Essential amino acids are those you cannot manufacture. Because you lack the enzymes necessary to create them from other biological molecules, you must supply them from your diet each day. They include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Arginine is conditionally essential; although you can synthesize it, during times of rapid growth you may not be able to make enough to keep up with your needs. Non-essential amino acids, on the other hand, are not absolutely required in the foods you consume. However, your diet must still offer adequate total protein to maintain optimal health.