Amino acids

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About amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for various functions in our body. There are 20 standard naturally occurring amino acids which differ in their chemical structure and functions. These amino acids are often classified as essential- or non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by our body, and must be obtained from dietary sources. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body. This means that our body is able to produce them without needing dietary help. While there are 20 amino acids incorporated in protein, there are more than 900 nonprotein amino acids. These amino acids are not building blocks of protein, and are mainly found in plants, legumes and seeds.

Functions of amino acids

The functions of amino acids are diverse. Each amino acid is unique and has specific properties and functions. Most amino acids are used to synthesize proteins, other biomolecules, or are necessary for the production of energy. However, some amino acids have specific functions which can make them useful as a pre-workout ingredient or other performance or health related supplements.

Who can use amino acids

In recent years, amino acid supplements have become popular due to their wide variety of possible functions. Due to this wide variety of functions, most people can benefit from the consumption of amino acids.

Which amino acid should I use

With a variety of amino acid supplements available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for individual needs. The amino acid supplement you use, should depend on your needs and goals. Due to their wide variety of functions, users should read about specific amino acids in order to understand which supplement suits their need.