Amino acids are the chemicals that make up proteins. The human body needs 20 different amino acids to function properly.

Some amino acids are made by the body, while others, called essential amino acids, can be obtained only from foods.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerMartin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Last RevisedDecember 11, 2009

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