AMINO ACIDS

Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are the building blocks of life.
When proteins are digested or broken down, amino acids are left. The human body uses amino acids to make proteins to help the body:

• Break down food
• Grow
• Repair body tissue
• Perform many other body functions

The 9 essential amino acids are:

• histidine
• isoleucine
•  leucine
• lysine
• methionine
• phenylalanine
• threonine
• tryptophan 
• valine.  

Amino acids can also be used as a source of energy by the body.
Amino acids are classified into three groups:

• Essential amino acids
• Nonessential amino acids
• Conditional amino acids

Source: National Library of Medicine