What are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of protein. Your body has thousands of different proteins that each have important jobs. Each protein has its own sequence of amino acids. The sequence makes the protein take different shapes and have different functions in your body.

You can think of amino acids like the letters of the alphabet. When you combine letters in various ways, you make different words. The same goes for amino acids. When you combine them in various ways, you make different proteins.

What do Amino Acids do?

Amino acids play several crucial roles in the body, including:

 

1. Protein synthesis: Amino acids build the proteins that are essential for various bodily functions such as muscle growth, tissue repair, and enzyme production.

 

2. Neurotransmitter synthesis: Some amino acids serve as precursors for neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. For example, the amino acid tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.

 

3. Energy production: Amino acids can be broken down and used as an energy source when needed, especially during periods of intense exercise or fasting.

 

4. Immune system support: Amino acids are necessary for the production of antibodies, which help the body fight off infections and diseases.

 

5. Hormone synthesis: Some amino acids are involved in the production of hormones, such as the amino acid tyrosine, which is a precursor for thyroid hormones.

 

6. Transport and storage of nutrients: Amino acids help transport and store various nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, throughout the body.

 

How do we get our Amino Acids?

 

There are roughly 500 amino acids that have been identified in nature, but our bodies need just 20 amino acids to function properly.  Eleven of these amino acids are considered non-essential because our bodies can synthesize them on their own.  The remaining nine amino acids are essential because we need to obtain them through diet as our bodies are unable to produce them on their own.

 

Foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products are good sources of essential amino acids. Plant-based sources of essential amino acids include soybeans, quinoa, and chia seeds. It's important to consume a variety of protein sources to ensure we get all the essential amino acids our body needs.

 

 

When you may need to supplement Amino Acids into your diet.

 

Supplementing with amino acids may be beneficial in certain situations, such as:

 

1. Intense physical activity: Athletes or individuals engaging in heavy workouts may benefit from amino acid supplementation to support muscle recovery and growth.

 

2. Vegetarian or vegan diets: Those following plant-based diets may need to supplement with certain amino acids, especially the essential ones, to ensure they are getting adequate amounts.

 

3. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions may require amino acid supplementation, such as those that affect protein metabolism or absorption.

 

4. Aging: As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at producing and utilizing amino acids, so supplementation could be helpful.

The wrap-up

Most people get all the amino acids they need through their diet. However, if you are not getting enough amino acids, due to any of the above reasons that interfere with synthesis, you may experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, slow wound healing, and a weakened immune system.

 

If this sounds like you, concentrated doses of amino acids in supplemental form have been linked to several health benefits. Supplementing with amino acids helped with my fatigue, energy levels, and muscle soreness. There are several tests that can identify or be linked to low levels of amino acids in your body. Speak to a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine if you are getting enough amino acids in your diet or if supplementation may be the right option for you.