Amino Acids are the subunits of proteins. Proteins are macromolecules that are detrimental to our health and well-being. According to the NIH, proteins serve as “structural support, biochemical catalysts, hormones, enzymes, building blocks, and initiators of cellular death.” Essentially, they enable our bodies and other living organisms to function and carry about the various chemical reactions that allow us to survive. Essential amino acids are amino acids that our body cannot produce by itself. Nine out of the twenty amino acids are essential amino acids. They include the following:
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine
Histidine rich proteins include a wide range of molecules from glycoproteins to haemoproteins. Histidine supplements have proven to be effective for organ preservation and myocardial protection in cardiac surgery.
Isoleucine has shown to be important in the growth, protein and fatty acid metabolism, immunity, and glucose transportation in the body. It has particularly been associated with increasing the body’s immunity, some studies showing that Isoleucine can ward off certain pathogens in humans and animals alike, increasing the expression of β-defensins, a specific host-defense protein.
Leucine has shown to be essential in processes that generate ATP, as well as other cellular processes including metabolism and tissue regeneration. Leucine supplements have been used to treat conditions such as muscle lesions, obesity (regulation of food intake), diabetes mellitus, aging, and protein/energy deprivation.
Lysine is important for growth, converting fatty acids into energy, lowering cholesterol, helping the body absorb calcium, and forming collagen. Due to its ability to increase calcium absorption, many patients who have osteoporosis may be given lysine supplements to prevent calcium intake from being excreted.
Methionine is arguably the most important amino acid as it is the starting amino acid for every protein. In addition, research has shown that methionine can regulate metabolic processes, support the immune system, increase digestive functions in mammals, help in lipid metabolism, and decrease DNA damage which prevents individuals from developing cancer.
Phenylalanine is used to make norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are molecules that help the brain to communicate with the rest of the body by helping signals travel between the brain and nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are also essential for one to maintain an alert/awake state, improve memory, and reduce hunger. Norepinephrine in particular has certain antidepressant properties. Thus, some individuals may take Phenylalanine supplements to treat depression. Furthermore, phenylalanine also stimulates the production of melanin which gives the skin color. Thus phenylalanine may also improve depigmented skin in conditions such as vitiligo.
Threonine is known for its importance in collagen, tooth enamel, and elastin production. In addition, Threonine can help control fat build-up in the liver, prevent indigestion, maintain intestinal functions, increase nutrient absorbability, and fight mental illnesses.
Tryptophan is necessary for infants to grow and the production and maintenance of the body’s proteins, muscles, and neurotransmitters. In addition, Tryptophan is known for its presences in melatonin and serotonin, which are molecules that help regulate the body’s sleep cycle and regulate appetite, mood, pain, and sleep respectively.
Valine is the final essential amino acid, and is known to be involved in tissue repair and muscle growth. In addition, valine is also known as the precursor for the penicillin biosynthetic pathway.
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