Elixir of life is ‘found’ in amino acids, scientists say

A genuine ‘elixir of life’ that can hold death at bay has been discovered, according to experts.................

In tests, the cocktail of amino acids – building blocks of proteins – was found to increase the lifespan of mice by 12 per cent. That would equate to about an addition ten years in humans. It may also benefit especially the elderly or people with heart failure, chronic lung disease or other conditions characterised by flagging energy levels, researchers from the University of Milan said.

The lifespan of animals which were given drinking water laced with three amino acids – leucine, isoleucine and valine – had a midpoint of 869 days compared with 774 days for untreated mice.
Longer survival was accompanied by biological changes which boosted the energy supply to cells and reduced oxidative damage caused by destructive molecules called free radicals. The treated mice also had more stamina and improved muscle co-ordination, said study leader Dr Enzo Nisoli.
‘This is the first demonstration that an amino acid mixture can increase survival in mice,’ he added.
Amino acid supplements, which could be taken from middle age, would be more effective than consuming proteins containing the same amino acids because they did not have to be digested and could enter the bloodstream immediately, it was claimed.
‘They come with no energy cost,’ said Dr Nisoli. He insisted a large patient trial was needed to provide enough evidence the amino acids could benefit humans. But he added there was little financial incentive for companies to conduct such studies on dietary supplements..................
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/843112-elixir-of-life-is-found-in-amino-acids-sci...