Amino acids are a central part of your health because they are the building blocks that make up protein, which an essential characteristic of your body’s health. Amino acids also perform important functions in the metabolic process, assist in the production of key hormones and enzymes that activate bodily functions, act as precursors to neurotransmitters – the chemicals that convey messages in the brain – and are cofactors to vitamins and minerals, making perform effectively after being absorbed by the body. If the body is equipped with an insufficient supply of any of the essential amino acids there is risk of serious health concerns, such as indigestion, depression, and stunted growth, among others.

Amino acids are important in the manufacturing of proteins, which in turn play a fundamental role in the bio-chemical processes that sustains life. Protein is an essential component of every living cell in your body, and forms your muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, are key to the health of your bone structure, and as components of antibodies they are the basis of your immune system.

Amino acids are separated into two categories: Non-essential amino acids are products by your liver, and these account for around 80% of all the necessary amino acids. Essential amino acids are not manufactured by the body, but need to be ingested as part of your diet. These are Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Typtophan, and Valine.

Deficiency in essential amino acids can result due to several reasons, with vegetarians and especially vegans being in particular danger. The hectic and potentially unhealthy lifestyles we live can have serious affects for our amino acid levels, through impaired absorption, infection, trauma, stress, drug use, age, and nutrient imbalances. Insufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals in your diet can harmfully impact the absorption of amino acids.