NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Essential amino acids must be:

1. Manufactured by the body

2. Consumed through diet

3. Minimized in dietary intake

4. Stored for later use

The correct answer is: Consumed through diet

Essential amino acids are those that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from dietary sources. There are nine essential amino acids that play crucial roles in various bodily functions, including tissue repair, hormone production, and enzyme function. Because the body is unable to produce these amino acids on its own, it is vital to include them in one’s diet through protein sources such as meat, dairy, eggs, and certain plant-based foods like quinoa and legumes. While some amino acids are classified as non-essential because the body can synthesize them from other compounds, essential amino acids do not fall into this category. As such, relying solely on the body to produce these amino acids would lead to deficiencies and various health issues. This reinforces the importance of a balanced diet to ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients. The other options, such as manufacturing them in the body, minimizing them, or storing them, do not accurately represent the nature of essential amino acids. They highlight a misunderstanding of the role these nutrients play in human health and nutrition.