Without amino acids, there is no life. What sounds banal, however, is profound. Because amino acids are the smallest basis of proteins and are jointly responsible for many processes in the body. Stress, an unbalanced diet and chronic illnesses can lead to a lack of amino acids in the body and cause a weak immune system and fatigue. Certain amino acids can possibly also support muscle building, weight loss, and the structure of skin and hair. What exactly are amino acids and what properties do they have?
Amino acids and proteins
Proteins, also known as proteins, perform important functions for the human body. They are components of almost all organs and, as enzymes, regulate metabolism. In turn, all proteins are composed of vital amino acids. Each individual amino acid combines with other amino acids to form chains.
Depending on how each amino acid is arranged, different proteins with specific functions and properties are formed. However, individual amino acids do not arrange themselves randomly, but are ordered into the row by the appropriate gene. Three arranged pairs of amino acids correspond to a fixed code. This code specifies the construction of the individual amino acid structure in different sizes.
20 proteinogenic amino acids
There are more than 20 known canonical (proteinogenic) amino acids, as well as more than 250 that are called nonproteinogenic. This is because these are not detectable in proteins, but are detectable in the organism. Most of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids can be produced by the body itself. Eight, however, cannot; these are called essential amino acids. They must be supplied to the body through the diet in the form of food.
Essential amino acids include:
- Isoleucine
- Valine
- Methionine
- Leucine
- Tryptophan
- Lysine
- Phenylalin
- Threonine
The body of infants can not initially produce two other amino acids: Arginine as well as histidine. Although amino acids are the smallest building blocks of proteins, they are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Small amino acids with a big effect
Once an amino acid is missing from the body, the function of all proteins is affected. A lack of amino acids can bring negative consequences for the body as well as health in the long run. The most common consequences can be an increased susceptibility to infections, loss of performance, joint problems or even deficits in muscle building.
Many of the health complaints that are counted among the diseases of civilization, such as obesity or diabetes, can also be attributed to a disturbance of the metabolism and thus also to a possible undersupply of amino acids. In order to test whether there is a deficiency symptom, a physician can perform an amino acid analysis, which indicates the existing concentration in the body.
By the way, not only a deficiency of amino acids can potentially harm health, but also an overdose. Inasmuch as amino acids are supplied to the body in too high a concentration for a longer period of time, the liver or also the kidney, for example, can suffer as a result.
