Essential Amino Acids

Cannot be synthesized, must be obtained from diet (Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine).

Histidine – Important for growth and the creation of blood cells. It’s involved in maintaining the myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells.

Isoleucine – Involved in muscle metabolism, immune function, hemoglobin production, and energy regulation.

Leucine – Stimulates protein synthesis and muscle repair. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Lysine – Plays a major role in protein synthesis, hormone and enzyme production, and the absorption of calcium. Important for energy production, immune function, and collagen formation.

Methionine – Important for metabolism and detoxification. It also helps with tissue growth and the absorption of zinc and selenium.

Phenylalanine – Precursor for the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.

Threonine – Important for collagen, elastin, and muscle tissue. It helps maintain the balance of proteins in the body.

Tryptophan – Precursor for serotonin and melatonin, which regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.

Valine – Stimulates muscle growth and regeneration and is involved in energy production.

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Can be synthesized by the body (Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Serine, Tyrosine).

Alanine – Plays a key role in glucose-alanine cycle between tissues and the liver.

Arginine – Precursor of nitric oxide, necessary for immune system function and hormone secretion.

Asparagine – Important for proper function of the nervous system.

Aspartic Acid (Aspartate) – Plays a role in the citric acid cycle and urea cycle, crucial for metabolism.

Cysteine – Helps form antioxidants and is important for protein structure.

Glutamic Acid (Glutamate) – Acts as a neurotransmitter and is important for brain function.

Glutamine – Crucial for immune function and intestinal health.

Glycine – Important for the synthesis of proteins, enzymes, and hormones. It is also involved in the production of glutathione, an antioxidant.

Proline – Important for the production of collagen and cartilage and wound healing.

Serine – Plays a role in metabolism and the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines.

Tyrosine – Precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, important for mental health and stress response.

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

Usually non-essential but required during illness/stress (Arginine, Cysteine, Glutamine, Tyrosine).

Arginine – While generally non-essential, it is required in greater amounts during periods of illness or stress.

Cysteine – Important during illness, stress, or in individuals with metabolic disorders.

Glutamine – Becomes essential during catabolic stress such as trauma or infection.

Tyrosine – Can be essential for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder.

Special Case

Selenocysteine, important for specific enzymes.

Selenocysteine – Known as the 21st amino acid, it is incorporated into proteins by specific mechanisms and is important for certain enzymes.

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