Amino acid assay testing

Introduction

Amino acid assay testing is a scientific process used to identify and quantify the various amino acids present in a food sample. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and they play a crucial role in human health by performing essential functions like tissue building, hormone production, and enzyme activity. There are two main forms of amino acids in food:

Free amino acids: Exist unbound within the food.

Bound amino acids: Linked together to form protein molecules.

Food Sources of Free and Bound Amino Acids

Both animal and plant-based foods contain free and bound amino acids.

Free amino acids: These are generally found in lower quantities compared to bound amino acids. However, they are more readily absorbed by the body. Some good sources of free amino acids include:

Fruits and vegetables (especially tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens)
Cheese
Meat (especially beef and chicken)
Fish

Bound amino acids: These make up the majority of amino acids in food. Our bodies need to digest proteins to obtain the individual amino acids. Here are some examples of foods rich in bound amino acids:

Meat (beef, poultry, pork)
Fish and seafood
Eggs
Dairy products (milk, cheese)
Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
Nuts and seeds
Soybeans and tofu
Whole grains (especially quinoa and buckwheat)

Significance of amino assay testing

Amino acid assay testing serves several important purposes in the food industry:

Nutritional Labeling: Knowing the amino acid profile, especially the levels of essential amino acids (those the body cannot synthesize), allows for accurate nutritional labeling. This ensures consumers understand the protein quality and completeness of a food product.

Quality Control: Food manufacturers can use amino acid testing to ensure consistent protein content and quality in their products. This helps maintain brand reputation and consumer trust.

New Product Development: Testing helps identify the amino acid composition of new food sources or ingredients, aiding in the development of protein-rich products.

Food Safety: Changes in amino acid profiles can sometimes indicate spoilage or contamination in food products.

Standards and Regulations

FSSAI regulations on amino acids in foods

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a number of regulations on the use of amino acids in foods. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and quality of food products, and to protect consumers from potential health risks.

Some of the key FSSAI regulations on amino acids in foods include:

Only L-forms of amino acids may be used in foods.
Amino acids may be added to foods only to improve their nutritional value, and not to disguise their inferior quality or to deceive consumers.
The total amount of amino acids added to a food product must not exceed 1% of the energy value of the product.
Amino acids must be declared on the food label, if they are added in significant quantities.

Food safety and standards (health supplements, nutraceuticals, food for special dietary use, food for special medical purpose, functional food and novel food) regulations, 2016 https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Nutra_29_09_2021.pdf

EU regulations on amino acids in foods

The European Union (EU) has also issued a number of regulations on the use of amino acids in foods. These regulations are similar to the FSSAI regulations, but there are some key differences.

Some of the key EU regulations on amino acids in foods include:

Only L-forms of amino acids may be used in foods.
Amino acids may be added to foods only to improve their nutritional value, and not to disguise their inferior quality or to deceive consumers.
The total amount of amino acids added to a food product must not exceed 10% of the protein content of the product.
Amino acids must be declared on the food label, if they are added in significant quantities.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2016/1413/annexes?view=plain

US regulations on amino acids in foods

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued a number of regulations on the use of amino acids in foods. These regulations are similar to the FSSAI and EU regulations, but there are some key differences.

Some of the key US regulations on amino acids in foods include:

Both L-forms and D-forms of amino acids may be used in foods.
Amino acids may be added to foods to improve their nutritional value, or to enhance their flavor or aroma.
There is no limit on the amount of amino acids that can be added to a food product.
Amino acids must be declared on the food label, if they are added in significant quantities.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=172.320

Mandatory and optional analyses

Mandatory Analyses:

L-amino Acid Content: This analysis determines the quantity of each individual L-stereoisomer amino acid present in the food. L-amino acids are the form preferentially used by the human body for protein synthesis.

Total Amino Acid Content: This analysis measures the total amount of all amino acids (both L and D isomers) within the food sample, regardless of their stereochemical configuration .

Amino Acid Profile: This analysis reveals the relative proportions of the different amino acids present in the food product. It provides a valuable picture of the food's protein quality .

Optional Analyses:

Bioavailability of Amino Acids: This analysis, though not mandatory, is an important measure of the number of amino acids that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. Factors like protein source, processing methods, and presence of anti-nutrients can influence bioavailability.

Eurofins role in amino acid assay testing

Eurofins is a global leader in amino acid testing, offering a wide range of methods to accurately quantify the amino acids present in various samples, especially food products. Their expertise lies in analyzing both free amino acids and those bound in peptide form.

Here's a breakdown of Eurofins' role in amino acid assay testing:

Providing Accurate Analysis: Eurofins offers precise and reliable testing to determine the complete spectrum of amino acids within a sample. This helps assess the overall protein quality of the food product.

Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins helps food manufacturers and producers comply with regulatory requirements for amino acid content set by various agencies like FSSAI, the European Union, and the United States.

Quality Control: By analyzing the amino acid profile, Eurofins ensures the nutritional quality and safety of food products.

Customized Solutions: Eurofins offers tailored testing and reporting options based on client needs and industry-specific requirements.

Consulting Services: Eurofins may also provide insights and consulting services based on the obtained results, aiding clients in understanding the nutritional aspects and quality control of their products.

Eurofins' capabilities are backed by:

State-of-the-Art Equipment: Their competence centers are equipped with advanced instruments like GC, HPLC, GCMSMS, FTIR, ELISA, and LC-MS/MS for performing these analyses.

Global Network: Eurofins has a wide network of laboratories, allowing for local contact with a global reach.

Expert Advice: They offer expert advice on various aspects, including advanced testing schemes, hygiene checks, allergen analysis, labeling recommendations, and traceability.

Overall, Eurofins plays a significant role in ensuring the quality and compliance of food products by providing comprehensive amino acid assay testing and consulting services.

References

https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/amino-acid-assay-kit-market#:~:text=The%20global%20amino%20acid%20assay%20kit%20market%20is%20anticipated%20to,USD%20421.9%20million%20by%202030.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm?fr=172.320
Otter DE. Standardised methods for amino acid analysis of food. Br J Nutr. 2012 Aug;108 Suppl 2:S230-7. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512002486. PMID: 23107533.