What Are Amino Acids And What Are They For?
Amino acids are part of the structure of proteins. They are important, since they exercise vital functions without which life would not be possible. Some of them are the formation of tissues and the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters.
Although the recommended amounts and food sources refer to proteins, in reality the essential and necessary component is amino acids. These are the ones that end up playing a biological function in the body. For this, We review below what they are and what role they play in health.
What are amino acids?
Amino acids are chemical complexes made up of an amino group and another carboxyl. They are the fundamental components of proteins, which are made up of more or less long chains of these small pieces. In nature you can find about 170, although there are 20 that humans need.
All of these 20 amino acids are just as important and necessary. In fact, it is essential that each of them be available, otherwise the metabolic functions are limited. In general, some distinctions can be made between them:
- Essential amino acids: cannot be produced by the body and must be provided by food. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
- Non-essential amino acids: this term refers to all those amino acids that the body can build by itself if they are not present in the diet. Nonessential amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.
- Conditional amino acids: these are some that are not essential for healthy people. Instead, they become so under some specific conditions. This happens in illness or in stressful situations. Conditional amino acids include arginine, cysteine, glutamine, ornithine, tyrosine, glycine, proline, and serine.
What functions do amino acids have in the body?
Amino acids are at the base of every metabolic process that takes place in the body. From this derives its vital importance for humans. Some of his most important performances are summarized below.
Formation of body structures
One of the main roles that amino acids play is to be part of proteins and polypeptides. From them, the body makes molecules and components. That is why they are essential in the growth and development processes.
Among all, the formation of tissues such as collagen, elastin or keratin, which constitute the main components of skin, bones, tendons and hair, stands out. Here the amino acids that contain sulfur in their composition, such as methionine and cysteine, play an important role.
Creation of nitrogen molecules
Some tissues in the body use amino acids to make other nitrogen compounds. These are not protein molecules, but they are also necessary to perform many functions. For example, porphyrins found in hemoglobin or some components of DNA and RNA.
Maintaining good operation and health
Amino acids are essential for good general health, as they participate to a great extent in the following processes: hormone production, nervous system function, and formation of cellular structures.
Activation of defenses
The results of recent studies indicate the importance of amino acids in the optimal functioning of the immune system. On the one hand, they regulate the activation of some defense cells, such as T and B lymphocytes, natural killers and macrophages. They also participate in the formation of antibodies, which have a fundamental role in the fight against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
Power source
This is not one of the main activities of amino acids, since it is a way of obtaining it with some drawbacks. Therefore, the body’s preferred substrates for this purpose are carbohydrates and fats. But under certain conditions, such as a long fast or very low-carbohydrate diets, they can end up breaking down for energy.
Problems derived from an amino acid deficiency
On some occasions, the amino acid contributions are not adequate. Certain amounts are necessary to perform the basic functions that have been described. This deficiency contributes to the appearance of specific symptoms. As the specialists explain, the most important signs are the following:
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Fatigue and weakness
- Healing problems.
- Stunted growth.
One of the most serious and immediate consequences of low levels of amino acids in the blood is growth arrest. This effect is especially important during early childhood and during pregnancy. It is documented that a lack of protein in the diet of the pregnant mother leads to a lower weight and height of babies at birth.
There are two cases of serious amino acid deficiency diseases: kwashiorkor and marasmus. These usually appear in children who have poor diets, with little protein of high biological value and rich in carbohydrates. It should be noted that it is a general chronic malnutrition linked to famine.
Although the presence of amino acids is basic for the body, they need to be in balance. Some recent research indicates that an excess of them or some of their derivatives may be related to the appearance of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke or heart attacks.
Amino acids are basic molecules for life
Amino acids perform some main functions, such as gene expression or the formation of proteins, hormones, cells of the immune system and other molecules. The 20 that are needed for such purposes are provided by a sufficient and varied diet, rich in foods such as fish, meat, nuts, legumes or those derived from soybeans.
