In addition to the fact that amino acids form proteins that make up the tissues and organs of the human body, some of them perform such functions:
- Perform the role of neurotransmitters or are their predecessors. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit a nerve impulse from one nerve cell to another. Thus, some amino acids are necessary for the normal operation of the brain.
- Amino acids contribute to the fact that vitamins and minerals adequately perform their functions.
- Some amino acids directly supply energy to muscle tissue.
What will happen if the amino acids in the body are not enough?
In the human body, many of the amino acids are synthesized in the liver. However, some of them can not be synthesized in the body, so a person must necessarily receive them with food. Such essential amino acids include:
Amino acids that are synthesized in the liver include:
- aspartic acid
- gamma-aminobutyric acid
- glutamic acid
The process of protein synthesis is constantly going on in the body. In the case when at least one essential amino acid is absent, the formation of proteins is suspended. This can lead to a variety of serious disorders – from digestive disorders to depression and slowing growth.
Many factors lead to this, even if your diet is balanced, and you consume enough protein. Disruption of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, infection, trauma, stress, taking certain medications, the aging process and the imbalance of other nutrients in the body – all this can lead to a deficiency of essential amino acids.
What amino acids should you take?
At present, essential and nonessential amino acids can be obtained in the form of biologically active food additives. This is especially important in various diseases and in the application of reduction diets. Vegetarians need supplements that contain essential amino acids, so that the body gets everything they need for a normal protein synthesis.
When choosing an additive containing amino acids, preference should be given to products containing L-crystalline amino acids. Most amino acids exist in the form of two forms, the chemical structure of one is a mirror image of the other. They are called D- and L-forms, for example D- cysteine and L- cysteine. D means dextra (right in Latin), and L – levo (respectively, left). These terms denote the spatial structure of a given molecule. Proteins of animals and plant organisms are created by L-forms of amino acids (with the exception of phenylalanine, which is represented by D, L-forms). Thus, only L-amino acids are biologically active participants in metabolism.
Free, or unbound, amino acids are the purest form. They do not need digestion and are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. After intake, they are absorbed very quickly and, as a rule, do not cause allergic reactions.