Condition
Amino acids
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.Published 24 April 20051 min read
Key points
- Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
- They are classified as either "essential" amino acids (which must be consumed in the diet), or "nonessential" amino acids (which can be made by the body from the essential amino acids).
Information
Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. When proteins are digested, amino acids are left. They are classified as either "essential" amino acids (which must be consumed in the diet), or "nonessential" amino acids (which can be made by the body from the essential amino acids).
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
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