Amino acids are the basic structural units of proteins. They are commonly classified into six (6) groups based on the chemical or structural properties of their side chains (I will talk about groups of amino acids in another article). In total, there are 20: aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, asparagine, cystine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, tryptophan and valine.
Amino acids are found in many forms of life. They form short polymer chains called peptides or longer chains called either polypeptides or proteins. They constitute the basic elements of peptides, which contain about ten. Each peptide is linked to another by a peptide bond. Each of these combinations giving rise to different protein structures with a specific function.
What is the role of amino acids?
It is from amino acids that the organism builds the various proteins present in all cells and tissues of our body that depend on them for their maintenance and regeneration. Amino acids constitute 20% of the total mass of the body. They play fundamental roles to ensure its proper biological balance such as:
- Energy production
- Transport of oxygen to the cells
- Development of bone, skin and muscle
- Constituents of hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and antibodies
In addition, many researchers found that amino acids improve heart health. Supplementing with an amino acid mixture may improve heart function and lower heart-disease risk in people with diabetes, according to the American Heart Journal... In another recent study led by Elisabet Borsheim from University of Texas Medical Branch: “Supplementing the diet of elderly people with the full set of essential amino acids can boost their lean body mass, strength and physical function, according to a new study.”
There are two types of Amino acids:
Non-essential amino acids - that can be synthesized by the organism from fat or carbohydrates present in the body. Those non-essential acids are aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, asparagine, cystine, glutamine, histidine, proline, serine and tyrosine. Our organism may obtain these amino acids either through food, or by synthesizing itself from other amino acids, lipids (fats), carbohydrates or vitamins.
Essential amino acids - cannot be synthesized by our organism. They must be provided daily by food we eat. In total, they are about eight (8): isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Failure to obtain even 1 of these essential amino acids could prevent the organism to use other elements protein that would have had to be involved, resulting in the degradation of the body's proteins and muscle functioning.
It is through the precise combination of different amino acids that the body produces different proteins essential for cell regeneration and many biological processes. Therefore, it requires that they all be available at the time of the synthesis of these proteins. When certain amino acids necessary for the synthesis of a protein is missing, the protein can not be synthesized and there is no storage place where it would draw those, there is lack of production.
How much amino acid do we need?
To meet the needs of the whole body in amino acids and protein, we need to consume an average of 1 g per kg of weight per day for an adult physically active, but some professions (bodybuilding, boxing) require more amino acids intake.
Source of amino acids
• Vegetables, mainly cereals (wheat, wheat), carbohydrates (pasta, rice, lentils, beans), pulses and soybeans are good source of amino acids.
• Animal, mainly dairy products, meat, fish and seafood and eggs. These animal proteins contain all the essential amino acids with a well-balanced composition, and therefore a better biological value than proteins of vegetable. Vegetable proteins often miss some amino acids.
At vitalfoodstore.com, we offer pure and derived from sources free of animal amino acids supplements. Visit our
amino supplement store today, and save 5%
Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Nutrition Supplements" article category.
People interested in the above article "Amino Acid Supplements - Medical Update You Should Know About" are also interested in the related articles listed below:
Glutathione sounds like a medical term and traditionally, very few people know what it is. However, this term is becoming more and more commonly known. It is a type of antioxidant that offers tremendous health benefits. Glutathione in the body is responsible for getting rid of harmful toxic substances. As we go about our daily activities, the human body is absorbs harmful toxins from food and our surroundings.
Acai is a staple food throughout the Amazon, and that status owes directly to its marvelous flavor. Acai explodes with flavor, and gets better with every mouthful. Acai berry juice contains more antioxidants than red wine! Antioxidants are considered by some to be beneficial to help combat premature aging and prevent other ailments and is often used to detoxify the body. Acai berry has a unique tropical fruit flavor and provides a high level of nutritional benefits. The Acai berry contains high levels of antioxidants also known as anthocyanins.
Of all the benefits of the Acai berry, the antioxidant properties are given the most attention. Perhaps that's because most of the health benefits offered by the Acai berry are related to its antioxidant properties. Being antioxidant means that the berry is capable of getting rid of harmful toxins in the body.
The Acai berry has been heavily promoted by the media in recent times. It has been endorsed by top celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Rachel Ray. The Acai fruit is believed to have many health benefits, and is therefore gaining prominence very quickly. Although many people are still learning about the health benefits of the Acai berry, the fact is, Central and South Americans have long known about these benefits.
Zinc supplements provide a much needed mineral that is needed by each and every cell in your body. The body is unable to produce zinc on it's own, which is why we need to makes sure we eat enough food that contains the mineral, drink enough water, or use the proper supplements that will give our cells the zinc they need.
Even though a lot of people don't actually realize it, a lot of antioxidant foods that we consume are from vegetables. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and peppers are all excellent choices with some great benefits for your body. When consuming vegetables, you should always go for those that are rich in color, as they are high in what is known as phytonutrients.
Although getting the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients from natural food is important, it can be very hard to do. Those who can't get the minerals and such they need from food, turn to vitamins and supplements. With vitamin supplements being a big business, there are many manufacturers to choose from. Each year, there are thousands of supplements out there, with customers spending billions and billions of dollars to get the supplements and vitamins they need.