Amino acids are organic compounds that form when protein interacts with water. The “building block” molecules of amino acids participate in creating new proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Their quantity affects metabolism, muscle growth rate and condition, immunity, and even mood.
A human needs 20 types of these molecules. Some are obtained from protein-rich foods, while others are created by the body itself, but its capabilities depend on lifestyle, health, and age. Amino acid manufacturing in the form of supplements allows for guaranteed replenishment of the daily requirement.
Groups of amino acids
There are three types of amino acids: essential, nonessential and conditionally nonessential.
What are essential amino acids?
The human body cannot produce independent amino acids , they can only be obtained from food. There are only 8 of them: valine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, phenylalanine. They affect tissue growth, absorption of other nutrients, and energy metabolism. Private label amino acid manufacturing focuses on dietary supplements with these amino acids.
Valine stimulates muscle growth and regeneration and acts as a source of energy.
Isoleucine is concentrated in muscle tissue and is involved in the production of hemoglobin and energy regulation.
Leucine is involved in protein synthesis and muscle recovery and is an activator of growth.
The sphere of lysine activity includes calcium absorption, hormone and enzyme production, collagen and elastin synthesis.
Methionine regulates metabolism, especially detoxification, and helps to absorb important antioxidant minerals: zinc and selenium.
Threonine is the main component of collagen and elastin. It improves the quality of our skin and connective tissue and participates in fat breakdown.
Tryptophan promotes the production of serotonin, the “happiness hormone,” which regulates appetite, sleep, and mood.
Phenylalanine is converted into neurotransmitters: tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The speed of transmission of nerve impulses and the signals that the brain transmits to the body, such as excitement, attention, and concentration, depend on them.
Non-essential amino acids
The body can obtain non-essential amino acids from food or synthesize them on its own. There are also 8 of them: alanine, asparagine, aspartate, glycine*, glutamine*, glutamate, proline, and serine.
Alanine provides energy to the brain and nervous system, helps produce antibodies during illness, and participates in carbohydrate and organic acid metabolism.
Asparagine helps balance excitement and inhibition, increase productivity, and improve memory.
Aspartate participates in the synthesis of immunoglobulins, helps extract energy from complex carbohydrates, eliminate toxins, and deliver potassium and magnesium ions inside cells.
Glycine often acts as a donor for the synthesis of other amino acids and elements, for example, collagen and lecithin. It plays a key role in producing hormones responsible for strengthening immunity.
*During pregnancy, women need more glycine to maintain the health of the fetus, so it is worth reviewing the diet or taking the amino acid in supplements.
Glutamine is a source of fuel for leukocytes and intestinal cells. It maintains the integrity of the intestinal lining and prevents the spread of pathogenic bacteria. It promotes glycogen accumulation in muscle tissue, thereby increasing endurance.
*During illness and rehabilitation after trauma, the body needs more glutamine, so taking additional amino acids will be helpful.
Glutamate participates in the exchange of proteins and carbohydrates, synthesis of nucleic acids, and transmission of nerve impulses. It can compensate for a deficiency of histidine and arginine.
Proline is the raw material from which collagen is created, and it forms tendons and heart muscle tissue. Proline strengthens joints and stimulates metabolic processes.
Serine is part of the proteins of the brain and protective coatings of nerve cells. It is critically necessary for proper DNA formation.
Conditionally essential amino acids
These are amino acids that the body synthesizes on its own, but:
- little, so that a person needs to receive the missing portion from the diet or dietary supplements (arginine and histidine).
- requires a sufficient amount of essential amino acids (tyrosine and cysteine).
The reproduction of these 4 amino acids in the body is also affected by age and health.
Arginine promotes tissue rehabilitation after injury, increases muscle mass and reduces fat deposits; stimulates the immune system and the production of hormones: insulin, glucagon, and somatotropin.
Histidine helps the body produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for proper digestion and wake-sleep cycles, and maintains the integrity of the protective barrier of nerve cells.
Tyrosine is the main expendable material for neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline) and thyroid hormones. It initiates fat burning, compensates for the effects of stress and allergens.
Cysteine participates in the neutralization and accumulation of toxins, and stimulates the work of leukocytes.
Why is amino acid deficiency dangerous?
A deficiency of amino acids can lead to serious malfunctions in the nervous, reproductive, immune, and digestive systems. There are many factors that can cause it:
- inadequate nutrition;
- stressful situations;
- infections and toxins;
- inherited biochemical abnormalities.
Symptoms of amino acid deficiency include:
- persistent fatigue;
- susceptibility to viral diseases;
- recurrent and poorly treatable bacterial infections;
- reduced libido;
- digestive disorders and loss of appetite;
- peeling, redness, depigmentation of the skin, brittle hair and nails;
- slow wound healing and long muscle regeneration;
- loss of muscle mass;
- depressive states;
- disruption of hormone production.
Functions of amino acids
Amino acids serve as the “building blocks” necessary for all functional structures in the body. Here are examples of their functions:
Regulation of the central nervous system
For example, tryptophan is necessary for the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter responsible for mood, behavior, and sleep. Taking supplements with tryptophan can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Muscle recovery and improved workout efficiency
Valine, leucine, and isoleucine help reduce fatigue, muscle damage, and soreness after physical exertion, and accelerate muscle fiber regeneration. Studies show that taking these amino acids also reduces the perceived level of exertion, or the subjective feeling of workout intensity.
Tissue growth and repair
Essential and nonessential amino acids form the basis for restoring damaged cells and creating new ones. This is particularly important for healing wounds after surgery and for repairing broken bones. The incidence of complications after medical interventions is also reduced.
Strengthening the immune system
Additional intake of arginine, glutamine, and cysteine has been shown to increase resistance to infections.
Regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism
Tyrosine and tryptophan regulate the amount of glucose in the blood, suppressing feelings of hunger. Arginine widens blood vessels and facilitates the movement of beneficial components, helping tissues to release excess fat more quickly.
Conclusion
Amino acids are essential for the body. A large part of them can be obtained from a balanced diet. Age and health status affect the need for certain types of amino acids and the body’s ability to produce them on its own.
If you do not get enough amino acids from food, you can compensate for the deficiency by taking biologically active supplements. Modern amino acid manufacturing allows for the selection of a complex for different needs.
