Le temps des acides aminés est-il revenu ? Has the time of amino acids come back?

Despite their fundamental importance, the amino acid (AA) field has difficulties to be considered as a research priority in clinical nutrition. However, as a matter of fact, considerable progresses have been achieved these recent years regarding their metabolism and pharmacology. More than nutrients, AA must be considered as drugs and related concepts must be developed rationally as such: pharmacodynamic properties, pharmacokinetic, clinical effectiveness and side effects must be searched. Mechanism of action of glutamine, arginine and ornithine-ketoglutarate are now largely understood and hence these molecules should no longer be considered as “magic bullets”. Two new concepts are emerging: citrulline, a potent regulator of nitrogen homeostasis and chronopharmaconutrition (modules) which is designed to cover qualitative nutritional requirements according to the post-injury phase. © 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves. Mots cles : Acides amines ; Glutamine ; Arginine ; Citrulline ; -cetoglutarate d’ornithine ; Denutrition ; Hypercatabolisme