Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Essential amino acids are characterized by which key feature?

1. They are found only in plant foods

2. They can be synthesized by the body

3. They cannot be produced by the body

4. They can be converted to glucose

The correct answer is: They cannot be produced by the body

Essential amino acids are distinguished by the fact that they cannot be synthesized by the body, meaning that they must be obtained through dietary sources. The human body requires a variety of amino acids for various functions, including protein synthesis, hormone production, and overall cellular health. Essential amino acids are necessary for these processes, but the body lacks the ability to produce them from other compounds, thus necessitating their intake from food. In contrast to this, non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body from other amino acids or nitrogen sources. This distinction is crucial in understanding nutritional requirements, particularly for individuals looking to maintain a balanced diet. Therefore, obtaining adequate amounts of essential amino acids is vital for health, especially in certain populations, such as children, pregnant women, and athletes, who may have higher protein needs. The other options do not accurately represent the characteristics of essential amino acids. For instance, while some plant foods contain essential amino acids, many animal sources do as well, making the first option incorrect. The second option contradicts the fundamental definition of essential amino acids, and while some amino acids can be converted into glucose, this process is not characteristic of essential amino acids specifically. Thus, the correct response clearly aligns with the definition and nutritional importance of essential amino