Overview
Threonine is changed in the body to a chemical called glycine. Glycine has effects in the brain that might reduce unwanted muscle contractions called spasticity.
People use threonine for Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse threonine with another amino acid called theanine. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Ineffective for
- Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS). Taking threonine by mouth does not seem to slow the progression of ALS or reduce symptoms.
Side Effects
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Threonine is commonly consumed in foods. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know if threonine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease): There is some concern that threonine might decrease lung function in people with ALS. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking threonine if you have ALS.
Interactions
Medications for Alzheimer disease (NMDA antagonists) interacts with THREONINE
Threonine might decrease the effects of medications for Alzheimer disease.
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
Dosing
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.