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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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Last Revised December 11, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 11, 2009
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