Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids give protein their distinctive characteristics and functions.
Proteins provide the basic structural components of our muscles, brain, nervous system, blood, skin, and hair. Protein is also essential for acid-base and fluid balance in the body and helps transport oxygen, fats, and important vitamins and minerals.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Proteins, in turn, are necessary for many of the structures and functions in our bodies