Proteins are made up of substances called amino acids, which is why they are in turn called the building blocks of protein. Nitrogen combines with amino acids and together they form thousands of proteins. Amino acids are also byproducts from the digestion of proteins. Proteins make up all living things, from microscopic microbes to the largest animals on the planet. Proteins play a part in every important chemical process that is responsible for maintaining life. The body breaks the proteins down into their individual parts, and from these parts, cells build each type of protein that they need.
There are 22 standard amino acids, and they are found in two different varieties. There are nine essential amino acids, meaning that body cannot produce them and the only way to get them is from food or amino acid supplements. The rest of the amino acids are known as non-essential, which means that the body can manufacture them on its own; but they are still beneficial. These can also be obtained from supplements.
People whose diets do not include enough amino acids or whose bodies cannot absorb them well can still get the benefits by taking supplements. The body also requires more amino acids when it is under stress, has been exposed to toxins or is suffering from a disease. Here are some examples of amino acids and their benefits:
If large amounts of amino acids are taken, the body breaks them down and they are excreted. Taking excessive doses of amino acids can become a burden for the body, especially the kidneys.