Protein
Proteins are composed of a series of linked amino acid building blocks. Each individual protein contains a different amount, sequence and arrangement of amino acids, giving it a unique identity and function within the body. There are 20 amino acids, 8 indispensable amino acids (IAAs), which must be supplied by dietary intake, and 12 dispensable amino acids (DAAs), which the body is capable of synthesising itself. This distinction among amino acids may also be commonly referred to as essential and non-essential.
Indispensable (essential) amino acids (IAAs) |
Dispensable (non-essential) amino acids (DAAs) |
Valine Leucine Isoleucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan
|
Alanine Arginine Asparagine Aspartic acid Cysteine Glutamic acid Glutamine Glycine Histidine (essential for infants, not adults) Proline Serine Tyrosine |
What are good dietary sources?
How much do I need?
What does it do?