tomq.bb TYPICAL AMINO ACID PROFILE is a summary of the amino acids found in a given protein source. Amino acids are the basic building units of proteins, which perform key functions in living organisms. There are 20 protein amino acids, 9 of which are essential for humans, meaning that they must be supplied with food because the body cannot produce them on its own.
A typical amino acid profile for a protein source includes:
Exogenous (essential) amino acids:
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Histidine
Endogenous amino acids (the body can produce them on its own):
- Alanine
- Arginine
- Aspartic acid (asparagine)
- Glutamic acid (glutamine)
- Glycine
- Proline
- Serine
- Tyrosine
- Cysteine
- Asparagine
- Glutamine
The nutritional value of a protein source is often judged by its amino acid profile. The more complete the amino acid profile, the higher the quality of the protein. Proteins of animal origin, such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy, usually have a complete amino acid profile, meaning that they provide all the essential amino acids in the right proportions.
Plant-based proteins, such as legumes, nuts, seeds or cereals, can have an incomplete amino acid profile, as they often contain small amounts or are lacking in any of the essential amino acids. Therefore, for those who consume mainly plant-based protein, it is important to follow a varied diet and combine different protein sources, so a