ALPHA AMINO BUTYRIC ACID

→ Levels of this metabolite may be elevated if its precursors are also elevated.

→ A functional need for vitamin B6 can limit the further metabolism of α-ANB and contribute to elevated levels.

→ Elevations of this metabolite have been studied in several conditions which contribute to a functional vitamin B deficiency, such as alcoholism, sepsis, hypocaloric weight loss, and excessive exercise.

Low levels of α-ANB may be seen when overall amino acids are low, especially it’s precursors. Additionally, a functional deficiency in vitamin B6 has been associated with lower levels of α-ANB and levels can increase with B6 supplementation.

Clinically, low levels of plasma α-ANB have been associated with depressive symptoms.

Alpha-Amino-N-butyric acid (α-ANB), also known as alpha-aminobutyric acid, is a nonessential amino acid derived from the catabolism of methionine, threonine, and serine.

α-ANB is both formed and metabolized by reactions which require vitamin B6 as a cofactor.