Essential amino acids
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
- Medical encyclopedia article on Essential amino acids
- Wikipedia's article - Essential amino acids
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