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Amino acids
have more diverse functions than any other nutrient group. They
are a factor in nearly every chemical process that affects
physical, mental, and emotional function. When amino acid supply
is inadequate to meet tissue demand, important body functions
suffer, resulting in the appearance of signs and symptoms. These
signals from the body can be wide ranging-from immune system
effects to cardiovascular disease to emotional disorders and more.
Unlike plants that can
produce all 20, humans can only produce 10 of the 20 amino acids.
The 10 amino acids that we can produce are
alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid,
glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and
tyrosine.The others are
considered essential and must be supplied in food.
Essential amino acids are arginne (required
for the young, but not for adults), histidine, isoleucine,
leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan,
and valine. Failure to obtain
enough of even 1 of the 10 essential amino acids, those that we
cannot make, results in degradation of the body's proteins,
including muscle. Unlike fat and starch, the human body does not
store excess amino acids for later use so amino acids must be
consumed every day.
Consuming a
diet rich in protein has the potential to provide amino acids for
use in your body. However amino acid deficiency can affect many
individuals, not just vegetarians as most may think. There are
many factors which affect your body's ability to break down
protein efficiently and provide tissues with these much needed
amino acid nutrients. Some of these factors include poor digestive
function, improper use of medications such as antacids or acid
blockers, increased stress responses, poor eating habits, and
aging. As a result, adequate protein intake does not always ensure
an optimal amino acid supply within your body.
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