Essential Amino Acids Classification

Here's our complete classification of amino acids, including children:

(Image: Amino Acids Classification_The Health Sciences Academy)

The above table is taken from our Advanced Child and Brain Development Nutritional Advisor certification - you can learn more about it here.

Some scientists consider Arginine essential only for pre-term babies (i.e. born prematurely), while others think it's also essential for newborns.

Both breast milk and baby formula contain Arginine and Histidine.

When it comes to chemistry, it depends on how authors and scientists categorise amino acids, so I wouldn't worry so much about differing classifications.

The most important takeaway for all of us is to get the "essential" ones from the foods that we eat, such as eggs, poultry, fish, dairy, beans, lentils, legumes, rice, and vegetables.

AUTHOR: Alex Ruani, Research Director

Updated on: 14/10/2026