Amino acids – what are their functions in the body?

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Amino acids are one of the most important components of the diet. They build proteins and enable the proper course of many processes in the body. How are endogenous amino acids different from exogenous amino acids? What products provide the right sets of amino acids and what leads to their improper supply in the diet?

How are amino acids divided?

One of the key building blocks of the body, as well as the compound necessary for its proper functioning, is protein. Amino acids, on the other hand, are chemical compounds that combine with each other to form proteins. The importance of protein in the diet cannot be forgotten – it is mentioned next to carbohydrates, fats and vitamins. Different types of proteins provide the body with different sets of amino acids, which is noted, for example, in the context of animal (complete) proteins and plant proteins (usually defective).

Amino acids are made of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen, and some of them also include elements such as iron, sulfur, copper, magnesium, calcium, iodine and phosphorus. There are several different ones breakdowns of amino acids. In the context of diet and nutrition, it is important to divide into:

1. endogenous amino acids – amino acids synthesized in the body, the demand of which can be completely covered in this way; endogenous amino acids include: alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, tyrosine and cystine.
2. exogenous amino acids – otherwise essential or essential, these amino acids must be supplied by humans in a ready form from the outside, together with food; this group includes: lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine and methionine, and in infants also histidine.

BCAA – L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine YANGO is a dietary supplement available on Medonet Market. It supports the building of muscle mass and regeneration of the body after exercise.

The role of amino acids in the body

Amino acids are not only the building blocks of proteins, and their role is much wider. Thanks to them, it becomes possible to synthesize certain neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and noradrenaline), hormones (adrenaline, thyroxine, T3), purine and pyrimidine bases or porphyrin. The changes that amino acids can undergo also enable the production of energy (combustion to carbon dioxide and water) and the formation of fats and carbohydrates.

Among others amino acid functions it is possible to mention their influence on the proper functioning of the liver, central nervous system, hematopoietic system or the role in the synthesis of nicotinic acid and eye pigment. They are also important for the proper growth of the body.

To check the level of amino acids in your body without leaving your home, do the Amino Acid and Homocysteine ​​Mailing Test or the Amino Acid and Vitamin D Test.

Read more: Exogenous amino acids – an essential element of the body’s functioning

Sources of amino acids in the diet

For overall health, the content of essential amino acids in the diet is significant. Many of the processes in our bodies require proteins to run. However, if one of the building blocks of the protein, and therefore a specific amino acid, is missing, the effect will be unfavorable. Therefore, it is important to eat foods that contain all the essential essential amino acids on a daily basis. The key are here wholesome proteins, that is, those with high biological value. They are found mainly in eggs, meats (including poultry and fish) and dairy products.

As for vegetable proteins, the most common are these defective proteins. This means that individual plant products have different amino acid content, some of which are too few to meet the body’s needs. For this reason, it is crucial to combine the right foods to even out this balance.

A properly balanced diet, which increases the chance that we will not run out of any amino acid, should include, among others:

1. meat and fish;
2. haha;
3. cheese, milk and other dairy products;
4. cereal products, including bread, groats, rice, cereals;
5. legumes (e.g. beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, peas);
6. sesame;
7. Linseed;
8. peanuts;
9. almonds;
10. bananas.

You can also provide amino acids to your diet by using preparations available on Medonet Market, e.g. Sport Formula – YANGO liquid multivitamin or YANGO Ultra Liquid Multivitamin

Amino acid deficiencies and vegetarian and vegan diets

Although meat and animal products stand out as a very good source of wholesome proteins, and thus provide optimal doses of essential amino acids, adequate amounts of these nutrients can also be provided through vegetarian diets. However, it is necessary to properly consume specific groups of products. For vegetarians, animal products such as eggs and dairy products can help reduce the risk of deficiency. When supplemented with amino acid-rich legumes, it becomes possible to maintain a balance in the supply of all the necessary proteins.

In the case of vegans, the key is to combine legumes (soybeans, beans, chickpeas, etc.) and grain products. In this way, it is possible to balance the supply of such essential amino acids as methionine (the deficiencies of which are particularly noticeable in meatless diets) and lysine. Composing the menu carefully is important in the case of vegans and vegetarians also because plant proteins are less digestible than animal proteins.

Vegans and vegetarians should be careful about both protein and amino acid deficiencies, as well as iron, calcium, vitamin D and B vitamins. If necessary, if this is the recommendation of a doctor or dietitian, additional protein supplementation may also be indicated.

Athletes who need increased amounts of protein and amino acids in their diet can use special protein supplements. A wide selection of sports nutrition can be found at Medonet Market. We recommend, among others BCAA + Glutamine Powder available in several flavors.

See also: Whey protein – weight loss, supplements, action and safety

Protein excesses and deficiencies in the diet

An unbalanced diet can promote protein deficiencies, but also an excess of them. Too low total supply of proteins is unfavorable for pregnant women, as it may affect the formation of malformations of the nervous system, mental development disorders or low birth weight. Deficiencies in some amino acids, e.g. branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) cause fatigue, irritability, headaches and depression.

Significant protein deficiencies they are not common in Poland – they occur as a result of prolonged starvation and malnutrition. If such a condition occurs, it is usually also accompanied by other nutrient deficiencies (type malnutrition marasmus). Extreme malnutrition specifically associated with protein deficiency (kwashiorkor) leads to fatty liver, edema, hair deterioration, problems with albumin synthesis, increased catabolism or developmental arrest in children.

In the event of excess protein in the diet they usually break down to a greater extent and are used as an energy source. Sometimes there are negative effects of too much protein intake, including acidosis, a higher risk of kidney stone formation, and increased urinary calcium excretion (may promote osteoporosis).

Check that you have the right amount of amino acids in your body. Perform a Shipment Profile Test of 26 Amino Acids that you can buy on Medonet Market.

Diseases related to amino acids

The significant role of amino acids in human health is indicated by some diseases caused by metabolic disorders of amino acids or incorrect performance of their building functions as a result of genetic abnormalities.

Examples of diseases that are associated with abnormalities in amino acids or their changes include:

1. phenylketonuria – a hereditary metabolic disease that consists in disturbance of the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine; in patients, the concentration of phenylalanine may increase twenty-fold compared to healthy people, and the effects of this condition (neurological disorders, mental retardation) may be irreversible;
2. maple syrup disease (MUSD) – another hereditary metabolic disease, leads to an increase in the concentration of branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and alpha-keto acids in the blood, and is manifested by the smell of urine resembling the smell of maple syrup, and the arrest of physical and mental development;
3. Sickle cell anemia – caused by a mutation in hemoglobin, which causes valine to appear in the chain that builds this protein instead of glutamic acid; through valine, hemoglobin in patients with sickle cell anemia may form dangerous aggregates clogging blood vessels;
4. Huntington’s chorea, another condition that is linked to the formation of amino acids; the problem is genetic because it appears in the huntingtin protein too many glutamine particles, one of the endogenous amino acids.

Read also:

1. Total protein – when to test?
2. Peptides for healthy and supple skin – benefits and effects
3. What does the athlete’s diet look like?