What are the differences between essential and nonessential amino acids?

Question

Accepted Answer

Essential and nonessential amino acids are building blocks of proteins, which have several critical functions in the body. The two types of amino acids are primarily categorized based on the body’s capability to synthesize them.

Basis of differentiation

Essential amino acids

Nonessential amino acids

Definition

Are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and can only be obtained from the daily diet

Are amino acids that can be synthesized by the human body and need not be taken in through diet

Number of Amino Acids

9 of the 20 amino acids are considered essential

11 of the 20 amino acids are considered non-essential

Sources

Can be obtained through various foods such as egg, quinoa, chicken, soy, meat and vegetable protein

Are produced within the body from other amino acids and a few other components

Function

- Form precursor molecules for the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain
- Helps in building and repairing muscle tissues

- Removal of toxins
-  Promotes brain function
- Integral in synthesis of RBC and WBC in the body

Probability of deficiency

Highly probability of essential amino acid deficiency as they are acquired through food

Generally low probability of nonessential amino acid deficiency, but can still occur due to illness or starvation

Also known as

Indispensable amino acids

Dispensable amino acids

Examples

- Histidine
- Tryptophan
- Lysine
- Phenylalanine 
- Valine

- Asparagine
- Glutamine
- Tyrosine
- Cysteine
- Alanine

Basis of differentiation	Essential amino acids	Nonessential amino acids
Definition	Are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the human body and can only be obtained from the daily diet	Are amino acids that can be synthesized by the human body and need not be taken in through diet
Number of Amino Acids	9 of the 20 amino acids are considered essential	11 of the 20 amino acids are considered non-essential
Sources	Can be obtained through various foods such as egg, quinoa, chicken, soy, meat and vegetable protein	Are produced within the body from other amino acids and a few other components
Function	Form precursor molecules for the formation of neurotransmitters in the brain Helps in building and repairing muscle tissues	Removal of toxins - Promotes brain function Integral in synthesis of RBC and WBC in the body
Probability of deficiency	Highly probability of essential amino acid deficiency as they are acquired through food	Generally low probability of nonessential amino acid deficiency, but can still occur due to illness or starvation
Also known as	Indispensable amino acids	Dispensable amino acids
Examples	Histidine Tryptophan Lysine Phenylalanine Valine	Asparagine Glutamine Tyrosine Cysteine Alanine

Basis of differentiation

Essential amino acids

Nonessential amino acids

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