Flashcard 11 - Basic Care and Comfort Flashcard Set for the NCLEX-RN Exam

An essential amino acid is one that is not made by the body and must be consumed in food. By contrast, a non-essential amino acid can be produced by the body, so it does not have to be consumed as part of the diet.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for proper physiologic function. There are nine essential amino acids. Complete proteins, such as poultry, meats, fish, and eggs contain all nine essential amino acids (in addition to others). Incomplete proteins such as vegetables do not have all nine.