• The distinction between essential and non-essential amino acids is somewhat unclear, as some amino acids can be produced from others.
  • We’ve all heard of amino acids, but what exactly are they, and why are they essential to our diets? Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
  • If the body has the eight essential amino acids in the proper quantities and proportion, then it can manufacture the remaining fourteen non-essential amino acids.
  • Essential amino acids must be consumed through the food you eat. Essential amino acids can be found in a variety of foods, including beef, eggs and dairy.
  • Essential Amino Acids, regardless of when you take them, are going to support muscle protein synthesis and may help prevent muscle protein breakdown.*
  • These conditionally essential amino acids become essential during certain periods or instances such as high levels of stress and illnesses.
  • Essential amino acids can be obtained from animal protein sources such as eggs and meat, as well as from vegetable sources such as soy and quinoa.
  • There are nine essential amino acids that your body can get from a variety of foods, including plant-based sources like nuts.
  • Amino acids are essential for life. They are the building blocks of proteins, which play a role in every cell and tissue in your body.
  • In this article, we examine what the nine essential amino acids are, their functions, how much we require, and the best food sources.