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Alanine (Ala) Unit Converter
Alanine (Ala) is a non-essential amino acid that plays a pivotal role in nitrogen and glucose metabolism. It is a key component of the glucose-alanine cycle, a pathway that transports ammonia and carbon skeletons from skeletal muscle to the liver. In the liver, alanine undergoes transamination to generate pyruvate (for gluconeogenesis) and glutamate (for the urea cycle).[Image of glucose-alanine cycle between muscle and liver]
Plasma alanine levels are a sensitive marker for alterations in gluconeogenesis and protein catabolism. Elevated levels are characteristically seen in lactic acidosis, where pyruvate accumulation drives alanine synthesis, and in certain urea cycle disorders like Citrullinemia Type II. Conversely, low levels may be observed in ketotic hypoglycemia. This converter facilitates accurate interpretation between the standard SI unit (µmol/L) and mass-based units like mg/dL used in nutritional and metabolic assessments.
SI Units
RecommendedMicromoles per liter (Standard International).
Conventional Units
Clinical Context
Alanine is typically the second most abundant amino acid in plasma (after glutamine). Reference ranges vary by age and nutritional status but generally fall between 230 – 510 µmol/L in adults.
Marked elevations (> 700 µmol/L) are often associated with hyperlactatemia (due to shock, sepsis, or mitochondrial disorders like Leigh syndrome) because alanine and lactate are interconverted via pyruvate. A persistently high alanine-to-lysine ratio is a secondary marker for urea cycle defects. Depressed levels may indicate starvation or gluconeogenic enzyme defects.
Clinical References
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to get accurate clinical conversions instantly.
Enter Values
Input your laboratory results into the corresponding unit field (e.g., µmol/L). You can use either dot or comma decimals.
Automatic Conversion
The calculator works in real-time. As you type in one field, all other units (like mg/dL or g/L) are instantly updated.
Verify Units
Check the SI Units section for the internationally recommended reporting standard (µmol/L).
Reset
Use the Clear button to reset all fields before starting a new calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
The conversion factor is 0.089. 1 µmol/L ≈ 0.000089 g/L or 0.0089 mg/dL, derived from the molecular weight of Alanine (89.09 g/mol).
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