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Amino acids are the chemical units or "building blocks," as they are popularly called, that make up proteins. Amino acids contain about 16 percent nitrogen. Chemically, this is what distinguishes them from the other two basic nutrients, sugars and fatty acids, which do not contain nitrogen. To understand how vital amino acids are, you must understand how essential proteins are to life. It is protein that provides the structure for all living things. Every living organism, from the largest animal to the tiniest microbe, is composed of protein. And in its various forms, protein participates in the vital chemical processes that sustain life.
Proteins are a necessary part of every living cell in the body. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body weight. In the human body, protein substances make up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, and many vital body fluids, and are essential for the growth of bones. The enzymes and hormones that catalyze and regulate all bodily processes are proteins. Proteins help to regulate the body's water balance and maintain the proper internal pH. They assist in the exchange of nutrients between the intercellular fluids and the tissues, blood, and lymph. A deficiency of protein can upset the body's fluid balance, causing edema. Proteins form the structural basis for chromosomes, through which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring. The genetic "code" contained in each cell's DNA is actually information for how to make that cell's proteins.
Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together by what are called peptide bonds. Each individual type of protein is composed of a specific group of amino acids in a specific chemical arrangement. It is the particular amino acids present and the way in which they are linked together in sequence that gives the proteins that make up the various tissues their unique function and characters. Each protein in the body is tailored for a specific need; proteins are not interchangeable.
The proteins that make up the human body are not obtained directly from the diet. Rather, dietary protein is broken down into its constituent amino acids, which the body then uses to build the specific proteins it needs. Thus, it is the amino acids rather than protein that are the essential nutrients.
In addition to combining to form the body's proteins, some amino acids act as neurotransmitters or as precursors of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry information from one nerve cell to another. Certain amino acids are thus necessary for the brain to receive and send messages. Unlike many other substances, neurotransmitters are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier. This is a kind of defensive shield designed to protect the brain from toxins and foreign invaders that may be circulating in the bloodstream. The endothelial cells that make up the walls of the capillaries in the brain are much more tightly meshed together than are those of capillaries elsewhere in the body. This prevents many substances, especially water-based substances, from diffusing through the capillary walls into the brain tissue. Because certain amino acids can pass through this barrier, they can be used by the brain to communicate with nerve cells elsewhere in the body.
Amino acids also enable vitamins and minerals are absorbed and assimilated by the body, they cannot be effective unless the necessary amino acids are present. For example, low levels of the amino acid tyrosine may lead to iron deficiency. Deficiency and/or impaired metabolism of the amino acid s methionine and taurine has been linked to allergies and autoimmune disorders. Many elderly people suffer from depression or neurological problems that may be associated with deficiencies of the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and histidine, and also of the branched-chain amino acids - valine, isoleucine, and leucine. These are amino acids that can be used to provide energy directly to muscle tissue. High doses of branched-chain amino acids have been used in hospitals to treat people suffering from trauma and infection.
There are approximately 28 commonly known amino acids that are combined in various ways to create the hundreds of different types of proteins present in all living things. In the human body, the liver produces about 80 percent of the amino acids needed. The remaining 20 percent must be obtained from the diet. These are called the essential amino acids. The essential amino acids that must enter the body through diet are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. The non-essential amino acids which can be manufactured in the body from other amino acids obtained from dietary sources, include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, citrulline, cysteine, cystine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, ornithine, proline, serine, taurine, and tyrosine. The fact that they are termed "nonessential" does not mean that they are not necessary, only that they need not be obtained through the diet because the body can manufacture them as needed.
The processes of assembling amino acids to make protein, and of breaking down proteins into individual amino acids for the body's use, are continuous ones. When we need more enzyme proteins, the body produces more enzyme proteins; when we need more cells, the body produces more proteins for cells. These different types of proteins are produced as the need arises. Should the body become depleted of is reserves of any of the essential amino acids, it would not be able to produce the proteins that require those amino acids. If even one essential amino acid is missing, the body cannot continue proper protein synthesis. This can lead to lack of vital proteins in the body, which can cause problems ranging from indigestion to depression to stunted growth.
How could such a situation occur? More easily than you might think. Many factors can contribute to deficiencies of essential amino acids, even if you eat a well-balanced diet that contains enough protein. Impaired absorption, infection, trauma, stress, drug use, age, and imbalances of other nutrients can all affect the availability of essential amino acids in the body. If your diet is not properly balanced - that is, if it fails to supply adequate amounts of the essential amino acids - sooner or later, this will become apparent as some type of physical disorder.
This does not mean, however, that eating a diet containing enormous amounts of protein is the answer. In fact, it is unhealthy. Excess protein puts undue stress on the kidneys and the liver, which are faced with processing the waste products of protein metabolism. Nearly half of the amino acids in dietary protein are transformed into glucose by the liver and utilized to provide needed energy to the cells. This process results in a waste product, ammonia. Ammonia is toxic to the body, so the body protects itself by having the liver turn the ammonia into the much less toxic compound urea, which is then carried through the bloodstream, filtered out by the kidneys, and excreted.
