Essential amino acids (AAE) is one type of nutrition that plays an important role in the growth and development of children. Because the body cannot produce itself, these nutrients must be obtained from food and drink. What are the benefits of AAE and where do these nutrients come from?
Amino acid or amino acids is the simplest form of protein. Amino acids are the result of metabolism or protein breakdown, either from food, drinks, or supplements. There are 20 types of amino acids, 9 of which are essential amino acids and the rest are non-essential amino acids.
Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body. So, to meet the needs of your little one's body for essential amino acids, you need to give him food or drinks that contain these types of amino acids every day.
Benefits of Essential Amino Acids for Children
There are 9 types of essential amino acids, namely isoleucine, lysine, leucine, valine, threonine, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan. The nine types of essential amino acids have many benefits for children's health, including:
1. Supports muscle tissue growth and repair
Adequate intake of essential amino acids can optimize the growth and repair of muscle tissue in children. The types of amino acids that play a role in this are valine, leucine, and isoleucine.
If the muscles are healthy, children will be more agile in their activities. That way, his general health will be better and his growth can be maximized.
Along with other important nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, essential amino acids also play an important role in preventing stunting in children.
2. Supports brain function and intelligence
The brain's ability to think, reason, and solve problems is also known as neurocognition. The function of this brain is very dependent on the performance of various chemicals produced in the brain (neurotransmitters). Through these substances, nerve cells in the brain will work and convey messages from one nerve cell to another.
To produce brain chemicals that play an important role in neurocognition, children's bodies need a variety of nutrients, including essential amino acids. Good nutritional intake is also proven to help improve children's ability to concentrate, remember and understand things, process information and learn.
3. Stimulates growth hormone IGF-1
IGF-1 or insulin-likegrowthfactor 1 is a type of growth hormone that plays an important role in the growth and development of body organs. The lower the amount of IGF-1, the higher the risk of children experiencing growth disorders, malnutrition, and motor development barriers.
In order for children to avoid these conditions, mothers need to have sufficient intake of essential amino acids. Research shows that essential amino acids can help the formation of IGF-1 in the body.
4. Strengthening the immune system
When a child's immune system is weak, he or she is more likely to get sick and get infections. If the child is often sick, his growth and development can also be disrupted. One way that you can do to strengthen your little one's immune system is to have sufficient intake of essential amino acids.
Almost all types of essential amino acids have a role in the production of antibodies which are part of the immune system or the immune system. If the immunity is good, the little one's body will be stronger to fight germs and viruses that cause infection.
5. Increase the absorption of calcium in the body
The essential amino acid lysine is known to help the absorption of calcium in the body. Calcium is needed by a child's body to form strong bones and teeth, improve blood flow, maintain cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy heart.
Lysine is also useful for reducing anxiety, controlling blood sugar levels, and keeping hormones and enzymes in the child's body working properly.
Sources of Essential Amino Acids (AAE)
Essential amino acids can be obtained from foods containing animal protein and vegetable protein. However, animal protein has more complete essential amino acids than vegetable protein.
In addition to essential amino acids, protein sources also contain other nutrients that children need, such as iron, folate, and omega-3.
Food and drink sources of essential amino acids that you can give your little one include:
- Milk and its processed products, such as cheese and yogurt
- Egg
- Fish
- Beef or chicken
- Nuts, such as soybeans
- Tofu and tempeh
- Fruits and vegetables
- Grains, such as sesame seeds and sunflower seeds
In addition to providing a variety of foods above, you can maximize your little one's nutritional intake by giving him growth powder milk which has been equipped with 9 essential amino acids (9AAE). Choose the right growth milk powder so that your little one's essential amino acid needs are met.
You need to remember, 9AAE intake must be complete so that its benefits for child growth and development can be optimal. If there are types of essential amino acids or other nutrients that the intake is lacking, children can experience malnutrition so that their growth and development and health can be disrupted.
If you still have questions regarding essential amino acids or are confused about what types of foods and drinks are good to meet your baby's essential amino acid needs, you can consult a doctor.