Essential Amino Acids

An essential amino acid is one that cannot be synthesized within the human body from other substances. This means that in order to acquire these amino acids, they must be obtained through an outside source such as a protein powder, whole food source or an essential amino acid supplement.

There are eight essential amino acids:

• Isoleucine (also a branch chain amino acid)
• Leucine (also a branch chain amino acid)
• Valine (also a branch chain amino acid)
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan

A food that contains all of these amino acids is considered a “complete protein”. Failure to obtain even one of the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities can result in the body losing muscle mass. Since the human body does not store amino acids, like it does with starches and fats, they must be consumed every day.