Amino Acids and Nutrition
What Are Amino Acids in Nutrition?
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the monomeric building blocks of proteins, characterized by an amino group, a carboxylic acid group, and a unique side chain (Rifat Latifi et al., 2003)(Mary B. Grosvenor et al., 2017). While approximately 140 types exist in nature, only 20 are genetically coded to form human proteins (Robert E.C. Wildman et al., 2014). These molecules are distinguished from carbohydrates and fats by the presence of nitrogen, which is essential for the body's growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues (Judith Brown et al., 2016)(Mary B. Grosvenor et al., 2014).
How Are Amino Acids Classified Nutritionally?
Amino acids are categorized as essential or non-essential based on the body's ability to synthesize them. Nine essential amino acids must be obtained through the diet because the body cannot produce them in sufficient quantities (Judith Brown et al., 2016)(Mary B. Grosvenor et al., 2017). In contrast, the 11 non-essential amino acids can be synthesized internally, often through transamination (Lori A. Smolin et al., 2016). Some, like tyrosine, are conditionally essential, becoming necessary only under specific physiological conditions or metabolic abnormalities like phenylketonuria (Mary B. Grosvenor et al., 2017)(Lori A. Smolin et al., 2016).
Your digital library for Amino Acids and Nutrition and Chemistry
Access a world of academic knowledge with tools designed to simplify your study and research.- Unlimited reading from 1.5M+ books
- Browse through 900+ topics and subtopics
- Read anywhere with the Perlego app
Primary Components and Biological Functions
Each amino acid features a central carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, an amino group, an acid group, and a distinct R group that determines its chemical properties (Mary B. Grosvenor et al., 2017)(Robert E.C. Wildman et al., 2014). Linked by peptide bonds, they form complex protein structures—primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary (Rifat Latifi et al., 2003)(Mary B. Grosvenor et al., 2021). Beyond structural roles, amino acids are vital for synthesizing enzymes, hormones like insulin, neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and antibodies necessary for immune defense (Sharma et al., 2021).
Academic Significance of Amino Acid Metabolism
Understanding amino acid profiles is crucial for assessing protein quality and digestibility in nutrition (Leo M.L. Nollet et al., 2004). Because proteins constitute about 50% of a cell's dry mass, their constituent amino acids are fundamental to metabolic activity (BIOTOL et al., 2013)(Leo M.L. Nollet et al., 2004). In solution, amino acids act as amphoteric substances, meaning they can function as both acids and bases, allowing proteins to serve as critical buffers that maintain the body's pH balance (Michael EJ Lean et al., 2006)(Sharma et al., 2021).
