Essential amino acids, function structure and composition.
Amino acids are the constituent elemental units of molecules called proteins. They are thus,
and in a very elementary simile, the "bricks" with which the organism permanently
reconstitutes its specific proteins consumed by the single action of living.
Proteins that are the most abundant nitrogen compounds of the organism, at the same time as
the very foundation of life. In fact, due to the large variety of proteins existing and as a result of
their structure, proteins fulfil extremely diverse functions, participating in all biological
processes and constituting fundamental structures in living beings. In this way, they act by
accelerating chemical reactions that otherwise could not be produced in the time necessary for
life (enzymes), transporting substances (like the hemoglobin of the blood, which carries oxygen
to the tissues), fulfilling functions Structural (such as hair keratin), serving as a reserve (egg
albumin), etc.
The foods we eat provide us with proteins. But such proteins are not normally absorbed in such
a constitution but, after their splitting ("hydrolysis" or rupture), caused by the digestion
process, they cross the intestinal wall in the form of amino acids and short chains of peptides,
according to what is It's called "hepatic whole circulation."
These substances are initially incorporated into the bloodstream and, from there, they are
distributed to the tissues that need them to form proteins, consumed during the life cycle.
It is known that of the 20 known protein amino acids, 8 are indispensable (or essential) for
human life and 2 are "semi-indispensable". It is these 10 amino acids that need to be
incorporated into the organism in their daily diet and, more rightly, at times when the organism
needs them most: in dysfunction or disease. The most problematic essential amino acids are
tryptophan, lysine, and methionine. It is typical of its lack in populations in which cereals or
tubers constitute the basis of the feeding. Essential amino acid deficits affect children more
than adults.
It should be noted that if one of them is missing (essential amino acid) it will not be possible to
synthesize any of the proteins in which this amino acid is required. This may result in different
types of malnutrition, depending on the limiting amino acid.
Lsita of amino acids (essential and essential NNW) and function of each of them:
- L-alanine: function: It intervenes in the metabolism of glucose. Glucose is a simple
carbohydrate that the organism uses as a source of energy.
- L-arginine: function: It is involved in the conservation of nitrogen and carbon dioxide
equilibrium. It also has a great importance in the production of growth hormone,
directly involved in the growth of tissues and muscles and in the maintenance and
repair of the immune system.
- L-asparagine: function: It intervenes specifically in the metabolic processes of the
Central nervous system (CNS).
- L-Aspartic acid: function: It is very important for the detoxification of the liver and its
correct functioning. L-aspartic acid is combined with other amino acids forming
molecules to absorb toxins from the bloodstream.
- L-Citrulline: function: Specifically intervenes in the elimination of ammonia.
, - L-cystine: function: It also intervenes in detoxification, in combination with the
previous amino acids. L-cystine is very important in the synthesis of insulin and also in
the reactions of certain molecules to insulin.
- L-cysteine: function: Together with L-cystine, L-cysteine is involved in detoxification,
mainly as a free radical antagonist. It also contributes to maintaining the health of the
hair due to its high sulphur content.
- L-glutamine: function: Brain nutrient and intervenes specifically in the use of glucose
by the brain.
- L-Glutáminico acid: function: It has great importance in the functioning of the Central
nervous system and acts as a stimulant of the immune system.
- L-glycine: function: In combination with many other amino acids, it is a component of
numerous tissues of the organism.
- L-histidine: function: In combination with growth hormone (HGH) and some associated
amino acids, they contribute to the growth and repair of tissues with a role specifically
related to the cardio-vascular system.
- L-serine: function: Together with some mentioned amino acids, it intervenes in the
detoxification of the organism, muscular growth, and metabolism of fats and fatty
acids.
- L-taurine: function: Stimulates growth hormone (HGH) in association with other amino
acids, is involved in regulating blood pressure, strengthens the cardiac muscle and
invigorates the nervous system.
- L-tyrosine: function: It is a direct neurotransmitter and can be very effective in the
treatment of depression, in combination with other necessary amino acids.
- L-ornithine: function: It is specific for growth hormone (HGH) in association with other
aforementioned amino acids. When combined with L-arginine and carnitine (which is
synthesized in the organism, L-ornithine has an important function in the metabolism
of excess body fat.
- L-proline: function: It is also involved in the production of collagen and has great
importance in the repair and maintenance of muscle and bones.
- The eight (8) Essentials
- L-isoleucine: function: Along with L-leucine and growth hormone involved in the
formation and repair of muscle tissue.
- L-leucine: function: Along with L-isoleucine and Growth hormone (HGH) intervenes
with the formation and repair of muscle tissue.
- L-lysine: function: It is one of the most important amino acids because, in association
with several more amino acids, it intervenes in various functions, including growth,
tissue repair, antibody to the immune system and hormone synthesis.
- L-methionine: function: It collaborates in the synthesis of proteins and constitutes the
principal limiting in the proteins of the diet. The limiting amino acid determines the
percentage of food that will be used at the cellular level.
- L-phenylalanine: function: It intervenes in the production of collagen, mainly in the
structure of the skin and connective tissue, and also in the formation of various
neurohormones.
- L-Tryptophan: function: It is inducted into growth and hormonal production, especially
in the function of adrenal secretion glands. It also intervenes in the synthesis of
serotonin, neurohormone involved in relaxation and sleep.