Table Of Amino Acids: Functions, Types And Characteristics
Proteins (and amino acids) are one of the most popular macronutrients today largely because foods rich in these molecules are part of many diets designed to lose weight (hypercaloric diets).
But leaving aside their benefits in weight loss and improving body aesthetics, proteins are one of the bases of every vital process, since they are absolutely necessary for our body and their functions are various: they allow cells to defend themselves from external agents, control and regulate functions within our body, repair damage…
The units with which proteins are built are amino acids (AA) and although there are hundreds of amino acids that play an important role in nature, there are only 20 that are part of proteins (protein or canonical amino acids).
However, there are also other AAs, known as non-proteins, that play a determining role for humans and have their own function, for example GABA.
What are non-essential amino acids?
Canonical amino acids are the raw materials of proteins , but these can be classified in two ways: essential and non-essential. The main difference between these types of amino acids is that some of them are synthesized by the human body and the others are not, so it is necessary to obtain them through the diet.
The first are non-essential amino acids, while the second are essential amino acids. Non-essential amino acids are just as important as essential ones. as they participate in building strong muscles, as well as maintaining a healthy and productive brain.
Amino acid table
In the following lines you can find the 20 amino acids (essential and non-essential) that are part of proteins, and we explain what their functions and characteristics are.
The protein amino acids that are not synthesized by the body and, therefore, must be ingested through the diet are the following.
1. Phenylalanine
These amino acids are associated with a feeling of well-being, as they are regulators of endorphins Among its most notable functions are the reduction of excess appetite and the reduction of pain.
Phenylalanine is also involved in the synthesis of the catecholamines adrenaline, dopamine and norepinephrine, which promotes alertness, improves memory and learning, and increases vitality. Supplements containing this amino acid can be used to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s, vitiligo, chronic pain or for the comprehensive treatment of depression.
2. Isoleucine
The deficiency of this amino acid seems to be involved in some mental and physical disorders : depression, behavioral changes, decreased muscle mass, etc. This AA is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and muscle tissue, and stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels. In addition, it helps in the healing of wounds, skin and bones.
3. Leucine
It is one of the 3 branched chain amino acids (BCAA) along with isoleucine and valine , which are involved in protein synthesis. It is a powerful insulin stimulator, it is necessary for wound healing and bone healing. It modulates the release of enkephalins, which are natural analgesics.
4. Lysine
It inhibits the development of viruses within the body and, as a result, is used in the treatment of Herpes , as well as viruses associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Lysine participates in the synthesis of L-carnitine along with vitamin C.
It also helps form collagen, the connective tissue present in bones, ligaments, tendons and joints. It promotes calcium and is therefore essential for children, as it is essential for bone formation. It also participates in the production of hormones and decreases serum triglyceride levels.
5. Threonine
Threonine is necessary for the formation of collagen and helps in the production of antibodies It is also necessary for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and can be converted to glycine. a neurotransmitter of the central nervous system.
One of the amino acids best known to psychologists, since it is involved in the synthesis of serotonin and melanin Therefore, it actively participates in improving mood and helps improve sleep quality.
7. Valine
This amino acid competes with tyrosine and tryptophan when crossing the blood-brain barrier The higher the valine level, the lower the levels of the other two AAs in the brain. Valine is actively absorbed and used directly by the muscle as a source of energy, therefore it is not processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream.
Valine deficiency causes the other amino acids (and proteins) to be absorbed in smaller quantities by the gastrointestinal tract.
8. Arginine
Arginine is essential for normal immune system activity and wound healing It also participates in the release of growth hormone and increases the release of insulin and glucagon. It is a precursor of GABA, reduces the size of tumors and is necessary for spermatogenesis.
9. Histidine
Useful in the treatment of anemia due to its relationship with hemoglobin It is a precursor of histamine and therefore has been used to treat allergies. It helps maintain proper blood pH and has also been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
10. Methionine
Actively participates in the breakdown of fats and reduces blood cholesterol Helps prevent hair, skin and nail disorders. It is an antioxidant and participates in the synthesis of RNA and DNA.
Non-essential amino acids
The essential amino acids, that is, those synthesized by the human body, are the following.
11. Aspartic acid
Aspartic acid increases endurance and physical performance and is good for chronic fatigue It is one of the two main excitatory amino acids, the other being glutamic acid). It helps protect the liver, participates in DNA and RNA metabolism and improves the immune system.
12. Glutamic acid
Another of the excitatory amino acids, along with the previous one, so they share many of the functions Improves physical performance and reduces fatigue. It is essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA and helps protect the body and improves the immune system.
Alanine is important for muscle growth and is a great source of energy for muscle It intervenes in sugar metabolism, increases the immune system through the production of antibodies and is essential for connective tissue.
14. Asparagine
Asparagine is the union of aspartic acid with ATP (adenosine triphosphate) It is involved in the short-term memory process, helps eliminate ammonia from the body, reduces fatigue and participates in DNA synthesis.
15. Cysteine
Cysteine is an antioxidant and protects against radiation , pollution, ultraviolet light and other phenomena that cause the production of free radicals. It acts as a natural “detox”, and is essential for the growth, maintenance and repair of skin and hair. It is a precursor of the amino acid taurine and chondroitin sulfate. The latter is the main component of cartilage.
16. Wisteria
It is part of the structure of hemoglobin, and is one of the two main inhibitory neurotransmitters of the nervous system (the other is GABA). It is also part of cytochromes, which are enzymes involved in energy production. It participates in the production of glucagon, which helps glycogen metabolism.
17. Glutamine
Glutamine is a precursor of two of the most important neurotransmitters in the CNS : glutamate and GABA. It helps maintain normal and constant blood sugar levels and is involved in muscle strength and endurance. Essential for gastrointestinal function.
18. Proline
Essential component of cartilage, and therefore key to the health of joints, tendons and ligaments Helps keep the heart strong. The main precursor of proline is glutamate. One of its most notable functions is that it keeps skin and joints healthy.
19. Serine
Participates in improving the immune system by helping in the production of antibodies and immunoglobulins and participates in the development of the myelin sheath. Serine is necessary for muscle growth and maintenance.
20. Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor of the hormone thyroxine , which is involved in metabolic processes. It is also a precursor of the growth hormone and the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine (adrenaline) and serotonin, which improves mood, sleep, clarity of thought, concentration and memory.
