A Brief Description of Essential Amino Acids and their Uses

In school days, one must have read how amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Conversely, when you eat protein-rich foods, the digestive system breaks them down into simpler versions of the acid. After that, the body uses it to carry out various functions.

A person’s body needs 20 different types of these complex biomolecules to function in the way it should. A healthy person having a healthy body can manufacture 11 of these acids. However, it cannot make the rest 9, which are known as the essential amino acids. One must consume food and supplements or infuse them directly into the bloodstream.

It is worth remembering that all of these disintegrated protein molecules have separate roles to play in the body. Therefore, they have different symptoms when a deficiency occurs.

Essential Amino Acids: What are they?

1.          Lysine

Lysine plays a significant role in the synthesis of protein. Besides that, it also has a role in calcium absorption, regulating hormones and enzymes, building muscle, supporting the body to recover from injury/surgery, boosting immune function, and so on.

2.          Histidine

Histidine helps the body in the creation of a neurotransmitter called histamine. This histamine has a crucial role to play in your body’s immune system, digestion, sexual functioning, sleep cycles, etc. It also helps maintain the myelin sheath, a protective barrier surrounding the nerve cells.

3.          Valine

Valine is one of the three BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). It helps in stimulating muscle growth, maintaining muscle coordination, mental focus, emotional calm, and energy production.

4.          Leucine

Leucine is the second one of the three BCAAs. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and muscle repair. Besides that, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels, quicken wound healing, and produce growth hormones.

5.          Isoleucine

Isoleucine is the third and the last one of the three BCAAs. It has a definite role in muscle metabolism, immunity response, blood sugar regulation, hormone generation, hemoglobin production, and energy synthesis.

6.          Methionine

Methionine, along with a nonessential amino acid called cysteine, has a significant role to play in the overall health and flexibility of skin, nails, and hair. Besides, it helps your body’s metabolism, detoxification processes, and absorption of essential minerals like selenium and zinc.

7.          Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is crucial for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, tyrosine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Besides, it also works in the basic functioning of proteins and enzymes while helping in synthesizing other amino acids.

8.          Threonine

Threonine is a principal part of two structural proteins – collagen and elastin. Threonine plays a substantial role in the body’s fat metabolism, immune function, and wound recovery.

9.          Tryptophan

Tryptophan helps your body have a definite nitrogen balance. Therefore, it has an indirect role in the regulation of mood, sleep cycle, and appetite. Besides, it also has a role in creating the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Final Thoughts

One can help their body have adequate levels of essential amino acids by taking the right diet. However, if your body is incapable of breaking down foods into their molecular forms, you can consider taking supplements or getting IV infusion therapy.

Of these, IV (Intravenous) infusion therapy is the best way to streamline your body’s amino acid requirements by infusing it directly into the bloodstream. Look for companies providing mobile IV therapy options in your locality.