Protein building blocks: “Essential” information about amino acid sources

Sue Heikkinen, MS, RDN, CDCES, BC-ADM, ACE-PT - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Behind every powerful protein source are building blocks: amino acids. Learn which amino acids are essential, the top amino acid sources, and how to get the proper amounts to optimize your health. What are amino acid sources, and why do they matter for health?Amino acids are the "building blocks" of proteins. They combine to form the proteins that make muscles, skin, enzymes, and hormones. Your body uses 20 different amino acids to produce these proteins, and there are three main types: essential, conditionally essential, and non-essential. You can get amino acids from a variety of food sources. The “essential 9” amino acidsThese amino acids must come from your diet because your body cannot produce them.Amino acidNotesTop food sourcesHistidineHelps make histamine, which contributes to immune function, digestion, sleep, and sexual function. Meat, fish, p...