Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in the body. This makes protein a critical element of your diet as you must have amino acids to build strength. Muscle in all body systems are derived from the amino acids produced by the breakdown of protein, but while protein primarily makes muscles, it is also the last source of reserve energy.

Amino acids are the bricks making up the more complex protein molecules. When you eat protein, it is broken down into the amino acids that can then work within the body to build muscle, repair tissue and perhaps provide energy as needed.

When protein is stored in the body, it can provide up to 30,000 kj of energy, this is your last resource for fuel when your body is truly in need of energy. This slow-burning energy source is used primarily in the late stages of endurance exercise when stores of glycogen have been depleted. During the course of exercise, the body uses stores of glycogen in the muscles. Remember your body’s primary source of glycogen is produced from carbohydrates eaten before exercising.