Amino Acids

Definition

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a vital role in almost every biological process in the body.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Amino acids are organic compounds composed of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, along with a variable side chain group. There are 20 standard amino acids that create proteins, nine of which are essential as they cannot be created by the human body and must be obtained from the diet.

Benefits

• Support muscle growth and repair
• Aid in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters
• Enhance immune function
• Improve metabolic pathway efficiency
• Provide energy for bodily functions

Examples

• Chicken breast
• Eggs
• Soybeans
• Quinoa
• Tofu

Additional Information

• Importance: Amino acids are crucial for the synthesis of proteins, which are essential for cell structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

Related Terms

• Proteins
• Essential Amino Acids
• Peptides
• BCAAs
• Glutamine

References

• An Introduction to Amino Acids and Their Importance
• The Role of Amino Acids in Human Health