Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a vital role in metabolism, tissue repair, and maintaining muscle mass — especially on the keto diet, where protein helps preserve lean body mass in the absence of carbohydrates. Essential amino acids, such as leucine, isoleucine, and valine (BCAAs), support energy metabolism and physical endurance. A proper balance of amino acids promotes better recovery, appetite regulation, and overall health on a ketogenic lifestyle.
Amino acids
Alanine. Participates in glucose metabolism and energy exchange. A deficiency results in reduced energy and muscle weakness. Used during exertion, diabetes, and for muscle support.
Arginine. Participates in the synthesis of nitric oxide, improves circulation and immunity. In case of deficiency — weakness, decreased libido, slow wound healing. Used for erectile dysfunction, vascular diseases, and to stimulate immunity.
Asparagine. Supports nitrogen balance and CNS function. Deficiency - irritability, weakness, metabolic disturbances. Used during mental exertion, stress, and physical exhaustion.
Aspartic acid. Participates in DNA synthesis, energy production, and urea formation. Deficiency leads to fatigue and decreased mental activity. Used to enhance endurance and during mental strain.
Cysteine. Contains sulfur, participates in the synthesis of glutathione, collagen, and detoxification. A deficiency leads to brittle hair, weakened immunity, and poor skin. Prescribed for intoxications, skin problems, and for hair and nail growth.
Glutamic acid. Exciting neurotransmitter, involved in memory and learning. Deficiency leads to decreased cognitive function and fatigue. Used for fatigue and neurological disorders.
Glutamine. Nutrition for immune and intestinal cells, accelerates recovery. In case of deficiency - weak immunity, gastrointestinal problems. Prescribed after injuries, in case of ulcers, and in the syndrome of increased intestinal permeability.
Glycine. Brake neurotransmitter, improves sleep, calms, protects the liver. In case of deficiency - irritability, insomnia, memory impairment. Used in cases of stress, sleep disorders, and intoxications.
Histidine. Involved in the synthesis of histamine, tissue healing, and growth. Deficiency leads to anemia, weakness, and skin issues. Used in cases of anemia, allergies, and peptic ulcers.
Isoleucine. BCAA amino acid regulates sugar and restores muscles. Deficiency - dizziness, weakness, low endurance. Used during workouts, diabetes, and after injuries.
L-theanine. Promotes relaxation without drowsiness. Deficiency - anxiety, poor concentration, irritability. Used to reduce stress, improve concentration, and sleep.
Leucine. The main BCAA amino acid activates muscle growth. In case of deficiency - loss of muscle mass, weakness. It is used for muscle gain, recovery, and anti-aging.
Lysine. Important for growth, immunity, and calcium absorption. Deficiency leads to herpes, weakness, and slow recovery. Used for herpes, stress, and to accelerate tissue regeneration.
Methionine. Sulfur-containing amino acid, involved in detoxification and protein synthesis. Deficiency leads to fatty liver, brittle hair, and poor skin. Used in fatty liver disease, poisoning, and skin disorders.
Phenylalanine. Precursor of tyrosine and dopamine, involved in mood regulation. In case of deficiency — apathy, fatigue, concentration disorders. Used for depression and chronic fatigue.
Proline. Key component of collagen, important for skin, joints, and blood vessels. Deficiency leads to weakness of connective tissue and slow healing. It is prescribed to improve the condition of the skin, joints, and in cases of osteoarthritis.
Pyrrolysine. A rare amino acid found in bacteria, involved in methane metabolism. It is not used for therapeutic purposes.
Selenocysteine. It is part of antioxidant enzymes, important for the thyroid gland and cell protection. In case of deficiency - increased fatigue, weakness, thyroid function disorders. Used in selenium deficiency, for immune support and antioxidant protection.
Serin. Participates in the synthesis of DNA, phospholipids, important for the immune and nervous systems. Deficiency leads to decreased cognitive function and weakened immunity. Used to improve memory and in neurological disorders.
Threonine. Necessary for the synthesis of collagen and immunoglobulins. Deficiency results in weak immunity and digestive disorders. Prescribed for digestive issues and weakened immunity.
Tryptophan. Precursor of serotonin and melatonin, regulates sleep and mood. Deficiency leads to depression, insomnia, overeating. Used for sleep disorders, depression, anxiety.
Tyrosine. Precursor of dopamine, norepinephrine, and thyroxine, improves focus and mood. Deficiency leads to fatigue, depression, and decreased concentration. Taken during stress, depression, and reduced thyroid function.
Valin. Amino acid BCAA nourishes muscles and improves recovery. In case of deficiency - fatigue, muscle weakness. It is prescribed during physical exertion for muscle growth.