What is an amino acid?

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An amino acid is an organic molecules group that comprises an acidic carboxyl group (-COOH), a basic amino group (-NH2) and an organic R group unique to each amino acid.

What are amino acids?

Amino acid is referred to as a building block of proteins that play a critical role in the body. These are necessary for several vital processes like hormones and neurotransmitter synthesis, and protein building.

The term “amino acid” is a short form of alpha-amino carboxylic acid. Here each molecule comprises a central carbon atom (C) known as the α-carbon to which both the carboxyl group and an amino group are attached.

However, the remaining α-carbon atom bonds are usually satisfied by the R group and a Hydrogen atom (H). The formula of a general amino acid is represented as:

Each amino acid differs from the other in a specific chemical structure of the R group.

Essential amino acids

Amino acids are basically organic compounds that are composed of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen along with a variable side chain group. The human body generally require around 20 diverse amino acids to function and grow appropriately.

Although all 20 amino acids are essential, nine of them are considered imperative. This includes

Isoleucine
Histidine
Lysine
Leucine
Phenylalanine
Methionine
Valine
Threonine
Tryptophan

The essential amino acid roles in the body

Threonine

It is an essential part of structural proteins like elastin and collagen that provide a structure to the skin and linked tissues and facilitate blood clots formation while preventing bleeding. It also helps in boosting immune function and fat metabolism.

Phenylalanine

It is referred to as a precursor for brain chemicals, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These chemicals are the known brain messengers that help in structure formation and protein functioning, enzymes, and other amino acids synthesis.

Valine

Valine facilitates tissue regeneration, muscle growth and is needed for energy production.

Leucine

Leucine facilitates muscle repair, protein synthesis, wound healing, muscle growth, blood sugar levels regulation, and growth hormones synthesis.

Tryptophan

It helps in maintaining an appropriate nitrogen balance. It is also well known for facilitating serotonin synthesis, which regulates appetite, sleep, and mood.

Methionine

It helps in metabolism, growth, the body’s detoxification, and the absorption of essential minerals like selenium and zinc.

Histidine

It is involved in histamine synthesis, a neurotransmitter that helps in immune functioning, sleep, digestion, and IQ regulation. It also helps to maintain the myelin sheath, which is a protective barrier surrounding the nerve cells.

Lysine

It helps in protein synthesis, hormones, enzymes, energy production, calcium absorption, and immune functioning.

Isoleucine

It helps in boosting immune functioning, hemoglobin synthesis, energy regulation, and muscle metabolism.

However, the best sources of essential amino acids include animal products like eggs, meat, and poultry.

Potential health benefits of supplementing the body with essential amino acids

While the essential amino acids are found in ample food items, taking them in concentrated dosages, and supplemental form links its effects to several health benefits. This includes