What are essential amino acids?

Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot synthesize on its own and therefore must be obtained through diet. Unlike non-essential amino acids, which the body can produce from other compounds, essential amino acids are critical for various bodily functions, including protein synthesis, immune function, and hormone production.

These amino acids play important roles in building proteins, which are vital for the growth and repair of tissues, as well as supporting metabolic processes. Examples of essential amino acids include leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tryptophan. Since the body lacks the ability to produce these amino acids, it is essential to consume them regularly through protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, and certain plant sources like quinoa and soy.

In contrast, other options do not accurately capture the definition of essential amino acids. For instance, amino acids produced by the body refer to non-essential amino acids that can be synthesized as needed. Those obtained solely from food is partially correct but does not emphasize the crucial aspect of the body's inability to synthesize them. Amino acids that contain nitrogen describes a characteristic of all amino acids, both essential and non-essential, and does