Proteins, along with carbohydrates and lipids, are one of the three macronutrients. Proteins are composed of amino acids, which are divided into two nutritional categories: essential and nonessential amino acids. Each amino acid molecule consists of a central carbon, an amine group, an acid group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain. Choose the correct statement about essential, nonessential, and conditionally essential amino acids.
a. Conditionally essential amino acids only need to be consumed every few months.
b. Essential amino acids are found in food but can also be made by the body.
c. Nonessential amino acids can be synthesized in the body, so they do not need to be consumed in the diet.
d. Essential amino acids are not used to make proteins
e. There are 20 essential amino acids.