Alpha-amino-N-butyrate

- AABA becomes propionic acid via alpha-ketobutyric acid in the presence of adequate amounts of thiamin, vitamin B2 (as FAD), vitamin B3 (as NAD), lipoic acid and magnesium. Deficiencies of any of these, or vitamin B6, could cause increases in AABA. Elevated or decreased levels of the amino acid may indicate a congenital enzyme defect.

- Increases in AABA occur secondary to elevations of either methionine or threonine.

- Inadequate utilization of this amino acid for cellular energy generation. α-Amino-N-butyric acid is converted to succinyl Co-A for use in the citric acid cycle via mechanisms requiring biotin (Vit B7) and B12.

- An elevated marker can also indicate alcoholism.

Possible increased need for the nutrients which aid in threonine metabolism from which this AA is derived. These include α-KG and B6.

Possible treatment if low:

Supplement with vitamin B6 and alpha-ketoglutarate.

Alpha amniobutyric acid (AABA), also known as Alpha-amino-N-butyric acid (A-ANB), is an intermediate formed during the catabolism of methionine and threonine. Increases in AABA occur secondary to elevations of either methionine or threonine. AABA becomes propionic acid via alpha-ketobutyric acid in the presence of adequate amounts of thiamin, vitamin B2(as FAD), vitamin B3(as NAD), lipoic acid and magnesium. Deficiencies of any of these, or vitamin B6, could cause increases in AABA. Elevated or decreased levels of the amino acid may indicate a congenital enzyme defect.