Which amino acids can be produced by the body and do not need to be consumed in the diet?

• A. nonessential amino acids
• B. essential amino acids
• C. complete protein
• D. glycogen

Answer: (A)

Nonessential amino acids are those the body can synthesize, so they don’t have to come from the diet. The liver and other tissues build these amino acids from existing metabolic intermediates, allowing the body to maintain normal function and protein synthesis even if they’re not consumed directly. In fitness nutrition, the important point is that essential amino acids must come from food because the body cannot make them in sufficient amounts, while nonessential ones will be available as long as overall protein intake supports metabolism. Complete protein and glycogen aren’t about whether the body can make amino acids: complete protein refers to a dietary source supplying all essential amino acids, and glycogen is a stored carbohydrate, not an amino acid.