Description
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. The human body can manufacture most of the amino acids required for making body proteins. However, there are nine amino acids that the body cannot manufacture. These are termed “essential” amino acids. The essential amino acids required from our dietary intake are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
Health Benefits
Amino acids provide considerable health benefits because of their widespread functions throughout the body. In addition to being used as building blocks for proteins, derivatives of amino acids such as melatonin, serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) also serve roles as neurotransmitters. Amino acids and their derivatives are involved in structural and metabolic processes, such as the conversion of arginine into nitric oxide to regulate vascular function and blood pressure.
Available Forms
- Free-form amino acids: These are unbound amino acids available in various supplements.
Dosage
- Dosage varies depending on the specific amino acid being used.