The various supplements for Amino Acid and the essential 20 amino acids

Amino Acids are very helpful in our body to cure various kinds of disorders and also to help in various kinds of body functions. The scientific definition of amino acids is that it an organic compound containing an amino group -NH2, along with a carboxyl group also known as -COOH. It is a molecule that contains the functional groups of both amine and carboxyl. These amino acids may be referred to as the building blocks of our lives.

Amino acids are the chemical basis for all protein sources. We need Protein to survive it one of the big components which the bodies of most living things on this planet need to survive. Amino acids help in the formation of these proteins. These proteins help us to build muscles, bones, skin, hair and various kinds of internal fluids and also in some formation of organs.

Amino Acids vital for our body

Amino acids are very active and vital for our nervous system also. These amino acids have molecules which contain amine and carboxyl functional groups. Amino acids function as neurotransmitters. They carry messages from cell to cell in our body. Thus amino acids are fundamental for our survival and healthy being. There are about 20 natural amino acids which are further divided in to 2 groups. These groups are essential and non essential amino acids. We can get these essential amino acids only through nutritional supplements. Hence the intake of a diet which is rich in these essential amino acids is very important. The non essential amino acids are made but the liver and are equally important for the healthy functioning of our body.

The twenty Amino Acids

There are about 20 natural amino acids. These can be divided into two basic groups: essential and nonessential. The essential amino acids are those which your body cannot synthesize. Your body only gets these through your diet. The nonessential amino acids are just as important, but your liver can manufacture them.

The Essential amino acids are

• Isoleucine- This is a hydrophobic amino acid form which helps in protein and enzyme making.
• Leucine- This acid helps in making proteins and enzymes
• Lysine- This acid has a positive charge on the aliphatic side chain.
• Methionine- Helps in protein synthesis
• Phenylalanine- This acid is an aromatic acid used in proteins
• Threonine- This acid has alcohol and is used for porphyrin metabolism.
• Tryptophan- This acid is also an aromatic acid used in proteins
• Valine- It holds proteins together
• Arginine- This acid is most used in active groups of enzymes.
• Histidine- This acid is responsible for histamine biosynthesis

The non essential amino acids are

• Alanine – This is the second simplest amino acid and is most used in proteins.
• Asparagine- This is derived from aspartic acid in an amide form.
• Aspartate- This is very important for intermediation in the citric acid cycle.
• Cysteine- This is involved actively in various protein structure determination.
• Glutamate- This is a negatively charge acid found on the surface of proteins
• Glycine- This is the simplest amino acid form that acts as a neurotransmitter antagonist
• Proline- This acid helps in the synthesis of collagen.
• Serine- This acid is found in the active site of serine proteases.
• Tyrosine- This acid is used to build neurotransmitters and hormones.
• Glutamine- This is the only amino acid that can cross the barrier between blood and brain tissue.

Sources or supplements of amino acids

There are various natural sources of amino acids which are easily available in various food forms. These include meat, milk, cheese, and egg which are complete proteins and also have the essential amino acids. Other sources of amino acids are whole grains, rice, corn, beans, legumes, oatmeal, peas, and peanut butter. For those who are vegetarians there are plenty of non flesh items to choose from to fulfill your amino acids need. These products include dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese, etc. For those who are vegans it is important to these dairy products to gain enough amino acids to make protein.

These amino acids are the essential needs for a normal and healthy functioning living being.