Amino Acids

Amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 amino acids that link together in thousands of ways to form thousand of unique proteins, each with specific functions and roles in the body. When you consume protein-rich foods, the digestive juices in your stomach and intestine break down the protein into amino acids, which are then used to preserve muscles, bones, and organs, and perform other vital functions.

Nonessential vs Essential Amino Acids

Eleven amino acids are nonessential; they’re made inside the body in a large enough quantity to meet the body’s needs. Nine amino acids are essential because the body can’t make enough to meet its needs.

If you have a rare genetic disorder such as Phenylketonuria (PKU), certain metabolic problems, or experience a trauma or critical illness, your body might not be able to make any or enough of the nonessential amino acids it can normally create.

Animal and plant sources of protein vary in their amino acid content. Animal sources of protein are considered complete proteins because they contain all the essential amino acids. On the other hand, most plant sources of protein are considered incomplete proteins because they lack one or more essential amino acids; soybeans are the exception and contain all the essential amino acids. Different plant proteins with different amino acid profiles can be consumed over the course of the day (and not necessarily at each meal as was once believed) to provide the body with more complete, high-quality proteins that can then perform their many vital functions.

People who are vegans rely on plant foods and consume no animal foods, so they need to consume a variety of plant foods such as soybean products (such as tofu or soy milk), often each day, to get enough essential amino acids.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited disorder caused by a lack or deficiency of the enzyme that converts phenylalanine (an essential amino acid) to tyrosine (a nonessential amino acid).

Bolster Your Amino Acids

Amino acids, simply put, are organic compounds that make up proteins and are essential to human metabolism. Though they don’t receive nearly as much mention in nutrition discussions as vitamins and minerals, amino acids are just as necessary to our health. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important amino acids in terms of boosting your metabolism – and protecting your brain:

Arginine: This amino acid is partially converted into a chemical known as spermine, which is believed to help the brain process memory. Low levels of spermine often signal age-related memory loss. Arginine has also shown importance in immune function.

Choline: The brain uses this amino acid to manufacture a memory-related neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Older people are encouraged to take choline supplements (no more than 3.5 grams per day) because we tend to produce less acetylcholine as we age, putting us at greater risk of memory impairment. Choline is also important for the transport and metabolism of cholesterol. Dietary sources of choline include cabbage, cauliflower, eggs, peanuts, and lecithin.

Glutamine: This amino acid is a precursor of a calming neurotransmitter known as GABA. It helps improve clarity of thought and boosts alertness by assisting in the manufacture of glutamic acid, a compound known for its ability to eliminate metabolic wastes in the brain. Glutamine is also a necessary fuel for intestinal cells.

Methionine: Like glutamine, this amino acid helps cleanse the brain of damaging metabolic wastes. It is an effective antioxidant and helps reduce brain levels of dangerous heavy metals such as mercury.