What are the benefits of amino acids

Amino acids are the basic units that make up proteins and have various benefits for the human body, such as promoting growth and development, enhancing immunity, repairing tissue damage, regulating metabolic function, and maintaining neurological health.

1. Promoting growth and development

Amino acids are the raw materials for protein synthesis, especially crucial for skeletal and muscle development in children and adolescents. Essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan cannot be synthesized on their own and need to be ingested through food. Lack of them may lead to growth retardation. High quality protein foods such as dairy products, eggs, and lean meat can provide a complete amino acid profile.

2. Enhance immunity

Amino acids such as glutamine can maintain intestinal barrier function and promote immune cell proliferation. Antibodies are essentially immunoglobulins, and their synthesis relies on multiple amino acids. Long term insufficient protein intake can lead to a decrease in lymphocytes and an increased risk of infection.

3. Repair tissue damage

Arginine and proline participate in collagen synthesis, accelerating wound healing; Branched chain amino acids can reduce muscle breakdown after exercise. Postoperative or trauma patients need to increase protein intake, but those with renal insufficiency need to control the total amount.

4. Regulating metabolic function

Phenylalanine is involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, and tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. In diabetes patients, it should be noted that excess leucine may affect insulin sensitivity, and citrulline may help improve vascular endothelial function.

5. Maintaining neural health

Gamma aminobutyric acid has a sedative effect, while tyrosine affects dopamine synthesis. Alzheimer's disease patients have abnormal levels of glutamate in their brains, but direct supplementation of amino acids requires guidance from a doctor.

Amino acids can be obtained through a balanced diet in daily life, and consuming legumes, fish, nuts, and other foods in combination can improve utilization efficiency. Special populations such as athletes and pregnant women can increase their intake of high-quality protein appropriately, but patients with chronic kidney disease need to limit their total protein intake. When symptoms related to abnormal amino acid metabolism occur, such as developmental disorders and unhealed wounds, timely medical examination should be sought. Avoid prolonged high-temperature treatment during cooking to reduce amino acid loss.