What are amino acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are often split into essential, conditionally essential and non-essential categories. They are very important for building and repairing healthy muscles and tissues and improving mood and sleep. Amino acids can also help lower blood sugar, improve liver disease and boost athletic performance. 

The building blocks of protein, amino acids are organic compounds made up of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen. There are around 500 different kinds of natural amino acids known to exist and they can be categorised in many ways. The most relevant categories for humans are essential, conditionally essential and non-essential.  

Although the human body needs 20 different amino acids to function properly and healthily, only nine of them are essential. These are lysine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan and threonine. The human body can’t produce these amino acids itself and therefore, they must be obtained through food or supplements.  

Conditionally essential amino acids are often recommended for people of certain ages or medical conditions. One of these is arginine, which is essential when your body is fighting certain aggressive diseases like cancer.  

Amino acids, in the form of protein, are important for various functions within the body. They form the second largest component of human muscles and tissues and are vital for their growth and repair. Amino acids are also responsible for the absorption of nutrients, synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitter transport. So, they’re hard-working and versatile! 

Taking concentrated doses of essential amino acids in the form of supplements has been proven to have multiple health benefits. Tryptophan is responsible for serotonin production, which plays a huge role in regulating mood and sleep. Studies have shown that elevated levels of tryptophan can reduce symptoms of depression and insomnia. 

Essential amino acids are important in preserving lean muscle mass and preventing muscles from breaking down. Research has shown that taking amino acid supplements have improved muscle loss in older adults who spend a lot of time in bed due to long illness. It can also restore muscle mass that has been previously lost and therefore improve older adults’ strength and mobility. 

Amino acids have also been successful at lowering blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes without interfering with their insulin levels. These powerful, multi-functional compounds have even been found to be effective at improving skin conditions and hair health too, as increased protein is very good for collagen production.  

Branched-chain amino acids include leucine, isoleucine and valine. There is evidence that these can lower body fat percentage and contribute to weight loss. Studies have also shown that they may be very effective at improving the health of people with liver cirrhosis and even prevent them from contracting liver cancer. 

Amino acid supplements are especially beneficial to athletes and people who lead very active lifestyles. Amino acids can increase pain tolerance and change the way that the body reacts to fatigue, allowing athletes to work out for longer. They can improve recovery time and the immune system by repairing damaged muscles and tissues. They also have the power to improve blood flow through the body, which is essential for endurance. Amino acids can have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which limits muscle and cell damage inflicted by exercise. Many athletes use branched-chain amino acids to improve their performance by giving their muscles an extra boost of energy.  

Amino acid supplements are considered safe for most people to use but they can interact with some diabetes and thyroid medications.