Methionine: Methionine, cysteine, and cystine are the sulphur containing amino acids of the body. All are glycogenic. Methionine is essential amino acid, whereas the cysteine and cystine are not. Methionine is amino-methyl-thiobutyric acid. This is to be given in diet, or can be substituted with its corresponding keto acids, which cannot be synthesized in the body but on amination gives rise to methionine. The methionine can be synthesized in the micro-organism by methylating the homocysteine.

Three amino acids methionine, arginine, and glycine are directly involved in synthesis of cretine. First arginine and glycine help in formation of glycocyamine in kidney, which then is methylated by active methionine in the liver to complete the synthesis of creatine.

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Proline: It is non-essential amino acid. It is one of the important parts of collagen, which binds and supports the cells. It promotes healing of wounds and effectiveness gets enhanced in combination with vitamin C.

Proline is pyrolidine carboxylic acid. Proline and hydroxyproline are cyclic compounds do not possess free amino group, but react like a amino acid. They are non-essential glycogenic and formed in the body form glutamic acid and ornithine.

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Leucine: It is an essential amino acid and is not synthesized. It is amino-isocaproic acid. This may be synthesized by the micro-organism from ketoisovaleric acid and acetyl CoA. Acetyl CoA is convertible to ketone bodies and thus the leucine is ketogenic amino acid. It gives energy in combination will isoleucine and valine. It regulates protein metabolism.

Sources of Leucine: It is found in plenty in bajra, jowar, wheat, Bengal gram, black gram, field bean, soyabean, drumstick leaves, spinach, colocasia, radish, sweet potato, bitter gourd, cauliflower, almond, gingelly seeds, pistachio, walnut, apple, beef, egg, milk, and cheese. The RDA for children is 42 mg, and for adults is 14 mg per kg. body weight.

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Tryptophan: It is an amino-indolepropionic acid. It is essential and should not be omitted in the diet. It’s not synthesized in the body, but may be synthesized in the micro-organism, E.coli. It is neither ketogenic nor glycogenic. Though this amino acid is very essential for the body, yet it is inefficiently utilized in the body, and a large amount of tryptophan is excreted in urine.

The amino acids being colourless do not absorb visible light and ultraviolet light of a wavelength above 240 mm. The exception being aromatic amino acids which includes histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. The ultraviolent absorption of proteins above 240 mm wavelength is due to their tryptophan content.

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In bodybuilding circles, the term “Amino acids” is often thrown around casually. Most bodybuilders know it has to do with protein. And some know if from that green syrup you can sip after workouts. But what are they, and how are they the building blocks for everything muscle?

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Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.  There are 10 dietary amino acids essential because the body cannot make them.  Another 10 are nonessential because the body can make them; however, some people have difficulty making the nonessential amino acids.  All the dietary amino acids are crucial for health.  There are many amino acid supplements that provide significant health benefits.

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Amino acids are the basic structural units of proteins. They are commonly classified into six (6) groups based on the chemical or structural properties of their side chains (I will talk about groups of amino acids in another article). In total, there are 20: aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, asparagine, cystine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, tryptophan and valine.

Amino acids are found in many forms of life. They form short polymer chains called peptides or longer chains called either polypeptides or proteins. They constitute the basic elements of peptides, which contain about ten. Each peptide is linked to another by a peptide bond. Each of these combinations giving rise to different protein structures with a specific function.

What is the role of amino acids?

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Amino acids are very small biomolecules with an average molecular weight of about 135 daltons. The 20 amino acids that are found within proteins convey a vast array of chemical versatility. Amino acid is a molecule that contains both amine and carboxyl functional groups. Amino acids play central roles both as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism. The 20 amino acids that are found within proteins convey a vast array of chemical versatility. Protein substances make up the muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. Growth, repair and maintenance of all cells are dependent upon them. Amino acid side chains can be polar, non-polar, or practically neutral. Polar side chains tend to be present on the surface of a protein where they can interact with the aqueous environment found in cells. On the other hand, non-polar amino acids tend to reside within the center of the protein where they can interact with similar non-polar neighbors. Most amino acids can exist in either of two optical isomers, called D and L. The L-amino acids represent the vast majority of amino acids found in proteins. A soy protein powder and whey protein powder are good options to provide more protein in the diet for better muscle building.

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what wil happen to people taking amino acids supplements without having regular workouts?