L-Threonine

Complete Ingredient Profile
Ingredient Name & Common Synonyms
Primary Name: L-Threonine
Common Synonyms: Threonine, (2S,3R)-2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid, Thr, T (single-letter abbreviation)
Chemical Classification: Essential amino acid, Polar amino acid, Hydroxyl-containing amino acid
Molecular Formula: C₄H₉NO₃
Overview
Botanical Family: Found across multiple protein sources in the plant and animal kingdoms
Primary Origin: Animal proteins (meat, poultry, fish, dairy), legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains
Extraction Method: Fermentation using bacterial cultures (primarily Escherichia coli) or isolation from protein hydrolysates
Molecular Structure: Four-carbon amino acid with a hydroxyl group at the beta position, creating two chiral centers
Appearance: White, crystalline, odorless powder with a slightly sweet taste
Benefits & Uses
For Women's Hormonal Health:
- Protein Synthesis Support: The female reproductive system is strongly influenced by nutrition and energy balance, with adequate amino acid intake crucial for hormonal function
- Collagen Formation: Essential for collagen synthesis, supporting reproductive tissue integrity and health
- Immune Function: Supports immune system function, which is closely linked to hormonal balance
- Metabolic Health: Nutritional inputs and metabolic health are integrated into the coordination of reproduction
Primary Health Benefits:
- Essential Amino Acid Function: They play a vital role in the structure of our bones, muscles, and skin
- Collagen & Elastin Production: Critical component for connective tissue formation
- Immune System Support: Required for antibody production and immune cell function
- Protein Structure: Necessary for proper protein folding and enzymatic function
- Neurotransmitter Synthesis: Involved in glycine production, supporting nervous system health
Deficiency Symptoms:
When we don't eat enough foods high in these important compounds, we can experience deficiency symptoms like mood changes, irritability, confusion, and digestive problems
Mechanism of Action:
- Protein Building Block: Incorporates into structural and functional proteins
- Hydroxyl Group Function: Enables hydrogen bonding for protein stability
- Glycine Conversion: Can be converted to glycine, supporting neurotransmitter balance
- Serine Pathway: Involved in serine metabolism and one-carbon unit transfer
Safety & Warnings
General Safety Profile:
Threonine has most often been used by adults in doses of 1.5-2.5 grams by mouth three times daily for up to 8 weeks. A dose of up to 4 grams daily has been used for up to 12 months
Dosage Safety:
- Safe Range: Threonine doses of up to 4 grams daily for up to 12 months are regarded as safe
- Orbelli Dosage: 250mg per serving - well below therapeutic limits, ensuring excellent safety
- Daily Intake: The recommended daily intake is approximately 1000mg. Orbelli provides 25% of the recommended intake
- Clinical Safety: The objective of this study was to determine, in a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, the safety and tolerability of l-threonine
Potential Side Effects:
Some individuals experience minor side effects such as an upset stomach, headache, nausea, and skin rash
Important Warnings:
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data - consult healthcare provider before use
ALS Patients: For those with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), special medical supervision may be required
May cause mild throat irritation in some individuals - this is normal and typically resolves quickly
Amino Acid Balance: Should be taken as part of a balanced amino acid profile
Recommended Patch-Test Instructions:
Not applicable for oral supplements. For topical applications containing L-threonine, perform a 48-hour patch test on the inner forearm.
Formulation Tips
Physical Properties:
- pH Range: 5.6-6.2 (slightly acidic in aqueous solution)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (20.5g/100mL at 25°C), insoluble in ethanol
- Stability: Stable under normal processing conditions, sensitive to strong acids/bases
- Melting Point: 255-257°C (with decomposition)
Optimal Dosing:
- Therapeutic Range: 1-4 grams daily for specific health benefits
- Orbelli Formula: 250mg per serving (optimal maintenance dose for daily support)
- Bioavailability: Good oral absorption, competes with other large neutral amino acids
- Timing: Best absorbed on an empty stomach, but can be taken with food
Pairing Suggestions:
- Synergistic with: Other essential amino acids (lysine, methionine), vitamin C, B-vitamins
- Compatible with: All amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in formulation
- Enhanced by: Taking with a complete amino acid profile for optimal protein synthesis
- Best taken: With other amino acids to maintain proper ratios and prevent imbalances
Stability Considerations:
- Heat Stable: Stable under normal processing temperatures (<100°C)
- Light Stable: No significant photodegradation concerns
- pH Sensitive: Avoid extreme pH conditions during processing
- Hygroscopic: May absorb moisture - store in dry conditions
Scientific References
- Reproductive Health & Nutrition: Metabolic hormones are integral regulators of female reproductive health and function - Bioscience Reports, January 2024
- Clinical Safety Study: Evaluation of safe utilization of l-threonine for supplementation in healthy adults: a randomized double blind controlled trial - PMC, 2024
- Dosage Guidelines: THREONINE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews - WebMD, 2024
- Health Benefits Overview: Threonine: 7 Important Health Facts to Know About This Essential Amino Acid - NativePath, August 2025
- Comprehensive Review: Threonine Benefits, Uses, Foods, Supplements and Side Effects - Dr. Axe, March 2023
- Safety Assessment: Side Effects of Amino Acid Supplements - PMC, 2022
- Chemical Profile: L-Threonine | C4H9NO3 | CID 6288 - PubChem, 2024
- Medical Reference: Threonine: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions - RxList, June 2021
Related Orbelli Products
- Women's Hormonal Balance - Features 250mg L-Threonine for protein synthesis and reproductive tissue support
- Combined with L-Lysine Hydrochloride (300mg) for synergistic essential amino acid support
- Additional product links to be added
Last updated: August 2025 | This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.









