There are three types of amino acids, all of which play a critical role in the body. However, why is this the case?
We’ve covered the basics of amino acids in other blog posts. However, in this article, we’re going to discuss why these are considered essential nutrients.
We will begin with a little description of each acid, then we will highlight the three types, and finally, we will discuss why we need them and why these are considered essential nutrients. Because without them, we’d definitely be struggling.
What are the three types of amino acids?
As you likely already know, amino acids are a group of twenty organic compounds. Each of these compounds shares various traits – commonly referred to as the building blocks of life and proteins.
Without these acids, regular bodily functions would not be possible. Therefore, they are essential.
The three main types of amino acids are as follows:
- Non-essential
- Essential
- Conditional
Non-essential acids are not naturally produced by the body. Therefore, these must be consumed through a well-balanced diet. Roles of non-essential acids include red blood cell formation and immune system function.
Essential amino acids, on the other hand, are produced naturally by the body. These are responsible for tissue growth, the production of energy, and also immune function.
Finally, there are also conditional acids – these are also produced by the body. However, conditional acids are only required when fighting disease.
Why do we need them?
So, why do we need them? Although it may seem obvious, amino acids are considered essential nutrients as they are responsible for virtually all bodily functions, whether that’s immune system function, energy levels, tissue growth, or fighting off disease.
Depriving your body of essential nutrients can result in various issues. For example, you have an increased risk of suffering from depression, becoming seriously ill, having various digestive issues, and experiencing an array of further health-related problems.
This is why these are essential – because they are crucial.
The bottom line
Amino acids are produced naturally by the body, however, some must be obtained through diet.
If you struggle to obtain non-essential acids naturally, you can also take supplements to ensure optimal health.
To find out more about amino acids, or peptides, chemicals, and other products, we suggest checking out the Advanced ChemTech blog.