Question

Why are certain amino acids called essential amino acids?

Answer 1

Essential amino acids refer to the eight amino acids the adult body needs, which they cannot be synthesized correctly or at all.
The essential amino acids must be obtained from food such as proteins (meats, seafood, milk, eggs, etc).

Answer 2

BCAAs are considered essential because, unlike non-essential amino acids, your body cannot make them. Therefore, it is essential to get them from your diet. Bottom Line: The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine and valine. All have a branched molecular structure and are considered essential to the human body.