Amino acids are a group of organic chemical compounds that are part of proteins, i.e. compounds that our body needs for proper functioning are also a great source of energy.
Amino acids belong to organic compounds, i.e. derived from living organisms. There are protein amino acids (building proteins of the organisms, there are 20) and non-protein. What are amino acids?
Division of amino acids
Protein amino acids are classified according to several criteria. One of them is
the possibility of producing an amino acid by the human body or the need to provide it with food, i.e. biological value
- essential amino acids (necessary, the body is unable to produce them by itself)
- endogenous amino acids (not necessary, the body produces them by itself): alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, serine
- conditionally necessary (the body produces them alone, only if the appropriate amounts of their precursors are available): arginine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, proline, tyrosine.
Types of essential amino acids
Science distinguishes twenty different amino acids, of which eight are considered so-called exogenous, that is, necessary for life, and which the body cannot “produce” itself – must be supplied with food. This group of amino acids include:
- lysine – strengthens immunity and has an antiviral effect,
- methionine – strengthens immunity regulates the production of growth hormone,
- threonine – supports the nervous system, protects against depression and increases skin hydration,
- leucine – reduce cortisol levels and accelerates the growth of muscle mass,
- Isoleucine – strengthens and builds muscle tissue,
- valine – builds muscle tissue and helps reduce body fat,
- tryptophan – is necessary for the production of hormones: melatonin and serotonin. The first of them is responsible for healthy sleep, the second of the hormones affects our mood and blocks appetite for carbohydrates,
- phenylalanine – acts on the human endocrine system, helps to relieve muscle pain.
Where to look for them
Although some of the body’s proteins are able to be produced by itself, unfortunately those that are absolutely necessary for its proper functioning must be provided with food. They have the most products of both animal and vegetable origin. In the first case, the best source will be: meat, sausage, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, eggs.
Amino acid deficiency
Deficiency is usually caused by an inadequate diet. The problem of amino acid deficiency is encountered by people who eat protein-poor foods or are vegetarians. Lack of cysteine in the body is manifested by a decrease in immunity and weaker fat burning, and as a result obesity.
Can you supplement amino acids
Acceptance of amino acids is usually ordered by a doctor. The doses depend on the disease. Amino acids should be taken before meals. It is inadvisable to take preparations containing amino acids by pregnant and lactating women, patients with diabetes and hypertension and people with liver and kidney diseases.