As long as protein intake is not too great and the liver is working properly, ammonia is neutralized almost as soon as it is produced, so it does no harm. However, if there is too much ammonia for the liver to cope with - as a result of too much protein consumption, poor digestion, and/or a defect in liver function - toxic levels may accumulate. Strenuous exercise also tends to promote the accumulation of excess ammonia. This may put a person at risk for serious health problems, including encephalopathy (brain disease) or hepatic coma. Abnormally high levels of urea can also cause problems, including inflamed kidneys and back pain. Therefore, it is not the quantity but the quality of protein in the diet that is important. See Nutrition Basics Index and Nutrition Guidelines Index for more information.
It is possible to take supplements containing amino acids, both essential and non-essential. For certain disorders, taking supplements of specific amino acids can be very beneficial. When you take a specific amino acids or amino acids combination, it supports the metabolic pathway involved in your particular illness. Vegetarians, especially vegans, would be wise to take a formula containing all of the essential amino acids to ensure that their protein requirements are met.
AMINO ACID SUPPLEMENT & PRODUCTS
AMINO 1000 Complete, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
AMINO 1000 Complete contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids.
Amino 1500, Chewable Blend of 20 Amino Acids, Pre-digested, NOW Foods, 150 Tabs
Our Amino 1500 contains a balanced blend of 20 essential and non-essential amino acids in a chewable format.
PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS
Weight Gain Supplement Protein Powder, Pro Gainer, Chocolate, NOW Foods, 8 lbs
Pro-Gainer weight gain supplement protein powder is a natural body building supplement.
Whey Protein Powder, NOW Foods, Dutch Chocolate, 2 lbs.
Pure Whey Protein powder is a blend of proteins that contain the full range of essential amino acids required by the body to retain its strength and integrity.
Whey Protein Powder, NOW Foods, Vanilla, 2 lbs.
NOW Whey Protein is a delicious blend of three of the highest quality whey protein concentrates and isolates from around the world: Micro-Filtered, Ion-Exchanged and Enzymatically Hydrolyzed (partially predigested).
Whey Protein Powder Isolate, 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
Whey Protein Powder is a high quality supplement that is both bioavailable and easily digested. Whey protein powder contains a high concentration of Branched Chain Amino Acids, which are important for efficient muscle metabolism.
ProZone, Pure Brown Rice Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean, Nutribiotic, 22.5 oz.
As a meal replacement or snack, just mix Prozone pure brown rice protein in 8 oz. of water or low fat milk, for a thick, rich tasting fat reducing energy drink.
Whey Protein Powder, Premium With Glutamine, Natural Vanilla Flavor, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
This blend of specially processed whey proteins is designed to maximize amino acid absorption and Biological Values (BV). Extra L-Glutamine has been added (550 mg per serving) because of its important role in protecting muscle tissue from breaking down under stressful, vigorous physical activity.
Protein From Rice Powder, Dairy Free, Vegetarian / Vegan, Hypoallergenic, Plain, 1 lb. 5 oz.
A great tasting vegetable protein made from non-genetically modified California grown brown rice. Free of the common food allergens from soy, milk, egg, wheat and yeast.
ProZone Vanilla Fat-Reducing Energy Drink, 30-30-40, 22.5 oz.
This Energy Drink is formulated to contain the performance enhancing and healthy living balance of essential macronutrients.
SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a microalgae that produces twenty times as much protein as soybeans growing on an equal-sized area of land. It contains high concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids, vitamin B12, iron, protein, essential amino acids, the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin, a blue pigment that is found only in blue green algae.
Spirulina, 100% Organic, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 VCaps
Spirulina Powder, 100% Natural, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
Spirulina Natural, Earth Rise, 500 mg, 180 Tabs
Spirulina Natural Green Super Food For Longevity, Earth Rise, 500 mg, 360 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Amino Acids Supplements & Products
SPIRU-TEIN
Nature's Plus Spiru-tein High Protein Energy Meal comes in several flavors and the Vanilla flavor contains the following amino acids - Inositol: 50 mg, Choline: 21 mg, Isoleucine: 602 mg, Histidine: 364 mg, Leucine: 1148 mg, Arginine: 1050 mg, Lysine: 882 mg, Aspartic Acid: 1624 mg, Methionine: 182 mg, Serine: 728 mg, Cysteine: 182 mg, Glutamic Acid: 2674 mg, Threonine: 532 mg, Proline: 714 mg, Phenylalanine: 714 mg, Glycine: 588 mg, Tryptophan: 182 mg, Alanine: 602 mg, Valine: 700 mg, Tyrosine: 532 mg. Directions: Add one heaping scoop (scoop included in can) of vanilla (or other flavor) spiru-tein powder to 8 fl. oz. of skim milk, whole milk, or juice, and mix (or shake) until smooth. For best results, milk or juice should be very cold.
PROTEIN DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
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