essential amino acid
noun
: any of various amino acids that are required for normal health and growth in many vertebrates, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine compare nonessential amino acid
Examples of essential amino acid in a Sentence
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Complete proteins like whey include all nine essential amino acids that the body needs for protein synthesis, a process necessary for building (or maintaining) muscle mass.
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Jasmine Lynn Seales, SELF, 15 July 2024
And not just that: it’s also considered a vegetarian-friendly complete protein—a protein that contains all nine of the essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own but are integral for metabolism, cognitive function, and immunity.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 12 July 2024
Studies have identified over 75 compounds, including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and seven essential amino acids, in the remaining 4 percent, as well as its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiseptic effects.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
The ingredient list is simply pea protein, which does include a full complement of essential amino acids.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential amino acid 
Jasmine Lynn Seales, SELF, 15 July 2024
And not just that: it’s also considered a vegetarian-friendly complete protein—a protein that contains all nine of the essential amino acids that the body can’t produce on its own but are integral for metabolism, cognitive function, and immunity.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 12 July 2024
Studies have identified over 75 compounds, including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and seven essential amino acids, in the remaining 4 percent, as well as its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antiseptic effects.
—Karla Marie Sanford, Washington Post, 3 July 2024
The ingredient list is simply pea protein, which does include a full complement of essential amino acids.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for essential amino acid
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'essential amino acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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