Proteins are a critical part of every cell in the human body. Your body is constantly making new proteins to build new tissue or repair damaged cells. Amino acids are the components of proteins and your body needs a steady supply of all of the different amino acids for optimum health.
What Are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and all of the proteins in nature are made up of a long chain of amino acids. Amino acids get their name because they have a nitrogen-containing "amino" group on one end and another molecule known as a carboxylic acid on the other end. The different amino acids differ in the atoms that they have in the middle of the molecule.
Non-essential and Essential Amino Acids
Amino acids are divided into two categories: non-essential and essential. Half of the amino acids that your body needs for proteins can be directly synthesized by the body; these amino acids are the "non-essential" ones. Essential amino acids, on the other hand, cannot be made by the human body. As a result, you have to get the essential amino acids from your diet; a lack of any of these amino acids can cause severe health problems.
Amino Acid Sources
Your body gets the amino acids that it needs to make new proteins from the proteins in your diet. When you consume proteins, your digestive tract breaks down the proteins to their composite amino acids that are used to synthesize new proteins. Complete proteins supply all of the essential amino acids. Most complete sources of protein are meats or other animal products, though tofu also contains all of the essential amino acids. Other plant-based proteins have some, but not all of the essential amino acids, but you can get all of the amino acids you need by eating a variety of plant-based foods.
Do I Need Amino Acid Supplements?
In general, people do not need to take amino acid supplements to make new proteins as long as they eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that contains a variety of different protein sources. Some of the amino acids can also be converted into other substances, such as neurotransmitters, and taking amino acid supplements can increase the levels of these amino acid-derivatives.
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