The nine essential amino acids
perform a number of important and varied jobs in your body:
- Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is a
precursor for the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine,
epinephrine and norepinephrine. It plays an integral role in the structure
and function of proteins and enzymes and the production of other amino
acids .
- Valine: Valine is one of three
branched-chain amino acids, meaning it has a chain branching off to one
side of its molecular structure. Valine helps stimulate muscle growth and
regeneration and is involved in energy production .
- Threonine: Threonine is a
principal part of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, which
are important components of the skin and connective tissue. It also plays
a role in fat metabolism and immune function .
- Tryptophan: Though often
associated with causing drowsiness, tryptophan has many other functions.
It’s needed to maintain proper nitrogen balance and is a precursor to
serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates your appetite, sleep and mood
.
- Methionine: Methionine plays an
important role in metabolism and detoxification. It’s also necessary for
tissue growth and the absorption of zinc and selenium, minerals that are
vital to your health
- Leucine: Like valine, leucine
is a branched-chain amino acid that is critical for protein synthesis and
muscle repair. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, stimulates wound
healing and produces growth hormones .
- Isoleucine: The last of the three
branched-chain amino acids, isoleucine is involved in muscle metabolism
and is heavily concentrated in muscle tissue. It’s also important for
immune function, hemoglobin production and energy regulation .
- Lysine: Lysine plays major
roles in protein synthesis, hormone and enzyme production and the
absorption of calcium. It’s also important for energy production, immune
function and the production of collagen and elastin .
- Histidine: Histidine is used to
produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that is vital to immune response,
digestion, sexual function and sleep-wake cycles. It’s critical for
maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective barrier that surrounds your
nerve cells.
As you can see, essential amino acids
are at the core of many vital processes.
Though amino acids are most
recognized for their role in muscle development and repair, the body depends on
them for so much more.
That’s why essential amino acid
deficiencies can negatively impact your entire body including your nervous,
reproductive, immune and digestive systems.
All nine essential amino acids perform varied roles
in your body. They’re involved in important processes such as tissue growth,
energy production, immune function and nutrient absorption.
Comments
Post a Comment