Amino Acids: Sources, Types, Functions And Much More

by Paul M. Tyson [MD]
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In this article, I have shared everything about the Amino Acids that could help you through the course of your diet routine.

Along with this, I have also added the sources as well as the types of Amino that you may consider in your consumption pattern.

However, if you are also planning to consider Amino Acids in your overall diet, then you might wish to continue reading this article All About Amino Acids through the end.

All About Amino Acids

Contents

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino Acids are complex molecules that combine and produce proteins. Therefore, they are often termed as the building block of a protein.

Amino acids have a role in many chemical and biological functions in the human body. They are also essential for human development and growth.

There are almost 350 amino acids that are found in nature. Amino acids are arranged in long chains in proteins. Thousands of proteins exist in your body, each with a specific function.

Amino acid sequences are unique to each protein. The sequence causes the protein to take on various activities and forms in the body.

Having said all that, there are several amino acid benefits that one needs to know. That is why amino acids could be considered one of the essential substances that need to be consumed by us.

General Characteristics Of Amino Acids

  • Their boiling and melting points are extremely high.
  • Amino acids are white crystalline solids.
  • Few amino acids are bitter, pleasant, or tasteless in taste.
  • The majority of amino acids are water-soluble and insoluble in organic solvents.

Sources Of Amino Acids

Amino acids are essential for a lot of chemical and biological tasks in our bodies. These include tissue repair and construction, enzyme activity and production, molecule transportation, food digestion, etc. 

Only a few amino acids may be synthesized by our bodies. The rest, known as essential amino acids, must be obtained from protein-rich foods in our regular diet.

Plant-based foods that are high in amino acids include peanuts, legumes, lentils, chia seeds, dry fruits, carrots, cucumber, oats, peas, cabbage, almonds, and green leafy vegetables, broccoli, beans, beets, pumpkin, onions, soybeans, whole grain, etc.

Poultry, beef, pork, eggs, seafood, and dairy products are examples of animal-based amino acid foods.

Types Of Amino Acids

Amino acids are divided into three categories:

Essential Amino Acids

Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained from food.

Your body will lack vital amino acids if you do not eat meals that contain them. Essential amino acids include the following:

  • Histidine

    This amino acid is used by your body to make histamine. It is a neurotransmitter that is important for sleep-wake cycles, digestion, immunological function, and sexual function.

    It’s necessary for the myelin sheath, a protective barrier that covers your nerve cells, to remain intact.

  • Isoleucine

    Isoleucine, the final BCAA, plays a role in muscle metabolism. It is found in high concentrations in muscle tissue.

    Energy management, immune function, and hemoglobin synthesis are aided by it.

  • Leucine

    Leucine is an essential BCAA for muscle repair and protein synthesis. It also aids in the production of growth hormones, blood sugar regulation, and wound healing.

  • Lysine

    Hormone-enzyme production, protein synthesis, and calcium absorption are dependent on lysine.

    It also plays a role in the collagen-elastin formation, energy production, and immunological function.

  • Methionine

    This amino acid helps in detoxification and metabolism. It is also required for the absorption of selenium and zinc, and tissue growth. These are essential elements for your health.

  • Phenylalanine

    Epinephrine, norepinephrine, tyrosine, and dopamine are neurotransmitters made by your body.

    Phenylalanine is important for the function and structure of enzymes and proteins. It also aids in the creation of different amino acids.

  • Threonine

    This is a major component of structural proteins like elastin and collagen, which are vital components of your connective tissue and skin. It also helps with immunity and fat metabolism.

  • Tryptophan

    Tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls your mood, appetite, and sleep. It is often connected with tiredness.

  • Valine

    There are three branched-chain amino acids. That is, one side of its molecular structure has a chain branching off.

    Valine is involved in energy production. It also helps to increase muscle regeneration and growth.

People do not have to consume essential amino acids in their every meal. They could acquire them by consuming meals that contain these essential amino acids throughout the day.

These amino acids could be found in animal-origin foods, such as milk, meat, eggs, and fish. There has long been debate over whether vegetarian diets could contain sufficient levels of critical amino acids.

Essential amino acids might also be found in plant-origin meals, such as beans, soy, grains, and nuts.

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Non-essential amino acids are those that your body produces on its own and have nothing to do with the food you eat.

Nonessential amino acids include the following:

  • Alanine

    Alanine helps the liver operate properly. Alanine is necessary for the body to produce glucose. Alanine aids in the breakdown of alcohol.

  • Asparagine

    Asparagus contains an amino acid that was identified. Aspartate and asparagine are near the energy-producing tricarboxylic acid cycle.

