If you have read anything about amino acids before now, you will have heard of essential, non-essential and conditionally essential amino acids.
Essential amino acids, of which there are nine in total, are an absolute must.
These nine aminos are not made in our bodies, so they need to be found in food or supplements.
Animal products such as meat, eggs and cheese are the best sources of these compounds, so it can be particularly beneficial for vegans to add an amino acid supplement to their routine.
Non-essential amino acids are present in the body, with no need to find an additional food source.
The seven conditionally important amino acids meanwhile are those that are only needed in illness or stress.
Take arginine for example - most people will not require a supplement unless they are very unwell.