What are Amino Acids?
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. They contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain that is specific to each amino acid. There are 20 standard amino acids that are used by cells to build proteins.
Functions of Amino Acids
The primary function of amino acids is to join together through peptide bonds to form chains called polypeptides or proteins. Proteins have a variety of roles in the body including:
- Structure: Proteins like collagen provide structure and support for tissues. Keratin strengthens hair and nails. Actin and myosin contract muscle fibers.
- Transport: Hemoglobin transports oxygen in red blood cells. Albumin carries hormones, vitamins, and medications through the bloodstream.
- Movement: Actin and myosin allow muscle contraction. Tubulin forms microtubules essential for cell division and movement.
- Immune Defense: Antibodies produced by B cells fight pathogens. Cytokines signal immune cells to mount defenses.
- Metabolism: Enzymes catalyze metabolic reactions. Insulin regulates blood glucose levels.
- Signaling: Receptors transmit signals from outside to inside cells. Hormones trigger physiological responses.
Essential vs. Non-Essential Amino Acids
amino acids are categorized as either essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts and must come from dietary intake. The nine essential amino acids are phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, and histidine.
Non-essential amino acids can be produced by bodily processes like breaking down and recycling proteins. They include alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine, and arginine.
Even though non-essential amino acids are synthesized, optimal health still requires consuming them through whole foods for protein structure and function. A balanced diet with a variety of protein sources provides all the amino acids needed.
Amino Acid Metabolism and Processing
Amino acids obtained through the diet enter the bloodstream after protein digestion. Cells import amino acids for protein synthesis and other processes. If more are consumed than needed, they are converted to other nitrogenous substances or excreted as urea in urine.
The liver plays a central role in amino acid metabolism. It removes ammonia generated during amino acid deamination through the urea cycle. Transamination interconverts amino and keto acids. Glucogenic amino acids like alanine are converted to glucose for fuel. Ketogenic amino acids like leucine generate ketone bodies as energy.
Excess amino groups are transferred to alpha-ketoglutarate to form non-protein nitrogen compounds like glutamine, aspartate, asparagine, alanine and others. These provide nitrogen for synthesizing purines, pyrimidines and neurotransmitters. They also transport amino groups between tissues.
Enzymes regulate amino acid uptake and conversion based on bodily needs. Hormesis, the health-promoting response to low environmental stress, occurs with moderate protein intake keeping amino acid-responsive systems functioning optimally.
Functions of Individual Amino Acids
Here are some key functions of individual amino acids:
- Lysine - Essential for calcium absorption, collagen formation, supports cardiovascular health.
- Leucine - Stimulates muscle protein synthesis after exercise, promotes muscle growth.
- Tryptophan - Precursor to serotonin and melatonin, affects mood and sleep. Low levels linked to depression.
- Phenylalanine - Required for neurotransmitter and hormone production, may boost mood and focus.
- Cysteine - Glutathione precursor, powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- Methionine - Precursor to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), aids liver health and methylation processes.
- Arginine - Precursor to nitric oxide improving cardiovascular function. Also supports immune and cognitive functions.
- Alanine - Shuttles nitrogen between tissues, reduces liver fat buildup and aids gluconeogenesis.
- Glycine - Builds collagen, soothes nervous system, may help prevent fatty liver disease.
- Proline - Major component of collagen for strong connective tissues and cartilage health.
amino acids combine to create proteins needed for the structure, function and regulation of the human body. Consuming a balanced diet with all essential amino acids supports optimal health, metabolism and cell regeneration. Individual amino acids also promote targeted benefits like improved mood, fat loss, muscle growth and liver detoxification pathways.
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