The Whole View with Stacy Toth, Season 3, Episode 137: All About Amino Acids w/ Dr. Christine Smith

Amino Acids

For like complete proteins, “complete” is the essential amino acids and it just means that it’s in a form where your body has also pieces that it needs to complete the process. And it’s really important for muscle synthesis and repair, hormone and enzyme production, immune function and energy production.  – Dr. Christine Smith

• Proteins play so many roles in the body, because each one of them have so many purposes and have so many different roles
• Essential amino acids are the one the body is not making, non-essential are the ones the body can make on its own
• “Complete” proteins, the essential amino acids, are important to muscle synthesis and repair, hormone & enzyme function, and immune function and energy – they are the builders and maintainers. Non-essential amino acids are more of a sructural function, energy regulation, promote gut health, and generally play a complementary role.

 The Essential 9 (source)

• • Phenylalanine: Your body turns this amino acid into the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. It plays an integral role in the structure and function of proteins and enzymes and the production of other amino acids
  • Valine: This is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) on this list. That means it has a chain branching off from one side of its molecular structure. Valine helps stimulate muscle growth and regeneration and is involved in energy production
  • Threonine: This is a principal part of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are important components of your skin and connective tissue. It also plays a role in fat metabolism and immune function
  • Tryptophan: Often associated with drowsiness, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates your appetite, sleep, and mood
  • Methionine: This amino acid plays an important role in metabolism and detoxification. It’s also necessary for tissue growth and the absorption of zinc and selenium, minerals that are vital to your health
  • Leucine: Like valine, leucine is a BCAA that is critical for protein synthesis and muscle repair. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels, stimulates wound healing, and produces growth hormones
  • Isoleucine: The last of the three BCAAs, isoleucine is involved in muscle metabolism and is heavily concentrated in muscle tissue. It’s also important for immune function, hemoglobin production, and energy regulation
  • Lysine: Plays major roles in protein synthesis, calcium absorption, and the production of hormones and enzymes. It’s also important for energy production, immune function, and collagen and elastin production
  • Histidine: Your body uses this amino acid to produce histamine, a neurotransmitter that is vital to immune response, digestion, sexual function, and sleep-wake cycles. It’s critical for maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective barrier that surrounds your nerve cells