Importance Of Amino Acids

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the balance of bodily functions and cause a variety of serious health problems. Amino acids are the chemical units, also known as "building blocks," that comprise proteins. They are also the end products of protein hydrolysis. Amino acids are unique from sugars and fatty acids because they contain approximately 16 percent nitrogen. Proteins are essential to life because they provide structure to all living organisms. Protein participates in vital chemical processes in various forms. Proteins are necessary for every living cell in the body and make up a significant portion of our body weight, second only to water. Protein substances are found in muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair, and many vital body fluids, and are essential for bone growth. Proteins also catalyze and regulate bodily processes through enzymes and hormones. They help regulate the body's water balance, maintain proper internal pH, and assist in nutrient exchange between intercellular fluids, tissues, blood, and lymph. A protein deficiency can disrupt bodily functions and cause severe health problems. High doses of branched-chain amino acids have been used in hospitals to treat individuals suffering from trauma and infection. There are some individuals who are born with an inability to metabolize these amino acids. This condition, known as branched chain ketoaciduria, can be life-threatening and is often referred to as maple syrup urine disease due to the keto acids released into the urine, causing it to have a maple syrup-like smell. This condition can result in neurological damage and requires a special diet, including a synthetic infant formula that excludes leucine, isoleucine, and valine.

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