Final answer:
Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet, making them crucial for vegetarians and vegans who avoid animal products. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body. Vegans must consume a variety of plant proteins to ensure they receive all essential amino acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction between essential and non-essential amino acids is significant in relation to vegetarian and vegan diets because vegans must be mindful of their protein sources. Essential amino acids are those that the human body cannot produce on its own and must acquire from dietary sources. These include phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, and histidine. Animal products are rich in these essential amino acids, but most plant proteins lack one or more of them.
In contrast, non-essential amino acids are those which the body can synthesize itself and do not necessarily need to come from the diet. For vegans and strict vegetarians, ensuring an intake of all essential amino acids can be more challenging and usually requires a variety of plant-based foods to be consumed. Foods such as soybeans contain both essential and non-essential amino acids, making them a valuable part of a plant-based diet.