Bodybuilding Muscle Builders!   Given the amount of protein that bodybuilders eat, it’s surprising how little some of them know about this potent muscle builder. Protein doesn’t exist as a large molecule, but is made up of smaller subunits called polypeptide chains. Polypeptide chains in turn are made up of even smaller units called amino acids. Structurally amino acids contain both a carboxyl (acid) group (COOH) and an amino group (NH2). The general molecular formula for a typical amino acid is as follows.     There are approximately 20 to 22 amino acids that make up protein chains and they all have unique chemical characteristics. The exact amino acid content, and the sequence of the amino acids in the chain determines what the protein will be used for.   The Essentials The human body can manufacture approximately 10 of the 20-22 amino acids; the others must be supplied in your diet. Failure to obtain even one of the  essential amino acids, can lead to degradation of the body's protein-based tissues including organs, muscles, and enzymes. And unlike fats and carbohydrates, the human body does not store excess amino acids for later use. They must be consumed in the food every day.   The amino acids that can be synthesized by the body (called nonessential amino acids) are alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. The essential amino acids are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.   Complete and noncomplete Nutritionists also classify protein sources based on their amino acid make-up. Animal sources contain all the amino acids and are termed complete. Most plant sources are deficient in one or more of the amino acids and are called incomplete. This is why vegetarians must consume a wide range of plant sources to insure they obtain all the amino acids in their diet. From a bodybuilding perspective animal products are superior muscle builders.    © Bob Howard 19, 05, 2006