Amino Acids and BodyBuilding

What is an amino acid?

An amino acid is the most fundamental molecule required for our body to function. The molecules have a certain structure and play important role in metabolism. Amino acids are building blocks to make protein. These amino acids are linked by bonds which are quite strong. There are 20 amino acids. Some are essential amino acids (8 of them) - meaning that the body cannot make them and needs to get them from food sources. There some amino acids which are non essential and these are synthesized in the body.

When amino acids are eaten in diet, they are either used to make more protein or used as an energy source. The amount of amino acids one requires is different in adults versus children. Individuals who are into sports or body building need more amino acids in the diet


The Essential amino acids include

- Isoleucine
- leucine
- lysine
- methionine
- phenylalanine
- threonine
- tryptophan
- valine

The non essential amino acids include:

- alanine
- arginine
- aspargine
- aspartate
- cysteine
- histidine
- glutamate
- glutamine
- Glycine
- proline
- serine
- tyrosine