All Glossary Terms
Nutrition
Amino Acids
The building blocks of protein, essential for muscle building and many bodily functions.
Amino acids are the molecular units that combine to form proteins. There are 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential (must come from food). Essential amino acids, particularly leucine, trigger muscle protein synthesis. Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids, while incomplete proteins lack one or more.
Examples
- 9 essential amino acids must come from diet
- Leucine triggers muscle protein synthesis
- Complete vs incomplete protein sources
Related Terms
Protein
A macronutrient essential for muscle building, repair, and many bodily functions.
BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
Three essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) important for muscle protein synthesis.
Leucine
An essential amino acid that directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis.
Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS)
The process by which the body builds new muscle proteins.