A nonessential amino acid is a type of amino acid that the human body can produce independently, in adequate amounts, without relying solely on dietary sources. These amino acids are considered nonessential because they do not need to be obtained through food consumption, unlike essential amino acids. Nonessential amino acids play crucial roles in various physiological processes and contribute to overall health and wellness.
There are a total of 20 different amino acids that are required for the synthesis of proteins in the body. While 9 of these are classified as essential amino acids, the remaining 11 are classified as nonessential amino acids. Nonessential amino acids include alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, glycine, proline, tyrosine, cysteine, arginine, and histidine.
These nonessential amino acids are synthesized by the body from essential amino acids, metabolites, or other precursors obtained through diet. Moreover, nonessential amino acids can also be classified as conditionally essential in specific circumstances when the body's ability to produce them becomes limited or compromised, potentially due to certain medical conditions or particular stages of life, such as infancy or illness.
Although not required through dietary intake to meet daily needs, nonessential amino acids still play critical roles in maintaining overall health. They act as building blocks for proteins, assist in metabolic processes, support immune function, and contribute to the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and other essential molecules in the body.
