Amino Acids are the building blocks of the body and are the basic components of proteins. Amino acids are very important in promoting health, maintaining a healthy well being, and achieving a longer life span. They play important roles in building and repairing of cells and tissues, carrying oxygen to different parts of the body, and aids in the production of enzymes. Amino acids are also responsible in the regulation of many biochemical processes. Amino acid deficiencies can result in many disease and health problems.
There are more than 300 amino acids and only 20 of which can be found and are needed by the body. The 20 amino acids found in the body can be classified as either essential or non-essential amino acids. There are 8 essential amino acids which the body needs but cannot produce. These essential amino acids are required in the diet and are mostly found in meat, poultry, cheese, milk, vegetables, nuts, and other protein rich foods. On the other hand, the remaining 12 non-essential amino acids are the ones that the body can produce in sufficient amounts.
Essential Amino Acids
- Isoleucine - Isoleucine is needed in the maintenance and repair of muscle tissues. It is also needed in hemoglobin formation and in the maintenance of the required glucose and energy levels.
- Leucine - For infants, Leucine is needed in the promotion of growth and development. Leucine deficiency in adults can result in headache, irritability, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Lysine - Lysine promotes bone growth and development by helping in calcium absorption. Deficiency of lysine in children may result in stunted growth.
- Methionine – This amino acid is responsible in the breakdown of fatty acids. It prevents the accumulation of fats in the arterial wall that causes atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Phenylalanine – Phenylalanine is important in mood regulation and other nervous system functions. People who lack phenylalanine in the body may have a depressed mood and may suffer from chronic pain.
- Threonine – Threonine supports protein balance and is also responsible in maintaining a healthy skin, immune system, and liver.
- Tryptophan – Tryptophan controls the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in children, alleviates stress, and controls weight.
- Valine – This essential amino acid is helpful in treating malnutrition due to drug addiction. It also improves mental and emotional problems, insomnia and nervousness, and muscular diseases.
Non-essential Amino Acids
- Alanine – The body uses alanine to build proteins and it is vital in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Alanine also promotes appropriate blood glucose levels from dietary proteins.
- Asparagine – Asparagine is required in keeping the nervous system healthy. It also promotes good liver function.
- Aspartic Acid – This amino acid has an excitatory effect which causes high energy levels and resistance to stress and fatigue. Deficiency of Aspartic acid may result in depression and fatigue.
- Cysteine – Cysteine is said to have antidote properties on the unwanted effects of alcohol like liver damage and hangover. It is also a precursor to glutathione, a famous antioxidant.
- Glutamic Acid – Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid that can improve mental abilities like memory, problem solving, and etc.
- Glutamine – This amino acid works with Glutamic acid in improving brain functions.
- Glycine – Glycine promotes liver health and function by helping it in the body’s detoxification process.
- Proline – Proline aids in the proper functioning of tendons, joint, and heart muscle.
- Serine - Serine helps prevent infections as it boosts the immune system with the production of immunoglobulin and antibodies.
- Tyrosine – Tyrosine works by improving the symptoms of mood disorders, weight control, and growth stimulation.
- Arginine – Arginine is important in wound healing, immune function, production of important hormones, and removal of toxic wastes like ammonia.
- Histidine – Histidine supports metabolism, hemoglobin formation, and promotes growth of healthy tissues. In children, Histidine is an essential amino acid as deficiency with it can lead to eczema and other health problems.
