Amino Acids Information

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AMINO ACIDS: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE

Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together. The word “protein” comes from the Greek protos, meaning “first”, deservedly enough, as it is the basic constituent of all living cells. Protos may also be the root of the name of Proteus, the Greek mythological sea-god who could change form; appropriately, food protein changes form to become human substance after being eaten. The body breaks down dietary protein into amino acids that are then used to build the very specific proteins the body needs.

Protein is the second most abundant substance in our bodies after water. It constitutes three-fourths of the dry weight of most body cells. It is involved in the biochemical structure of genes, blood, tissue, muscle, collagen, skin, hair, and nails, and is a major constituent of all the many hormones, enzymes, nutrient carriers, infection-fighting antibodies, neurotransmitters, and other chemical messengers in the body – just for starters. This continuous cell-building and regeneration necessary for life requires non-stop supplies of protein.

Simple proteins made up of two to three amino acids linked together are called peptides. The word “peptide” comes from the Greek peptos, meaning “cooked”, a reference to digestion. Peptides are often no more than digested proteins. Many short-chain peptides are absorbed directly into the bloodstream after eating. New roles for these very small proteins are being discovered daily. For example, many peptides work as neurotransmitters – chemical substances that send messages to and from the brain and help regulate the body – and as natural pain relieving substances in the brain.

All protein is made up different combinations of amino-acids. Proteins vary from simple to complex depending on the number, variety, and order of amino acids in the structural chains. In one protein molecule, several to hundreds to thousands of amino acids can be linked together by peptide bonds in a variety of forms, including chains, helixes, spheres, and branched structures, that give the proteins their unique functions and characters. Each protein is designed for a specific purpose and cannot be interchanged. The instructions for making all those proteins are encoded in the DNA in the nucleus of every cell.

These essential proteins that make up the human body are not taken directly from our diet. The body first breaks down dietary protein into individual amino acids and then reassembles these amino acids to build the specific proteins it needs. Scientists now know that simple protein as peptides can be absorbed immediately, without digestion, into the bloodstream. However, the majority of proteins are composed of longer, more complex chains of amino acids that the digestive system has to break down into absorbable constituents before they can be absorbed. Twenty-four known amino acids are needed by the body to form more than 50,000 unique proteins it needs.

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What is an amino acid?

Like carbohydrates and fat, “protein” is composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. Yet, protein also contains nitrogen. It is because of this nitrogen that protein is able to repair and build tissue.

While protein is a well-recognised term, the term “amino acid” can be confusing. Amino acids are made up of a weak acid molecule group – a chemical fragment containing carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen – in conjunction with a strong basic amino molecule group – a chemical fragment containing nitrogen. The mild basicity or acidity of amino acids is too minimal to affect acid-base balance in the body, which is preserved by multitudes of protective buffer systems, and is a misnomer.

More accurately, amino acids can be thought of as useful ammoniated vinegars. Glycine, for example, has a more correct chemical name: alpha aminoacetic acid. Since “amino” also means ammonia and acetic acid is vinegar, we can call this amino acid “ammoniated vinegar”. This basic structure found in glycine is common to all amino acids. Smelling salts are usually ammonium carbonate, which can restore sensibility to people who have become faint. When added to salads and other foods, vinegar makes the taste of food more palatable. Similarly, some amino acids can “improve flavour” by stimulating the mind, controlling depression, or invoking sleep.

When acid, or “vinegar”, portions are removed from the amino acids, the basic amines become messengers in the nervous system. When the amine ammonium portions are removed, the remaining “acid” can be used for fuel, detoxification, or in many processes throughout the body.

People often do not realise their need for amino acids, because they are not aware of how busy the human body is. Every second, the bone marrow makes 2.5 million red cells. Every four days, most of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and the blood platelets are replaced. Most of the white cells are replaced in ten days. A person has the equivalent of new skin in twenty-four days and bone collagen in thirty years. All this continuous repair work requires amino acids.

HealthPost have a range of Amino Acid supplements available for secure purchase through our online store. These products are available at discounted prices for mail order worldwide.

View our  Amino Acids range in our online shop.