Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

Free Gifts With Every Order

Get additional 12% OFF Use Code: PAY12

Super-Fast Delivery

EAAs vs. Non-Essential Amino Acids: What Sets Them Apart? - Genetic Nutrition

EAAs vs. Non-Essential Amino Acids: What Sets Them Apart?

, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 7 min reading time

Proteins consist of acids called amino acids, and it is a known fact that almost all activities of a living organism entail amino acids in one form or another. They are needed to initiate the formation of new tissues and replace worn or damaged tissues in our body. They also make other significant molecules like neurotransmitters and hormones, among other compounds. However, not all amino acids have the same status, meaning that the importance of each amino acid is different. They are categorized into two main groups: Being vital to the body as a source of energy, proteins required by the body in amino acids are synthesized. At the same time, other types not required by the body are also synthesized. The knowledge of the differences between those two types of products is crucial to obtaining the necessary results concerning the state of your health, shape, and overall well-being.

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen therefore, they have a side group of a variable nature. Together they create proteins, which are required for various bodily functions. The human body requires at least twenty different amino acids for the proper functioning of the body.

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)

Definition and Importance

Essential amino acids (EAAs) cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through the diet. They are critical for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and nutrient absorption. The nine essential amino acids are:

  1. Histidine
  2. Isoleucine
  3. Leucine
  4. Lysine
  5. Methionine
  6. Phenylalanine
  7. Threonine
  8. Tryptophan
  9. Valine

Each amino acid plays a unique role in maintaining health and supporting bodily functions.

Functions of EAAs

  • Histidine: Vital for the wound healing and synthesis of tissues and histamine that play a vital role in immune reactions, digestion, and regulation of wake-sleep cycles.
  • Isoleucine: Take part in muscle metabolism and is more abundant in muscles than in any other body tissue. It also impacts the body’s ability to defend against infection, take in oxygen, create blood cells, and maintain metabolism.
  • Leucine: Promotes the development of proteins and muscles and blood sugar control.
  • Lysine: It has crucial functionalities in producing proteins, hormones, enzymes, and calcium. It also has benefits that have a bearing on the body's immune system.
  • Methionine: Essential for use in cells in metabolism and the body’s detoxifying process. It assists in tissue formation and assimilation of Zinc and selenium.
  • Phenylalanine: It acts as a precursor for tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, an important neurotransmitter.
  • Threonine: Vital for synthesis of collagen and elastin, both of which are components of skin and connective tissues.
  • Tryptophan: Indispensable for making serotonin that controls moods, sleep, and craving for food.
  • Valine: Aindamental for bodybuilders as it is a vital component in muscle tissue building, tissue healing, and energy.

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Definition and Importance

The human body can synthesize Non-essential amino acids, even if they are not obtained from the diet. However, this does not diminish their importance. They support many physiological functions and contribute to overall health. The non-essential amino acids include:

  1. Alanine
  2. Asparagine
  3. Aspartic Acid
  4. Cysteine
  5. Glutamic Acid
  6. Glutamine
  7. Glycine
  8. Proline
  9. Serine
  10. Tyrosine

Functions of Non-Essential Amino Acids

  • Alanine: Plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and energy production.
  • Asparagine: Important for the synthesis of glycoproteins and other proteins.
  • Aspartic Acid: Involved in the citric acid cycle and helps synthesize other amino acids.
  • Cysteine: Contributes to protein synthesis, detoxification, and various metabolic processes. It's also a precursor to glutathione, a potent antioxidant.
  • Glutamic Acid: Functions as a neurotransmitter and is involved in the metabolism of sugars and fats.
  • Glutamine: Supports immune function, intestinal health, and muscle protein synthesis.
  • Glycine: Important for synthesizing collagen, which is vital for skin, ligaments, and tendons.
  • Proline: Plays a role in the production of collagen and wound healing.
  • Serine: Involved in synthesizing purines and pyrimidines necessary for DNA and RNA production.
  • Tyrosine: Precursor to neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Differences Between EAAs and Non-Essential Amino Acids

  • Source and Synthesis
  • EAAs: These can only be acquired through foods because the body cannot produce them. B vitamins are located in foods that are regarded as protein-rich foods, including meat, fish, dairy products, and beans.

    Non-Essential Amino Acids: These can be created in the body from other amino acids and metabolic intermediates.

  • Distribution in Feeding and Supplementation
  • EAAs: These are frequently compared to commercially available dietary supplements, especially for athletes and bodybuilders, because of the necessary protein synthesis in muscle and muscle repair.

    Non-Essential Amino Acids: These are usually not as highlighted in supplements as the human body can synthesize them. However, some situations can raise the demand for certain non-essential AAs more than others.

  • Effectiveness on Health and Performance
  • EAAs: Essential in the build-up of lean muscles, healing of tissues, and metabolism. This is because EAA deficiency results in muscle wasting, weak immune status, and various other complications.

    Non-Essential Amino Acids: Participate in the performance of numerous body functions, including the immune system, metabolism, and even signal transmission. They are essential in the human body, but since the human body can naturally synthesize them, the chances of experiencing a deficiency are lower.

    Supplementation: When and Why?

    EAA Supplements

    • For Athletes and Bodybuilders: EAAs are often supplemented to enhance muscle protein synthesis, reduce muscle breakdown, and improve recovery times.
    • For Older Adults: Supplementation can help counteract age-related muscle loss and improve physical function.
    • For Vegans and Vegetarians: May benefit from EAA supplements if their diet lacks sufficient complete protein sources.

    Non-Essential Amino Acid Supplements

    • Glutamine is often supplemented to support immune function and intestinal health, especially during intense training or stress periods.
    • Glycine: Used for its potential benefits in improving sleep quality and cognitive function.
    • Proline and Cysteine: Sometimes supplemented to support joint health and skin elasticity.

    Conclusion

    To assist such a population in the healthiest ways possible, one must know the specifics of the WAA and the NAA. Certain amino acids can be produced by the body, while others are as significant for various body activities. They are known as conditionally essential or non-essential amino acids. Therefore, if taken moderately, both kinds of sugars enhance muscle mass and facilitate the metabolism processes in the body. Therefore, practical recommendations regarding the alteration of rates of amino acid consumption, in general, and EAAs, in particular, can be very useful for those who look to increase them.

    Therefore, it can be noted that it is possible to consume numerous foods that are not rich in proteins, but that can provide different quantities of all the obligatory and non-obligatory amino acids, thus contributing to the numerous processes that occur in the human body, including muscle building, immune system support, and synthesizing key neurotransmitters and various other activities. There were also words as if saying that if the amino acids are lined up in ascending from the most crucial to the least significant, then numerous giant leaps can be made towards a healthier, balanced life.

    For all your protein and supplement needs, visit Genetic Nutrition!

    Blog posts

    Back to top