Amino acids are the chemical are the building blocks that make up protein. Protein could not exist without the proper combination of amino acids. To understand how vital amino acids are, you must understand how essential amino acids are; you have to understand how essential proteins are to life. It is protein that provides the structure for all living things. Each organism from the largest mammals to the smallest microbe is a compound of proteins.

In our body proteins make up the muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and most body fluids. Proteins are essential for the growth of bones. Enzymes, hormones and genes are also comprised of various proteins. Next to water, proteins make the greatest portion of our body weight. Consequently, it is readily apparent that meeting our body's protein requirements is so vital to maintaining good health.

The amino acids that must be obtained from our diet (the liver produces internally about 80% of what we need) are called essential amino acids . These include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, trytophan, and valine.

The process of assembling amino acids to make proteins or breaking down proteins into individual amino acids for the body's use is continuous. When we need more enzyme proteins, the body produces them. When we need more cells the body produces more proteins to build them. If the body is unable to produce the needed amino acids the shortage could lead to any number of disorders.

How could such a deficiency occur? Easier than you might think. An unbalanced diet may provide inadequate levels of amino acids, which may cause physical disorders. In order to avoid such problems, we can make sure we eat a balanced diet, or we can take supplements containing essential amino acids.