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

Recent Examples on the Web

Used to supplement a balanced diet, a shake can help satisfy your daily protein requirement and provide the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle mass or simply recover better. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024

It is considered an essential amino acid because the body cannot produce it, and it must be obtained through diet or supplementation. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 26 Nov. 2024

One 4-ounce (oz) serving of turkey breast provides approximately 27 grams (g) of protein and all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle growth. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Ld, Health, 25 Nov. 2024

Lysine is considered an essential amino acid because the body needs it but can't produce it. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

essential amino acid

noun

: an amino acid that is necessary for proper growth of the animal body and that cannot be made by the body in sufficient amounts but must be obtained from food containing proteins

Medical Definition

essential amino acid

noun

: any of various alpha-amino acids that are required for normal health and growth, are either not manufactured in the body or manufactured in insufficient quantities, are usually supplied by dietary protein, and in humans include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine