Amino acids are organic compounds that are composed of an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a side chain (R group) that varies in each amino acid. They are the building blocks of proteins, the essential macromolecules that make up nearly 50% of the human body by weight. There are 20 different amino acids that the human body uses to synthesize proteins.

Amino acids are involved in numerous metabolic processes in the body, including energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune function. They can also be used therapeutically to treat a variety of ailments, including liver disease, neurological disorders, and certain types of cancer.

In the health care industry, amino acids are commonly used as nutritional supplements for patients who are unable to consume adequate amounts of protein through their diet. This is particularly common in patients with malabsorption syndromes, cancer, and certain types of surgery. Amino acids are also used as a source of energy to treat burn victims and patients with other severe injuries.

In addition to their therapeutic uses, amino acids are also used in diagnostic tests to measure various metabolites and hormones in the body. For example, amino acid levels can be used to diagnose certain genetic disorders, such as phenylketonuria and maple syrup urine disease.

Overall, amino acids play a critical role in human health and have a variety of important applications in the health care industry.