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There are twenty kinds of amino acids that support the body, each having their own functions.
There are as many as one hundred thousand kinds of proteins that constitute the body, and these
comprise only twenty kinds of amino acids in various combinations. These twenty amino acids
are essential to the body. In addition to being the materials for proteins, they are used as an
energy source for the body when needed. In addition each amino acid plays an important and
unique role in the body, as detailed below.
Alanine
Arginine
Glutamine
Lysine
Aspartic acid
Glutamic Acid
Proline
Cysteine
Threonine
Methionine
Histidine
Phenylalanine
Tyrosine
Tryptophan
Asparagine
Glycine
Serine
All of these 3 amino acids are called branched chain amino acids (BCAAs).
They perform the important functions of increasing proteins and serving as an energy source
during exercise.
Alanine
One of the amino acids which most easily used as an energy source.
Used as a material for synthesis of glucose (blood sugar) needed by the body.
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Arginine
An amino acid needed to maintain normal functions of blood vessels and other organs.
Plays an important role in expanding blood vessels to facilitate the blood flow.
Nitric oxide, which is required to expand blood vessels, is made from arginine.
An amino acid that is useful in eliminating excessive ammonia from the body.
Arginine possesses various functions, which the body utilizes when necessary; like when blood
flow is insufficient during exercise; or when ammonia, a fatigue-causing substance, is increased;
or when body resistance is likely to decrease.
Glutamine
An amino acid needed to maintain normal functions of the gastrointestinal tract and muscles.
Glutamine is used as an energy source for the intestine and is an indispensable component to
maintain its normal function. This amino acid is also used to enhance liver function.
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Lysine
Flour lacks lysine the most, especially when compared to the ideal amino acid pattern.
A project by the United Nations University has shown that lysine tends to be deficient in
developing countries where people depend on flour as their protein source.
If amino acids such as lysine are deficient it may lead to growth failure.
Aspartic acid
Aspartic acid is an amino acid which is located most closely to the TCA cycle, the site of
energy production.
The TCA cycle can be likened to the engine of a car. Based on this mechanism, each of our
body cells generates energy.
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Glutamic Acid
an important taste component of Japanese stock soup. It is contained in various natural foods.
Proline
The main component of “collagen” which constitutes the skin and other tissues.
Proline is a most important amino acid as a natural moisturizing factor that brings moisture to
the skin.
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Cysteine
With infants the ability of this cysteine synthesis activity is not sufficient.
Threonine An essential amino acid which is used to form active sites of enzymes.
Methionine
An essential amino acid which is used to produce various substances needed by the body.
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Histidine
Phenylalanine
Tyrosine
Used to produce various useful amines and is sometimes called aromatic amino acid together
with phenylalanine and tryptophan.
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Tryptophan
Asparagine
It is an amino acid which is located close to the TCA cycle (place of energy generation) together
with aspartic acid.
Glycine
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Serine