Amino acids are building blocks of proteins that play many important roles in the body. Technically, amino acids are organic compounds that contain the amine and carboxyl functional groups along with a side chain which is specific to each amino acid.
Based on the body’s capability to synthesize, amino acids can be categorized into 2 types – essential amino acids and nonessential amino acids. As the name suggests, essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and it has to be acquired through food. On the other hand, nonessential amino acids are called so because they can be synthesized by the body. Read on to explore more differences between the two amino acids.
| Essential amino acids are the amino acids which have to be taken in through diet as they “CAN NOT” be produced by the body | Nonessential amino acids need not be taken in through diet as they can be produced by the body |
| 9 amino acids out of 20 are thought to be essential | 11 of the 20 amino acids are non-essential |
| As the definition implies, essential amino acids have to be acquired through food – such as soy, quinoa, egg, chicken, meat or vegetable protein | Are produced within the body from other amino acids and other components |
| Serves to build and repair muscle tissues. Also, it forms precursor molecules for the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain | Removal of toxins, integral in the synthesis of RBC and WBC, promotes brain function and many more. |
| Highly probably as these amino acids are acquired through food | Probability of deficiency is rare, but can still occur due to starvation or illness. |
Related Links:
- More Difference Between
- Amino Acids – Properties, Functions and Sources
- Proteins – An Overview of its Structure and Functions
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