  • Aspartate acid

    Aspartate is one of the most energy-efficient amino acids. The TCA cycle functions by producing energy in every cell of our body.

    Aspartate is one of the amino acids closest to the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which creates energy in the body.

  • Glutamic acid

    Glutamate is an important source of amino acids in the human body. Glutamate is present in kombu stock. It is utilized in Japanese cookery.

    Umami is made up of glutamate, which might be found in cheese, kombu, and tomatoes.

Conditional Amino Acids

Conditional amino acids are not necessary for a normal life. They are crucial when you are worried, not well, or injured.

Conditional amino acids include the following:

  • Arginine

    The amino acid arginine helps to open up veins and improve blood flow. Arginine produces nitric oxide, which helps veins open up.

    Arginine is an amino acid that helps the body eliminate excess ammonia. Arginine boosts your immunity.

  • Cysteine

     

    Cysteine inhibits the production of dark melanin pigmentation. Cysteine is abundant in the body and head hair.

    Instead of black melanin, cysteine enhances the production of yellow melanin.

  • Glutamine

     

    One of the most abundant amino acids in the body is glutamine. The intestines and stomach are protected by glutamine.

    Glutamine is used to fuel the digestive system. To protect the liver, glutamine encourages the metabolism of alcohol.

  • Tyrosine

     

    Tyrosine is a building block for a lot of important amines. Tyrosine, like tryptophan, and phenylalanine, is classified as an aromatic amino acid.

  • Glycine

     

    The body produces this non-essential amino acid. Glycine is abundant in the human body.

    It helps regulate body activities including sensory and movement perception by acting as a transmitter in the central nervous system. Collagen is made up of one-third glycine.

  • Proline

     

    Proline is an amino acid found in collagen. It is a protein that forms up skin tissue. Proline is an essential amino acid for the natural moisturizing factor, which keeps skin hydrated.

  • Serine

     

    Glyceric acid and phospholipids are made from this amino acid.

When you are injured or not well, your body might not be able to manufacture enough necessary amino acids.

Therefore, you will need to supplement your food with artificial supplements to get what you need.

Functions Of Amino Acids

Functions Of Essential Amino Acids

  • Phenylalanine aids in the maintenance of memory enhancement and a healthy neurological system.
  • Valine is a crucial component in increasing muscle growth.
  • Threonine aids in the proper functioning of the immune system.
  • Serotonin hormones and vitamin B3 are produced by tryptophan. This serotonin hormone is important for mood enhancement, hunger control, and sleep regulation.
  • Isoleucine is necessary for transferring oxygen from the lungs to different regions of the body, stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin and synthesizers hemoglobin.
  • Methionine is used to prevent dangerous microorganisms from invading the body, keep skin healthy, and cure kidney stones.
  • Leucine aids in hormone production and protein synthesis.
  • Lysine is required for the synthesis of enzymes, antibodies, and hormones. It also aids in the fixation and creation of calcium in bones.

Functions of Non-Essential Amino Acids

  • Alanine aids in the creation of different amino acids, and the elimination of toxins.
  • Cysteine is an antioxidant that gives our bodies resistance. It is also necessary for collagen production. It has an impact on the skin’s suppleness and texture.
  • Glutamine promotes healthy brain function. It is also required for the synthesis of RNA and DNA nucleic acids.
  • Glycine aids in the healing of wounds, and the normal function of cells. It has the function of a neurotransmitter.
  • Glutamic acid is a neurotransmitter. It has an important role in the function and development of the brain.
  • Arginine aids in the production of hormones and proteins. It also aids in immune system function, kidney detoxification, and wound healing.
  • Tyrosine is required for the formation of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. It is also required in the synthesis of melanin and neurotransmitters, and natural colors found in our skin, eyes, and hair.
  • Serine is important for immune system protein synthesis and muscle growth.

Can Amino Acids Cause Damage?

The following problems could occur when your body contains a lot of amino acids:

  • Bloating and different symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
  • Abdominal discomfort.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Gout risk is higher (buildup of uric acid in the body, leading to joint inflammation).
  • Unhealthy blood pressure declines.
  • Alterations in eating habits.
  • To maintain equilibrium, your kidneys must work harder.

However, the majority of diets include adequate levels of amino acids.

Conclusion

Have a diet that includes beneficial amino acids. Figs, grapes, apples, bananas, oranges, papaya, berries, melons, pineapple, and pomegranates are examples of wonderful food containing amino acids.

These could help you through in enhancing your overall lifestyle. Further, it may also play a major role in keeping you stay fit.

Apart from this, you could also experience the enhancement in your body function through the course of Amino Acids consumption in your diet routine.