What are amino acids? They are one of those names that many people know, but few can define. Essentially, amino acids are the basic components of proteins, and as such have a vital role to play in a whole host of processes including the manufacture of hormones, antibodies, enzymes, and tissues.

They are generally categorised as either essential, or nonessential. The body needs all of them to operate efficiently, the difference between them is that the essential ones cannot be made by the body, and thus must be obtained from the diet, from sources such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy.