Amino Acids in Oysters

Oysters are a popular type of seafood that you can find at restaurants or purchase at the grocery store for home cooking. Oysters are similar to other types of seafood in that they are rich in protein, a nutrient essential for retaining and building muscle and other tissues. Protein is made up of amino acids, so oysters provide a wide range. Oysters, however, are only rich in a few amino acids and they may not satisfy your personal nutritional needs.

Glutamic Acid

Glutamic acid is the most abundant amino acid in oysters, as a 3-oz. serving of steamed oysters provides 2.2 g. Glutamic acid is also known as glutamate and its primary role is that of a neurotransmitter that relays messages throughout your brain and influences memory. If your body, however, produces excessive amounts of glutamate -- a byproduct of strokes or other brain trauma -- the glutamate overload can result in diseases such as ALS, or Lou Gherig's disease.

Aspartic Acid

Aspartic acid, sometimes styled as L-aspartic acid or D-aspartic acid, is the second most abundant amino acid in oysters. A 3-oz. serving of steamed oysters provides 1.55 g of aspartic acid. According to research published in the October 2009 edition of "Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology," consuming 3 g of D-aspartic acid for 12 days significantly increased participants' testosterone levels, so this amino acid may be beneficial for strength training athletes or those deficient in testosterone.

Lysine

Lysine is known as an essential amino acid because your body can't produce it and you have to obtain it through your diet or supplements. Each 3-oz. serving of oysters contains 1.2 g of this amino acid. Lysine aids in the absorption of calcium and can help make collagen, a structural component of skin and connective tissues. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most people get adequate levels of lysine through diet alone. If you consume very little protein, you may be at risk for lysine deficiency, which can cause nausea, fatigue, slowed growth, reproductive disorders and anemia.

Arginine

Each 3-oz. serving of oysters provides just less than 1.2 g of arginine. Arginine is an amino acid that aids in the production of nitric oxide, which helps your blood vessels dilate. This can make arginine helpful for conditions in which poor blood flow is responsible for adverse effects; MayoClinic.com notes that arginine may help address erectile dysfunction, clogged arteries and vascular swelling.

Leucine

Each 3-oz. serving of oysters provides 1.1 g of leucine, an amino acid that is sold as a nutritional supplement for athletes due to its physiological effects. A study from the August 2006 edition of "European Journal of Applied Physiology" found that leucine supplementation can enhance endurance and promote increased strength.