Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and unlike the two other basic nutrients – sugar and fatty acids, amino acids contain nitrogen – about 16%.Amino acids are used in most body processes from regulating the way the body works to how the brain functions – They activate and utilize vitamins and other nutrients.Proteins are chains of amino acids linked together, bound together with peptide bonds and there are about 29 amino acids commonly referred to in human health.
The liver manufactures about 80% of these amino acids, but the remaining 20% of such amino acids must be supplied directly by diet, and these amino acids are referred to as the essential amino acids.