essential amino acid
noun
: any of various amino acids that are required for normal health and growth in many vertebrates, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine compare nonessential amino acid
Examples of essential amino acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Moreover, the nopal is rich in essential amino acids that cut down water weight (2).
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Unlike the other six essential amino acids, which are broken down in the liver, BCAAs are metabolized in the muscle.
—Donavyn Coffey, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024
Only some plant proteins, including soy, are complete, so incorporating essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) helps supports muscle recovery and function, Sheth says.
—April Benshosan, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024
Collagen is a protein made by the body from the essential amino acids proline and glycine with an assist from copper, zinc and vitamin C.
One-third of the body’s protein is collagen.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024
Getting in a variety of protein and fiber sources, fruits and vegetables will help you to get all of those essential amino acids in.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024
Made from split peas, pea protein ($21, Amazon) contains all of the essential amino acids, but is low in one—methionine.
—Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2024
Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids—organic compounds that help build neurotransmitters and hormones.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 9 Nov. 2023
These tablets contain the essential amino acid L-arginine, which is believed to enhance the blood flow in the body and assist in the production of nitric oxide.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Unlike the other six essential amino acids, which are broken down in the liver, BCAAs are metabolized in the muscle.
—Donavyn Coffey, TIME, 1 Apr. 2024
Only some plant proteins, including soy, are complete, so incorporating essential amino acids (EAAs) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) helps supports muscle recovery and function, Sheth says.
—April Benshosan, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024
Collagen is a protein made by the body from the essential amino acids proline and glycine with an assist from copper, zinc and vitamin C.
One-third of the body’s protein is collagen.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024
Getting in a variety of protein and fiber sources, fruits and vegetables will help you to get all of those essential amino acids in.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2024
Made from split peas, pea protein ($21, Amazon) contains all of the essential amino acids, but is low in one—methionine.
—Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2024
Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids—organic compounds that help build neurotransmitters and hormones.
—Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 9 Nov. 2023
These tablets contain the essential amino acid L-arginine, which is believed to enhance the blood flow in the body and assist in the production of nitric oxide.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essential amino acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
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