Amino Acid Profile Testing

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Amino acids are organic compounds that play a fundamental role in the biological processes of all living organisms. As the building blocks of proteins, they are vital for numerous physiological functions, including muscle development, immune response, enzyme activity, and hormone production. Many crucial amino acids are analysed at FARE Labs in various matrices including the following:

  • Essential Amino Acids: These cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet. They include leucine, isoleucine, valine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, histidine and tryptophan. Adequate intake of these amino acids is crucial for maintaining overall health, as deficiencies can lead to various health issues.
  • Non-Essential Amino Acids: These can be produced by the body from other compounds and include alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine (conditionally essential), arginine (conditionally essential), glycine, proline, and serine. While they are not required to be consumed directly through food, they still play critical roles in metabolism and cellular function.
  • Creatinine, citrulline, GABA, beta-alanine, taurine, carnitine, hydroxyproline, sarcosine in nutraceutical and other products.

With the growing emphasis on health, wellness, and nutrition, understanding the amino acid composition of foods and supplements has never been more important. Various factors can influence amino acid profiles, including food source, processing methods, and cooking techniques. Consequently, conducting amino acid analysis serves several key purposes:
1. Nutritional Assessment: By determining the amino acid composition of different food products, nutritionists and dietitians can provide accurate dietary recommendations tailored to individual needs. Parameters may include rice amino acid profile, whey protein amino acid profile etc. This is particularly important for athletes,  children, and those with specific health conditions who may require higher or specific amino acid intake.

2. Quality Control: For food manufacturers, maintaining consistent quality in protein- rich products—such as meats, dairy, and plant-based alternatives—is critical. Regular amino acid analysis allows producers to verify that their products meet nutritional claims and ensure consumer satisfaction.

3. Dietary Compliance: Consumers following specific dietary plans (such as vegan or ketogenic diets) need to understand the amino acid profiles of their food choices to     ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition. This information helps them make informed decisions about their diets.

4. Research and Development: In clinical and nutritional research, analysing amino acids supports studies related to metabolism, health, and disease prevention. This     research can lead to improved dietary guidelines and therapeutic intervention

Applications in Various Sectors
Amino acid analysis has broad applications across multiple sectors, including:

  • Food Industry: Used to analyse protein sources in foods, ensuring accurate labelling and product quality.
  • Nutritional Supplements: Verifying the amino acid profiles of dietary supplements to confirm claims and enhance product development.
  • Clinical Nutrition: Assessing amino acid levels in patients for dietary planning and therapeutic interventions.
  • Animal Feed: Evaluating the amino acid content of animal feeds to optimize nutrition and growth in livestock.

FARE Labs employ Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) for accurate and reliable qualitative/quantitative analysis of amino acid:

Testing Method Description
Ultra-Performance
Liquid Chromatography
(UPLC)
A highly advanced analytical technique that allows for rapid
separation, identification, and quantification of amino acids
in various samples. UPLC provides improved resolution and
speed compared to traditional methods.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), EU and US-FDA have established several regulations regarding the use of amino acids in food products. These rules
align with each other but have key distinctions.

These guidelines aim to ensure food safety and quality while safeguarding consumers from potential health hazards.

Regulation Aspect FSSAI EU US-FDA
Forms of amino acid Only L-forms are permitted Only L-forms are permitted Both L and D-forms are permitted
Purpose of adding To improve nutritional value; not to disguise quality To improve nutritional value; not to disguise quality To enhance nutritional value or flavour/aroma
Maximum allowed amount Must not exceed 1% of the energy value of the product Must not exceed 10% of the protein content No specific limit on the amount allowed
Labelling requirement Must be declared if added in significant quantities Must be declared if added in significant quantities Must be declared if added in significant quantities

 

Based on the regulations set by the FSSAI, EU, and US concerning amino acids in foods, the following analyses may be conducted:

  • Amino Acid Content: This amino acid analysis determines the concentration of each L-amino acid in a food product.
  • Amino Acid Profiling: This analysis outlines the proportions of various amino acids within a food product.

 

FARE Labs Pvt. Ltd. is a leading testing laboratory that provides a diverse array of testing and support services, including food and feed analysis, environmental testing, pharmaceutical evaluation, and agro-science services. In the field of food testing, FARE Labs offers extensive solutions for amino acid profiling and analysis.

As part of our food testing services, FARE Labs frequently conducts amino acid profiling, which entails a thorough examination of the types and quantities of amino acids found in a food sample. We employ advanced analytical techniques, such as ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), to deliver precise and dependable amino acid analyses. This comprehensive profiling is essential for evaluating the nutritional quality of food products, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and maintaining quality benchmarks.

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