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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Adding an essential amino acid that boosts serotonin: Peanut butter contains tryptophan, an amino acid in the body that can convert into serotonin and then melatonin, both of which are hormones associated with sleep.
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Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025
However, both are high-quality, complete proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, hormone production, and other critical processes.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 July 2025
Beef is a high-quality source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids the body can't make on its own.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 July 2025
When used as a supplement in moderation, protein powders are like an insurance policy that ensures your body has enough of all its essential amino acids, the building blocks of life.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential amino acid
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Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2025
However, both are high-quality, complete proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, hormone production, and other critical processes.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 July 2025
Beef is a high-quality source of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids the body can't make on its own.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 15 July 2025
When used as a supplement in moderation, protein powders are like an insurance policy that ensures your body has enough of all its essential amino acids, the building blocks of life.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for essential amino acid
Cite this Entry
“Essential amino acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20amino%20acid. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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