Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They build the cells, repair tissues, are responsible for the production of enzymes, and play a key role in mental health. The breakdown of proteins into amino acid is the first amino acid function. From here the amino acids combine with nitrogen where they can then be transformed into thousands of different protein forms that the body can use. According to herbsinn.com some amino acid basics you should know; there are 20 amino acids that the body uses to construct proteins. These are broken down into essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids. Proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats are the essential nutrients that make up your body. They are responsible for growth and daily function. When water and fats are eliminated, proteins make up 75% of the body solids that are left. They are essential components of muscle tissue, organs, enzymes, blood, antibodies, and neurotransmitters in the brain. Proteins are made from amino acids, which are referred to as the building blocks of life, and they regulate every biochemical reaction in the body. There are singular (L-form)amino acids, di-peptides (2 attached amino acids that may have special functions) and polypeptides, which may be a few amino acids bound together, or 500 amino acids in a chain. Amino acids are classified as essential or non-essential, and there are 26, which make up more than 40,000 proteins in the body. The L-form (or Levorotatory) amino acids, are the ones that are utilized for protein synthesis. The D, or dextrorotatory, forms are the mirror images of the L-form amino acids. Some D-forms may be converted into the L-forms, others may have different functions, such as D-phenylalanine, which enables increased endorphin production for chronic pain control. Other D-forms, however, may actually interfere in the metabolism of the L-forms, and are not recommended for supplementation. Every cell in the body is comprised of proteins made from amino acids, and they are subject to deterioration and need replacement. The Building Blocks of Protein Essential Amino Acids There are nine essential (L-form) amino acids that your body requires and must be obtained from food (or supplementation), since the body cannot manufacture them from other amino acids. These are Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionin, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine. Non Essential Amino Acids Non-essential amino acids are just as important, but are categorized as non-essential since they can be made within the body from other amino acids. This biochemical conversion is called transamination. Generally Pyridoxal 5'Phosphate (active B6) is required for this conversion, and other vitamins and minerals may be also necessary depending on the amino acid. References: Styler, L, Biochemistry (3rd ed.) WH Freeman, 1998 Tyson, Don, Amino Acids, Metabolism and Analysis, Interpretation Guide, 1999 Balch, J.MD, Balch, P., CNC, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 1997 Author: Herbs Inn Source: http://www.herbsinn.com
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