Amino Acids
Amino acids are the chemical units that make up proteins, as they are famously called the “building blocks” of protein. They combine with nitrogen and form thousands of different proteins. However, they are not only the chemical units from which proteins are formed, but are also the end products of protein digestion.
Proteins provide structure for all living things, from the largest animal to the tiniest microbe and, as such, in its various forms, protein participates in the vital chemical processes that sustain life. In the human body, proteins are a necessary part of every living cell and next to water, proteins make up the greatest portion of our body weight. The body breaks these proteins down into their constituent parts, and then our cells use these to build the specific types of protein each of them needs.
There are 28 commonly known amino acids. Nine of these are called essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. These nine essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained from food or supplements.
The remaining nineteen are referred to as non-essential amino acids, meaning they can be manufactured by the body from other amino acids as needed, but they too can be obtained through supplements. The term "nonessential" amino acids does not mean they are not necessary and they provide no amino acid benefits, only that they need not to be obtained through diet because the body can manufacture them as needed.
However, a nonessential amino acid can become "essential" under certain situations. For example, the nonessential amino acids cysteine and tyrosine are derived from the essential amino acids methionine and phenylalanine. If these two essential amino acids are not available in sufficient quantities, cysteine and tyrosine then become essential in the diet.
People with limited diets or have trouble absorbing nutrients often reap amino acids benefits with the help of supplements. In addition, the demand of certain amino acids increases if the body is under stress, exposed to toxins, afflicted with disease (among other factors) and, as such, requires additional intake.
Benefits of Amino Acids
Amino acids are vital to vibrant health. Put simply, amino acids are utilized to make crucial substances within the body. They are utilized to make enzymes that support biochemical reactions, and hormones that influence the body’s metabolism. They are also utilized to make hemoglobin that carries oxygen through the body, and antibodies that are infection fighters that help the immune system.
Amino acids even have a role in repairing muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. Some amino acids act as neurotransmitters, chemicals that play a crucial role in transmitting messages within the neurons of the brain, while others are involved in detoxification reactions and metabolic functions. Amino acids also enable vitamins and minerals to carry out their jobs properly and efficiently.
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Informational note: The data presented on our health and nutrition website is for educational purposes only. Though we stive to be accurate in all of the information we present, it should not be taken as medical advice. NSC always recommends consulting your physician before beginning or modifying any diet or exercise program.
