Nutrition terminology: Amino acids required in the human diet because they are not synthesized endogenously are termed what?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Essential

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Dietary protein quality depends on essential amino acids—those the body cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts. Understanding this term informs meal planning, clinical nutrition, and sports supplementation.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Humans require a set of amino acids from food (e.g., lysine, tryptophan, leucine).
  • Conditionally essential amino acids can become essential during growth or illness.



Concept / Approach:
‘‘Essential’’ refers to dietary indispensability. Complete proteins (e.g., eggs, dairy) supply all essentials; complementary proteins (e.g., grains + legumes) together provide the full set.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the nutritional term for indispensable amino acids → essential.Rule out distractors that lack specific nutritional meaning in this context.Select ‘‘Essential.’’



Verification / Alternative check:
WHO/FAO guidelines list essential amino acids and recommended intakes by age group.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Specialized/Trace/Accessory: not standard categories for amino acids in human nutrition.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ‘‘essential’’ with ‘‘important’’; in nutrition, it has a specific biochemical meaning—dietary requirement.



Final Answer:
Essential

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