What Do Amino Acids
Do For You?

Your body needs amino acids.

They're the “building blocks” of protein. To answer the question what do amino acids do, you first need to know how they relate to proteins.

You see, proteins form a necessary part of every living cell in the body. And cells make up everything.

• muscles

• ligaments

• tendons

• organs

• glands

• nails

• hair

• body fluids

• bones

Proteins regulate all bodily functions. In fact, the genetic “code” in cell DNA contains information on how to make that cell’s proteins.

What Do Amino Acids Do?
Answer: They Make Up Proteins

A specific group of amino acids in a specific chemical arrangement forms each type of protein. Each protein is unique.

The proteins that make up the body don't come directly from food.

The body breaks down dietary protein into its constituent amino acids, which it then uses to build the proteins it requires.

So, to sum up things, without amino acids, cells can't make proteins. And without proteins, the body would deteriorate and die.

List of Amino Acids

Essential Amino Acids

arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine,
lysine, methionine, phenylalanine,
threonine, tryptophan, valine

(arginine and histidine are essential
only for infants, not adults)

Nonessential Amino Acids

alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid,
cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine,
glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine

Essential amino acids enter the body through what you eat. And the body manufactures nonessential ones from those obtained through diet.

A lack of amino acids means a lack of vital proteins. This causes problems ranging from indigestion to depression to stunted growth.

Taking An Amino Acid
Dietary Supplement

Failing to supply the body with adequate amounts of essential amino acids---sooner or later---leads to protein deterioration and compromised health. Unlike with fats, the human body does not store amino acids.

Taking amino acid supplements can help. Supplements will ensure that you maintain healthy levels of amino acids. This will also enable vitamins and minerals to perform their jobs optimally.

Look for a product that contains USP (U.S. Pharmacopoeia) pharmaceutical grade L-crystalline amino acids.

Scientists consider L-forms to be more compatible with human biochemistry; basically, the body absorbs these types more easily.