Asparagine found in Meat and Dairy Essential for Brain Development

New research shows that the amino acid 'asparagine' found in meat and eggs helps brain development.

Earlier research hadn't focused on the role of this amino acid because the body usually produces asparagines on its own. The latest study has found that major organs are quite capable of using asparagines from diet.

"The cells of the body can do without it because they use asparagine provided through diet. Asparagine, however, is not well transported to the brain via the blood-brain barrier," said senior co-author of the study Dr. Jacques Michaud at University of Montreal, according to a news release.

Apart from meat and eggs, the amino acid is also found in asparagus, potatoes, whole wheat, legumes and even some nuts.

Dr. Michaud and team also discovered a rare mutation that results in the body not being able to synthesize asparagine.

The mutation affects a key enzyme called asparagine synthetase. People with this mutation suffer from seizures, cerebral atrophy and poor intellectual ability.

"In healthy subjects, it seems that the level of asparagine synthetase in the brain is sufficient to supply neurons," Michaud said in a news release. "In individuals with the disability, the enzyme is not produced in sufficient quantity, and the resulting asparagine depletion affects the proliferation and survival of cells during brain development."

In April 2009, a Quebec family lost one of their three sons due to this rare disease, which led to the discovery of the mutation.

Understanding the cause for the disease could save many lives. Researchers say that an asparagine supplement could potentially help children develop normally.