Isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine are considered essential amino acids for humans. They belong to the group of proteinogenic amino acids, which are involved in the body's own protein biosynthesis. Our body cannot produce these amino acids by itself and we therefore need a sufficient daily intake. Histidine can be classified either as an essential or semi-essential amino acid, causing the number of essential amino acids to vary between 8 and 9.
Amino acids are used to build body structures contain protein, such as muscles. Individual protein requirements depend on physical activity, age and growth phases.
According to the EFSA:
- an increase in muscle mass
- the maintenance of muscle mass
- the maintenance of normal bones