What are amino acids important for?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play an important role in many biological processes. There are 20 different types that occur naturally in proteins, and each has a unique structure and function.

They are also essential for the structure and function of all proteins in the body. Proteins are the most important structural and functional components of cells and are involved in almost all biological processes. Amino building blocks are also needed for the synthesis of many other important biomolecules, such as enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters.

The human body can synthesize most of the amino acids it needs from other compounds, but there are nine types that must be obtained through food. These are essential amino acids.

Amino building blocks are usually divided into polar and non-polar types. Polar amino acids have a charged side group, either positive or negative, while non-polar amino acids have uncharged side groups. The structure of an amino acid is also important for its function.

The order of amino acids in a protein determines its properties. Proteins can be enzymes, hormones, receptors or structural components of cells. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions, hormones are proteins that regulate physiological processes, receptors are proteins that bind to specific molecules, and structural proteins form the framework of cells.

Protein substances are not only important for the structure and function of proteins, but also for regulating many biological processes. They can act as signals that regulate gene expression, cell division and cell death. They can also be used by the body as fuel and play a role in immune function and detoxification.

Here are other functions that protein substances contribute to:

• They are needed for the absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.
• They are necessary for the proper metabolism of fats and carbohydrates.
• They play a major role in the function and development of the nervous system.
• They are involved in the production of blood cells.
• They are essential for kidney and liver function.
• They are important for the synthesis of new bone tissue.
• They are involved in the production of collagen and elastin, which is important for skin function.

Essential or non-essential?

There are two, or actually three, types of amino acids: essential and non-essential.

You may now be wondering why there should be three types. We will look at that in more detail in a moment.

Non-essential substances can be synthesized by the body itself.

These are the non-essential amino building blocks:

• Alanine
• Aspartic acid
• Glutamic acid
• Serine

Another special group is the semi-essential group. These protein substances can be produced by the body itself, but not in sufficient amounts.

This group includes the following:

• Arginine*
• Asparagine*
• Cysteine
• Glutamine*
• Glycine*
• Proline*
• Tyrosine

According to various sources, some of these substances are also described as non-essential. We mark these with (*).

Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot synthesize itself and that must be obtained through food.

These are the following:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

Additional intake of amino acids

There are many different ways to obtain enough essential amino building blocks through your diet. A varied diet with plenty of protein-rich foods is the best way to ensure that the body is sufficiently supplied.

However, some people need to take dietary supplements to meet their needs. People who do not eat meat, poultry, fish or dairy products may need to pay particular attention to getting enough. Vegans, for example, can buy an amino acid supplement that contains all essential protein building blocks.

Foods

To consume sufficient amounts of essential and semi-essential substances, you depend on protein-containing foods. The following is a list of foods that can help keep your amino acid balance stable:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Beef
• Pork
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Cod
• Green leafy vegetables

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements containing essential amino acids are available in various forms, such as powders, capsules and tablets. Most supplements contain all nine essential amino building blocks in a ratio similar to that found in protein-rich foods. Amino acid supplements are generally safe and well tolerated. If, despite supplementing with powders or capsules, you value a natural diet, you should buy natural amino acids.