How many amino acids does the human body have? Essential amino acids mean that these amino acids must be ingested from food, because the body cannot produce these amino acids on its own. There are 8 essential amino acids, namely lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine and valine.

20 kinds of natural amino acids are the main unit of human protein. Two other amino acids were newly discovered in some proteins, namely selenocysteine ​​and pyrrolysine. They are all naturally occurring amino acids, and 8 of the 20 standard amino acids are essential for the human body.

The 10 non-essential amino acids refer to the amino acids that the human body can make, such as glycine and alanine. Semi-essential amino acids are amino acids that must be taken in some cases. There are only two kinds, arginine and histidine.

What is the use of essential amino acids?

Essential amino acids are commonly used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry and personal care industry.

In the food industry, amino acids are used as nutrient enhancers, raw materials for sweeteners and flavor enhancers.

Lysine, methionine, tryptophan and arginine are commonly used as nutrition enhancers. Lysine, methionine, and tryptophan are essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce. Arginine is an essential amino acid for children's growth and development.
One of the most commonly used sweeteners synthesized from aspartic acid and phenylalanine, aspartame. Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sucrose and suitable for people with diabetes. Aspartame is commonly used in beverages, candy, bread, etc.