Amino Acids Are Essential Protein Building Blocks

4. Concept of Functional Amino Acids

A 2010 article in Advances in Nutrition noted that amino acids classified as nonessential are integral to gene expression regulation, antioxidative responses, cell signaling, and immunity. The authors also report that these compounds are important for digestive tract and neurological function. Researchers have been calling for a new "ideal protein" concept that recognizes the dietary need for all 20 required amino acids.