Proteins are made of amino acids

Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are about 20 different amino acids that link together in different combinations. Our body uses them to make new proteins, such as muscle and bone, and other compounds such as enzymes and hormones. It can also use them as an energy source.

Some amino acids can be made by your body – there are 11 of these and they’re known as non-essential amino acids. There are 9 amino acids that our body cannot make, and they are known as essential amino acids. We need to include enough of these in our diet so that our body can function.

amino acid

/əˌmiːnoʊ ˈæsɪd/
氨基酸