Amino acid

Amino acids are organic compounds that contain amine (-NH2)

and carboxyl (-COOH) functional groups, along with a side chain (R group)
specific to each amino acid.[1][2] The key elements of an amino acid
are carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N), although other
elements are found in the side chains of certain amino acids. About 500 naturally
occurring amino acids are known (though only 20 appear in the genetic code)
and can be classified in many ways.[3] They can be classified according to the core
structural functional groups' locations as alpha- (α-), beta- (β-), gamma- (γ-)
or delta- (δ-) amino acids; other categories relate to polarity, pH level, and side
chain group type (aliphatic, acyclic, aromatic, containing hydroxyl or sulfur, etc.).
In the form of proteins, amino acid residues form the second-largest component
(water is the largest) of human muscles and other tissues.[4] Beyond their role as
residues in proteins, amino acids participate in a number of processes such
as neurotransmitter transport and biosynthesis.

History
The first few amino acids were discovered in the early 19th century.[20][21] In
1806, French chemists Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin and Pierre Jean
Robiquet isolated a compound in asparagus that was subsequently
named asparagine, the first amino acid to be discovered.[22][23] Cystine was
discovered in 1810,[24] although its monomer, cysteine, remained undiscovered
until 1884.[23][25] Glycine and leucine were discovered in 1820.[26] The last of
the 20 common amino acids to be discovered was threonine in 1935 by William
Cumming Rose, who also determined the essential amino acids and established
the minimum daily requirements of all amino acids for optimal growth.[27][28]

General structure
In the structure shown at the top of the page, R represents a side chain specific
to each amino acid. The carbon atom next to the carboxyl group (which is
therefore numbered 2 in the carbon chain starting from that functional group) is
called the α–carbon. Amino acids containing an amino group bonded directly to
the alpha carbon are referred to as alpha amino acids.[33] These include amino
acids such as prolinewhich contain secondary amines, which used to be often
referred to as "imino acids".[34][35][36]

Essential Amino
Amino acids are organic compounds composed of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, along with a
variable side chain group.

Your body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and function properly. Though all 20 of these are
important for your health, only nine amino acids are classified as essential (1Trusted Source).

These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and
valine.

Unlike nonessential amino acids, essential amino acids can’t be made by your body and must be obtained
through your diet.

The best sources of essential amino acids are animal proteins like meat, eggs and poultry.

When you eat protein, it’s broken down into amino acids, which are then used to help your body with
various processes such as building muscle and regulating immune function (2Trusted Source).

Their Roles in Your Body

Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is a precursor for the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine and
norepinephrine. It plays an integral role in the structure and function of proteins and enzymes and the
production of other amino acids (4).

Valine: Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids, meaning it has a chain branching off to one
side of its molecular structure. Valine helps stimulate muscle growth and regeneration and is involved in
energy production (5).

Threonine: Threonine is a principal part of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are
important components of the skin and connective tissue. It also plays a role in fat metabolism and immune
function (6).
Tryptophan: Though often associated with causing drowsiness, tryptophan has many other functions. It’s
needed to maintain proper nitrogen balance and is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that
regulates your appetite, sleep and mood (7).

Methionine: Methionine plays an important role in metabolism and detoxification. It’s also necessary for
tissue growth and the absorption of zinc and selenium, minerals that are vital to your health (8).

Leucine: Like valine, leucine is a branched-chain amino acid that is critical for protein synthesis and
muscle repair. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, stimulates wound healing and produces growth
hormones (9).

Isoleucine: The last of the three branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine is involved in muscle metabolism
and is heavily concentrated in muscle tissue. It’s also important for immune function, hemoglobin
production and energy regulation (10).

Lysine: Lysine plays major roles in protein synthesis, hormone and enzyme production and the absorption
of calcium. It’s also important for energy production, immune function and the production of collagen and
elastin (11).

Histidine: Histidine is used to produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that is vital to immune response,
digestion, sexual function and sleep-wake cycles. It’s critical for maintaining the myelin sheath, a
protective barrier that surrounds your nerve cells (12).

As you can see, essential amino acids are at the core of many vital processes.

Though amino acids are most recognized for their role in muscle development and repair, the body
depends on them for so much more.

Health Benefits of
Supplementing With Essential
Amino Acids
While essential amino acids can be found in a wide array of
foods, taking concentrated doses in supplemental form has
been linked to several health benefits.
May Help Improve Mood and Sleep

Tryptophan is needed for the production of serotonin, a

chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter in your body.

Serotonin is an essential regulator of mood, sleep and

behaviors.

Can Boost Exercise Performance

The three branched-chain essential amino acids are widely

used to alleviate fatigue, improve athletic performance and
stimulate muscle recovery after exercise.

In a study in 16 resistance-trained athletes, branched-chain

amino acid supplements improved performance and muscle
recovery and decreased muscle soreness, compared to a placebo
(19Trusted Source).

Can Prevent Muscle Loss

Muscle loss is a common side effect of prolonged illnesses and

bed rest, especially in older adults.

Essential amino acids have been found to prevent muscle

breakdown and preserve lean body mass.
May Promote Weight Loss

Some human and animal studies have demonstrated that

branched-chain essential amino acids may be effective in
stimulating fat loss.