Proteins are among the biggest molecules in the body, responsible for giving cells their shapes, providing energy and creating hormones—among many, many other uses.

What makes proteins so versatile? They are made of 20 smaller building blocks called amino acids, which can be attached to each other in thousands of combinations.

What Makes Some Amino Acids “Essential”? 

Of the 20 amino acids, nine are considered essential, meaning they must come from your diet because your body can’t create them on its own. They are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

In addition, eight of the remaining 11 aminos areconditionally essential, meaning you need them under special circumstances such as stress or illness. They include arginine, cysteine, glutamine, tyrosine, glycine, ornithine, proline and serine. 

What Are Amino Acids Used for in the Body?

It might be easier to ask what amino acidsaren’t used for. Besides helping to create your body’s physical structure, amino acids play roles in the following:

• Energy Support: Some aminos, such as leucine, isoleucine and valine, can be used by muscle cells to support energy production.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
• Enzyme Activity: These substances, which promote chemical reactions within the body, require amino acid support.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
• Hormone Production: Some of these critical substances, such as the thyroid hormone thyroxine and sleep-regulating melatonin, require amino acid support.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
• Immunity: Amino acids play a key role in supporting immune health.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
• Metabolism: Some amino acids support the processes by which the body breaks down food into substances that can be used for energy production.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
• Neurotransmitters: Amino play a role in supporting the function of substances that allow nerve cells to communicate with each other.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What Foods Contain Amino Acids?

Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are referred to ascomplete proteins. Many of them are animal-based, such as dairy, eggs, meat, poultry and seafood. Some plant foods—most notably buckwheat, quinoa and soy—are also complete proteins.

Some plant-based foods—such as beans (and other legumes, such as lentils and peas), nuts, seeds and whole grains—are referred to asincomplete proteins, meaning that they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. However, eating a plant-only diet doesn’t create a problem as long as you eat a variety of plant proteins over the course of each day.

Essential Amino Acid FAQ

What is an amino acid in simple terms?

An amino acid is a molecule that serves as a building block for proteins, essential for various bodily functions.

Is it safe to take amino acids every day?

Yes, taking amino acids daily is generally safe as long as you adhere to the recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

What are the symptoms of low amino acids?

Symptoms of low amino acids may include fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss and immune system issues due to their critical roles in protein synthesis and metabolism.

What do amino acids do in the body?

Amino acids play crucial roles in building proteins, influencing mood and sleep, and supporting muscle repair and growth.

Which foods have all 9 essential amino acids?

Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids include quinoa, buckwheat, soy, eggs and dairy products.

What are the side effects of taking amino acid supplements?

Possible side effects of amino acid supplements include nausea, pain, and changes in blood sugar levels. Excessive intake can lead to more serious health issues.

Who should avoid amino acids?

Individuals with kidney disease or liver conditions, or those who are pregnant, should consult their doctor before taking amino acid supplements.

Do amino acids burn belly fat?

Amino acids alone do not specifically target belly fat; however, they can support muscle growth and maintenance, which can help with overall fat loss.

What is the best form of amino acids to take?

The best form of amino acids to take often depends on individual health needs; however, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are popular among athletes for muscle recovery.

What diseases are caused by lack of amino acids?

A deficiency in amino acids can lead to conditions like kwashiorkor, which is a form of severe protein malnutrition.

What foods are high in amino acids?

Foods high in amino acids include meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, legumes and nuts.

What is the difference between a protein and an amino acid?

Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of long chains of amino acids, which are the simpler building blocks of these macromolecules.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

The information in this blog is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional. Consultation with a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner is strongly advised before starting any regimen of supplementation, a change in diet or any exercise routine. Individuals who engage in supplementation to promote health, address conditions or support any structure or function of the body assume all risks. Women who are pregnant, especially, should seek the advice of a medical doctor before taking any dietary supplement and before starting any change in diet or lifestyle. Descriptions of herbs, vitamins, nutrients or any ingredients are not recommendations to take our products or those of any other company. We are not doctors or primary-source science researchers. Instead, we defer to the findings of scientific experts who conduct studies, as well as those who compile and publish scientific literature on the potential health benefits of nutrients, herbs, spices, vitamins or minerals. We cannot guarantee that any individual will experience any of the health benefits associated with the nutrients described. Natural Organics will not be held liable for any injuries, damages, hindrances or negative effects resulting from any reliance on the information presented, nor will Natural Organics be held accountable for any inaccuracy, miscalculation or error in the scientific literature upon which the information provided is based.