| Essential amino acids | |||||
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- What are essential amino acids?
- Important essential amino acids facts
- Why essential amino acids are important
What are essential amino acids?
Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body ( at all or not enough to be effective) and must be consumed through the diet.
There are 9 essential amino acids:
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Important essential amino acids facts
- Essential amino acids cannot be synthesised in the body in sufficient levels
- Meat and meat products contain all the amino acids
- Foods that contain all the amino acids are considered to be complete proteins
- All the essential amino acids are required at all meals to enable all the correct protein formation in the body
- Food combining with non-meat foods can also achieve complete proteins
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Why essential amino acids are important
Essential amino acids are important because they cannot be synthesised in the body and need to be taken in the form of food each day. These amino acids are require to synthesise the non-essential amino acids and for other vitally important substances in the body.
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Cynober LA. Metabolic & Therapeutic Aspects of Amino Acids in Clinical Nutrition. 2nd Edition, 2003. CRC Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
- Dieticians Association of Australia
- Nutrient Reference Values (Australia)
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
