflect low dietary intake, increased demand (growth, repair), malabsorption, or increased breakdown. Interpretation is most reliable when viewed with the full Nutrient Zoomer panel—other amino acids, B‑vitamin status, liver/kidney markers, and genetic variants help clarify underlying patterns.
Featured Test
Threonine is included in the Nutrient Zoomer to evaluate amino acid balance, protein utilization, and metabolic processing. Together with other amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and genetics, threonine helps reveal patterns of nutritional demand and metabolic bottlenecks that support personalized nutrition planning.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
