Determinants of Alpha-aminoadipic Acid (2-AAA) and Relationship to Diabetes: Study 3

The purpose of this study is to investigate a novel biomarker, α-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA), which may influence the risk of diabetes. 2-AAA has been identified as a novel predictor of diabetes development in humans, identifying at-risk individuals before any detectable glucose abnormalities. 2-AAA is a naturally occurring metabolite in the body, and it has no known adverse effects at normal physiological levels. 2-AAA is generated in the body from the breakdown of lysine. Lysine is one of the twenty essential amino acids, meaning that it is essential for human function, but that our body cannot manufacture it. Thus, it is acquired from dietary sources (such as meat, eggs, soybeans and legumes), with a recommended daily intake of 30 mg/kg/day. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are what allow our cells, organs and body to maintain structure and function. The investigators are interested in whether 2-AAA is increased in the body after consumption of lysine.