Tag: Alpha amino acids

Over 500 amino acids exist in nature, but the 22 alpha-amino acids incorporated into proteins are arguably the most important for life, with 20 being standard in human biology. So, what are alpha amino acids used for, beyond just building muscle? They are vital to virtually every physiological process in the body.

While hundreds of amino acids exist in nature, humans rely on just 20 different L-isomer, alpha-amino acids to synthesize all the proteins in the body. These fundamental building blocks of protein are often sold as dietary supplements, prompting many to question their safety and effectiveness.