Effects of Supplementation With Amino Essential Acids on Circulating Albumin Levels in Stroke in Rehabilitation Phase

In addition to its physiological functions, serum albumin plays a role of neuroprotection in cerebrovascular stroke. The circulating levels of albumin may be reduced in patients with stroke due to the presence of a systemic inflammatory state and to the inadequacy of protein-energy intake. In the patients admitted to the Montescano Neuromotor Rehabilitation Division, the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia is high at the time of admission and remains high, even if decreased, at discharge. The circulating levels of albumin have proven to be predictors of functional recovery in ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage. In the present survey it is hypothesized that it is possible to significantly improve the values of hypoalbuminemia by supplementation with essential amino acids and that, in the second place, any increase in albumin may result in a strengthening of functional recovery in patients with a stroke.

Several factors induce the use of free essential amino acids: they are the most efficient inducers of protein synthesis and albumin is a protein; free essential amino acids and not those contained in proteins allow a more reliable use of the isoleucine and tryptophan, true nutrients limiting the hepatic synthesis of albumin; the free essential amino acids have a faster and complete intestinal absorption of the essential amino acids derived from protein digestion.

Inclusion criteria

• first episode of cerebral stroke
• first taken in rehabilitation after hospitalization in the acute department

Exclusion criteria

• neoplasia
• long-term corticosteroid therapy (> 3 weeks) in the pre-event period and at the time of admission to the rehabilitation department