Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH

Amino Acid

Amino acids are the chemicals that make up proteins. The human body needs 20 different amino acids to function properly.

Some amino acids are made by the body, while others, called essential amino acids, can be obtained only from foods.

Last Revised: June 29, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Marc S. Micozzi, MD, PhD - Complementary and Alternative Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2013 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.