Essential amino acids

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Essential Amino Acids

Essential amino acids (pronunciation: /ɪˈsɛnʃəl ˈæminoʊ ˈæsɪdz/) are a group of amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Etymology

The term "essential" in essential amino acids comes from the fact that these amino acids are necessary for normal bodily function and must be obtained from external sources, as the body cannot produce them. The term "amino acid" is derived from the Greek words "amine" (a compound containing nitrogen) and "acid" (a substance with a pH less than 7).

Types of Essential Amino Acids

There are nine essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Each of these amino acids plays a unique role in the body and is necessary for various physiological processes.

Histidine

Histidine (pronunciation: /ˈhɪstɪdiːn/) is an essential amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is also a precursor to histamine, a vital inflammatory agent in immune responses.

Isoleucine

Isoleucine (pronunciation: /aɪˈsoʊliːn/) is an essential amino acid that is needed for hemoglobin production and regulation of blood sugar and energy levels.

Leucine

Leucine (pronunciation: /ˈluːsiːn/) is an essential amino acid that is important for protein synthesis and metabolic function.

Lysine

Lysine (pronunciation: /ˈlaɪsiːn/) is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in calcium absorption, building muscle protein, and the body's production of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies.

Methionine

Methionine (pronunciation: /mɪˈθaɪnɪn/) is an essential amino acid that is important for growth and tissue repair.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine (pronunciation: /fɪˈnɪlˌæləˌniːn/) is an essential amino acid that is a precursor for the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Threonine

Threonine (pronunciation: /ˈθriːəˌniːn/) is an essential amino acid that supports the immune system by aiding in the production of antibodies.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan (pronunciation: /ˈtrɪptəfæn/) is an essential amino acid that is a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.

Valine

Valine (pronunciation: /ˈvæliːn/) is an essential amino acid that promotes muscle growth and tissue repair.

See Also

External links

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