Essential vs. non-essential amino acids: what you should know

The amino acids are the building blocks of life; without them our body would not be able to function. They play a crucial role in almost all biological processes, yet many people are uninformed about their knowledge of these molecules. In particular, the difference between essential and non-essential amino acids can be confusing.

Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body itself and must be obtained from food, while non-essential amino acids amino acids can be synthesized by the body. This distinction has far-reaching implications for our nutrition and health. Understanding these differences is important for anyone who wants to improve their diet want to optimize their diet.

In this article we will discuss the different types of amino acidstheir functions, daily requirements and the effects of a deficiency. This will give you comprehensive knowledge about the importance of amino acids for your health and your body.

Amino acids

Amino acids are organic compounds. They consist of a central carbon atom linked to a hydrogen atom, an amino group and a carboxyl group. There are 20 proteinogenic amino acidsthat serve as building blocks for proteins in the human body.

Amino acids are divided into essential and non-essential:

• Essential amino acidsThese must be obtained from food as the body cannot produce them itself. These include isoleucine, leucine, lysine and methionine.
• Non-essential amino acidsThe body can produce them itself and they do not necessarily have to be ingested through food.
• Semi-essential amino acidsThese are particularly important in certain situations, such as high stress or injuries.

Amino acids are an important component of proteins. They play a role in the formation of collagen and the red blood pigment.

Introduction

Amino acidsalso known as aminocarboxylic acids, are the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group and a carboxyl group. The variable side chain determines the specific properties of the amino acid.

Types of amino acids

1. Essential amino acids: The body must obtain these from food as it cannot produce them itself. Examples are leucine, tryptophan and valine.
2. Not-essential amino acids: The body can synthesize these itself. However, in certain situations, such as stress or illness, an additional supply may be necessary.
3. Conditional-essential amino acids: These are normally produced by the body, but are essential in special situations.

Functions

• Component of proteins: Amino acids are necessary for the formation and repair of tissues.
• Component of collagen: Collagen maintains the structure of skin, connective tissue and bones.
• Red blood pigment: Haemoglobin contains amino acidswhich are important for oxygen transport.

Amino acids are indispensable molecules for the body and play a decisive role in many life processes.

What are amino acids?

Amino acidsalso known as aminocarboxylic acids, are organic compounds. They consist of a central carbon atom, an amino group and a carboxyl group. They are the building blocks of proteins and are crucial for many bodily functions. In humans, there are 20 proteinogenic amino acids. However, a total of 23 are known. Another 250 or so amino acidswhich are non-proteinogenic, have been researched.

Amino acids are divided into three groups:

1. Essential amino acidsThese must be taken in through food.
2. Not-essential amino acidsThe body can produce them itself.
3. Semi-essential amino acidsThese are important in certain situations, such as stress or illness.

A balanced diet is important to get all the essential amino acids to be obtained. They play a role as components of proteins, such as collagen and the red blood pigment. In special situations, the body may need more amino acids. It is also interesting to note that amino acids in the form of proteins are also found in animal proteinsuch as animal protein.

Types of amino acids

Amino acids are essential building blocks of the body. They play a role in many biological processes. They are divided into groups depending on how they are used in the body.

Proteinogens amino acids

Proteinogens amino acids are crucial for protein formation in the body. There are 20 of these canonical amino acidsthat are found in proteins are incorporated into proteins. Their special structure with the amino group on the alpha-carbon atom distinguishes them. A special role is played by selenocysteine which is produced via special mechanisms in proteins integrated into proteins.

Non-proteinogenic amino acids

These amino acids are not found in proteins, but have important functions. One example is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which serves as a messenger substance in the central nervous system. Its tasks are usually associated with special metabolic processes and extend beyond direct protein biosynthesis.

Essential amino acids

Essential amino acids must be taken in through food as the body cannot produce them itself. There are nine essential amino acidsincluding isoleucine, leucine and lysine. These are important for functions such as muscle metabolism and immune reactions. A balanced diet covers the need for these amino acids.

Non-essential amino acids

The body can absorb non-essential amino acids itself. They therefore do not necessarily have to be taken in through food. Examples of this are alanine and glycine. They play important roles in amino acid metabolism and protein biosynthesis, although they are not considered essential.

Semi-essential amino acids

Semi-essential amino acids are normally producible, but the requirement may increase in certain situations. Examples are arginine and tyrosinewhich become more important under stress, illness or during growth phases. Children need tyrosine from food, as their own production is not yet sufficient.

Functions of the amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that are important for all body cells. There are 20 proteinogenic amino acids. The body can produce 12 of them itself. The remaining 8 must be obtained from food. These essential amino acids are crucial for meeting energy requirements and for neuronal communication. Proteins in the body consist of specific combinations of these amino acidswhich are predetermined by the DNA.

Formation of transport proteins

Transport proteins perform important tasks in the body, especially in the blood. A key amino acid in this process is lysine. It ensures that nutrients are transported correctly in the body. In order for transport proteins to work effectively, all essential amino acids must be present in sufficient quantities. A balance of these amino acids is important to ensure their synthesis and function.

Structural proteins and their importance

Structural proteins are essential for the shape and stability of cells. From the 20 amino acids about 100,000 different proteinsincluding structural proteins. These proteins play an important role in tissues such as muscles and skin. They guarantee the mechanical stability and elasticity of the tissue. Structural proteins make up a significant proportion of the body mass of a healthy adult.

Synthesis of hormones

Hormones are often synthesized from specific amino acids such as tyrosine. tyrosine is the starting material for important hormones such as dopamine. Also cysteine also helps with hormone synthesis, as a building block for taurine. histidine is a precursor for histamine, which is important for the immune response. If essential amino acidsthis can impair hormone production.

