7 replies to this topic

[goku]

Is there a difference between the "L" versions of substances and the non "L" versions and what does the L version mean. I mean as regards L-Glutamine, L-arginine, etc.

[exigentsky]

I'm not certain, but I think it is the same thing in most cases. I.E.: Deprenyl = L-Deprenyl, L-Glutamine = Glutamine, L - Arginine = Arginine. I think the L is sometimes omitted for conciseness.

[rfarris]

L stands for levo, and refers to chirality. A levo enantiomer will rotate light in a counter-clockwise direction. The mirror image of a levo enantiomer is referred to as dextro enantiomer, which will rotate light in the clockwise direction. If the chirality isn't specified, then it is possible that the product may well be a racemic product, which refers to being composed of a 50:50 mixture of levo and dextro mirror images.

[purerealm]

can someone translate that into english?

[oilfieldpilot]

well, clear as mud to me!


(pssst...what's it all mean, though...?)

I guess all that matters is that you 'swallow' it...as he suggested in another thread...

[exitscratch7]

Most amino acid supplements (at least most of the effective ones) are sold with the L isomer. Usually the D isomer is inactive, although tere are exceptions (D-phenylalanine seems to have differing effects from L-phenylalanine).

I was just reading a thread about how theanine (a common amino acid, present in high concentrations in green tea) is often sold with a racemic mixture of D and L isomers. Apparently not only are the D isomers ineffective, they also inhibit absorption of the L-isomers. This renders the theanine much less effective than a purely l-theanine product.

[rfarris]

can someone translate that into english?

That was my short attempt. Here's the long version:

Chirality

[ajnast4r]

simple: "L = left spin" "D = right spin"

the body likes L

the body does not like D