Amino Acids

Amino Acids are the "building blocks" of the body. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, they form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses; they are part of the enzyme & hormonal system; they build nucleoproteins (RNA & DNA); they carry oxygen throughout the body and participate in muscle activity. When protein is broken down by digestion the result is 22 known amino acids. Eight are essential (cannot be manufactured by the body) and the rest are non-essential (they can be manufactured by the body with proper nutrition). Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats. Without an adequate supply of taurine, cats may suffer from vision problems, heart disease, cirrhosis and other diseases. Because cats are unable to synthesize taurine, it must be supplied in foods or vitamins.