Protein intake and growth or shrinkage of the thymus gland (immunity)

[cs3000]

T immune cells mature in the thymus gland. abnormalities of the thymus can result in a decreased number of T cells

6% protein calories vs 20%
4 calories in 1 gram of protein
depending on standard intake , ~35grams daily shrank the thymus vs 115 grams protein daily

the protocol provides a model for protein malnutrition but with normal calorie intake.
Effect of protein malnutrition on the glycolytic and glutaminolytic enzyme activity of rat thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes

The wet weight (g) of the thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes decreased due to protein malnutrition by 87% (from 0.30 ± 0.05 to 0.04 ± 0.01) and 75% (0.40 ± 0.04 to 0.10 ± 0.02), respectively

87% drop in thymus weight from 35g protein daily
35g protein intake daily is deficient for immunity. unless it can be made up for by some zinc supplementation & elevated estrogen reduction etc?

The thymus, and the thymus-dependent areas of the spleen, are required for full and subtle control of immunity. In the absence of thymic control, the B cells are still able to produce antibodies, but they are more likely to produce autoantibodies.

The thymus was noted to be "a barometer of malnutrition, and a very sensitive one" (2). The size and weight of the thymus are reduced. Histologically, there is a loss of corticomedullary differentiation and fewer lymphoid cells are observed. In the spleen there is a loss of lymphoid cells around small blood vessels. In lymph nodes the thymus-dependent paracortical areas show depletion of lymphocytes

I wonder what amino acids specifically are most responsible. maybe not leucine in isolation as has a shrinkage + growth effect (probably not best to take isolated)

Morphological changes in the liver, thymus, spleen, and small intestine of animals after leucine treatment
In the thymus, the width of the cortical matter shrinks, while that of the medulla increases. The content of lymphocytes in the medulla decreases, while that of Hassal's bodies increases.

The thymus is a primary or central lymphoid organ in which T lymphocytes undergo differentiation and maturation autonomously within the cortex,

aged rats show a reduced thymus cortex size mostly

maybe lysine

Amino Acid Supplementation

Previous papers have indicated an arrest in cellular proliferation and maturation of the thymus of rats fed at weaning a 6.5% protein corn diet. In this report, we studied the status of the thymus...

www.tandfonline.com

but arginine is known to work in some viral infections and helps restore thymus size. threonine in chicken studies boosts immunity / antibodies to a virus.

but many of them are involved together. guess the key thing is eating enough complex proteins in unison prevents a shrunken thymus. along with some glucose / carbs to ensure the aminos are getting to the thymus tissue well , restoring zinc levels to normal in aged mice, by doubling standard dietary intake, has a big effect alone & probably vit c.

 

[Marquis777]

If you take 200 mg of zinc a day your thymus will reverse age or grow back as well. I take 100 mg for breakfast and 100 mg for dinner. It's makes me feel great. Good for libido for sure.