Enzyme production

Enzymes need amino acids like serine and cysteine for activation. Serine binds to enzymesto activate or inactivate them. Also arginine and glutamine are important for enzyme production in special situations. The enzymes are formed from the 20 canonical proteinogenic amino acids. All of these are on the alpha-C atom an amino group. Selenocysteinethe 21st amino acid, shows the complexity of enzyme production.

Supporting the immune system

Some amino acids support the immune system strong. Leucine activates defense cells such as T-cells. BCAA are crucial for immune function. However, their research is still in its infancy. A sufficient supply of BCAA is important for them to work optimally. Amino acids influence the immune response and contribute to the regulation of defense mechanisms in the body. The interaction with immune cells underlines their importance for the health.

Daily requirement of amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play an important role in our body. They are crucial for the production of hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters. Two special amino acids are methionine and phenylalanine. methionine can be found in cysteine and is therefore often used together with cysteine in nutritional tables. Phenylalanine is a precursor of tyrosinewhich is important for the production of dopamine and stress hormones. Tyrosine also helps in the production of melanin, the pigment for skin color.

Recommendations for intake

For adults, the daily requirement of essential amino acids. For example, it is for tryptophan 4-5 mg and for leucine 39-42 mg per kilogram of body weight. To meet the requirement, adults should consume at least 0.8 g proteins per kilogram of body weight. Essential amino acids are important because the body cannot produce them itself. There are a total of 9 essential amino acids and 12 non-essential ones that the body can produce itself.

Influence of activity level and age

The need for amino acids varies with age and activity level. Infants need around 90 % more amino acids than adults. The requirement is 25 % higher for children and 10 % higher for adolescents. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and older people also need more amino acids. Physical exertion or stress can further increase the requirement. Competitive athletes and people with sports injuries also have a slightly increased requirement. A deficiency of amino acids can be caused by an unbalanced diet or special phases of life, such as during pregnancy or after the menopause.

Occurrence of amino acids in food

Amino acids are crucial for our body. They are found in every life form, be it human, animal or plant. Particularly essential amino acids such as leucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan must be obtained from food. This is because our body cannot produce them itself. In nature, there are more than 400 types of amino acids. They are divided into proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids classified. Proteinogenic amino acids are the building blocks from which our body's own proteins consist of. Certain situations such as stress or intensive sport increase the need for amino acids. It can therefore be useful to supplement with food supplements if necessary.

Animal foods

Animal Foods are rich in essential nutrients amino acids. These are important for many bodily functions such as the metabolism and tissue repair. Methionine, lysine and Tryptophan are abundant in animal products. Animal protein is often more effective because it helps the human protein is more similar to human protein. This means our bodies can utilize it better. Some of the best sources of animal protein are tuna, beef and eggs. These also provide important minerals and vitamins. Plant-based Protein sources often need to be combined to provide all the necessary amino acids that are found in animal products.

Vegetable foods

Plant-based protein sources often have less fat than animal protein sources, with the exception of nuts and seeds. Examples are pumpkin seeds, hemp and sesame seeds. To meet protein requirements, it is important to combine different plant-based foods. This ensures that all essential amino acids are absorbed. Vegetable protein powders such as hemp protein, rice protein and lupin protein are practical and effective for supporting amino acid intake. Even if animal protein is better utilized, food supplements are a good alternative. They are suitable for people who believe that they can diet not enough amino acids in the diet.

Consequences of a amino acid deficiency

Amino acids are essential for a wide range of bodily functions. A deficiency can lead to serious health problems. It is often caused by insufficient food intake or certain metabolic diseases. If the body does not have enough amino acids the entire organism suffers because amino acids are important components of proteins. A prolonged deficiency leads to a breakdown of muscle massas the body has to use its own reserves in order to obtain the necessary amino acids needed.

Health problems

A lack of amino acids can cause a variety of physical and emotional complaints. Physical effects include fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite. Emotional disorders such as mood swings, depression and anxiety are also common. There is a close connection between an insufficient amino acid balance and the impaired synthesis of neurotransmitters, which can lead to irritability and insomnia. In the long term, muscle loss can cause growth retardation in young people. In addition, increased oxidative stress increases the risk of immune deficiencies and serious illnesses such as heart failure.

Effects on the metabolism

The effects of an amino acid deficiency on the metabolism metabolism are considerable. Essential amino acids must be obtained from food, as the body cannot produce them itself. They are crucial for a healthy metabolismas they support the structure and function of all cells. Amino acid derivatives such as carnitinewhich is derived from methionine and lysine play an important role in the energy metabolism of the mitochondria. An amino acid deficiency can also exacerbate chronic inflammatory diseases and thus demonstrates the central role of the amino acids in the immunological metabolism on.

Overall amino acids are an essential component that is of great importance for the integrity and functionality of the body. It is important to maintain a balanced diet to ensure that the body always has enough amino acids to stay healthy.

Conclusion and importance of amino acids

Amino acids are essential components of life. They are not only the building blocks of proteins, but also of certain situations, such as the biosynthesis of the body's own proteins. proteins. The human body needs 20 canonical amino acidsof which 8 are essential. These must be ingested through food.

Their importance is manifold:

1. Structure and function: Amino acids are important components of proteins, including collagen and the red blood pigment.
2. Energy supply: They contribute to the body's daily energy supply.
3. Signal transmission: Some act as messenger substances in the nervous system.

Amino acids play an important role in special situations, such as muscle building by Animal Protein, plays a key role. With their ability to synthesize the body's own proteins and their importance for the health they are an important part of the biochemistry. Felicitas Reglin and other researchers emphasize their diverse tasks in the body. It is crucial to maintain a balanced diet to ensure a sufficient supply of these vital substances.

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