Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play essential roles in various biological processes in the body. They are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur. Amino acids are classified into three categories based on their biosynthesis in the body: essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, and conditionally essential amino acids.

1. Essential Amino Acids (EAA): Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through dietary sources. There are nine essential amino acids:

• Histidine: It is important for the growth and repair of tissues, as well as the production of histamine and carnosine.
• Isoleucine: It plays a role in muscle metabolism, immune function, and energy regulation.
• Leucine: It is a key regulator of protein synthesis, muscle growth, and repair.
• Lysine: It is involved in protein synthesis, collagen formation, calcium absorption, and the production of carnitine.
• Methionine: It is necessary for protein synthesis, methylation processes, and the production of other sulfur-containing compounds.
• Phenylalanine: It is a precursor for the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.
• Threonine: It is involved in protein synthesis, immune function, and the production of other amino acids.
• Tryptophan: It is a precursor for the synthesis of serotonin, melatonin, and niacin (vitamin B3).
• Valine: It plays a role in muscle metabolism, energy production, and tissue repair.

1. Non-Essential Amino Acids: Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body from other amino acids or metabolic intermediates. There are eleven non-essential amino acids:

• Alanine: It is involved in glucose metabolism, energy production, and the synthesis of other molecules.
• Arginine: It plays a role in protein synthesis, immune function, wound healing, and the production of nitric oxide.
• Asparagine: It is important for the synthesis of proteins, nucleotides, and glycoproteins.
• Aspartic acid: It acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in the urea cycle for the removal of ammonia.
• Cysteine: It is a precursor for the synthesis of glutathione, an important antioxidant, and is involved in protein structure stabilization.
• Glutamic acid: It acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in protein synthesis and the production of other amino acids.
• Glutamine: It plays a role in protein synthesis, immune function, and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining.
• Glycine: It is involved in the synthesis of proteins, nucleotides, and other molecules, and plays a role in neurotransmission.
• Proline: It is important for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and the stability of protein structures.
• Serine: It is involved in the synthesis of proteins, nucleotides, and phospholipids.
• Tyrosine: It is a precursor for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

1. Conditionally Essential Amino Acids: Conditionally essential amino acids are usually non-essential amino acids but may become essential under certain conditions such as illness, stress, or during stages of growth. Some examples include arginine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, proline, and tyrosine.

When taken as supplements, certain amino acids have significant effects on the human body:

• Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are BCAAs that have been extensively studied for their effects on muscle protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and exercise performance.
• Glutamine: It is commonly used as a supplement to support immune function, gut health, and recovery from intense exercise or injury.
• Arginine: It is often used as a supplement to enhance nitric oxide production, blood flow, and exercise performance.
• Citrulline: It is a precursor to arginine and is commonly used to enhance nitric oxide production, exercise performance, and reduce muscle fatigue.

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