Amino Acid Profiling

Introduction

In the landscape of food analysis, assessing the amino acid profile in various food items stands as a fundamental aspect, crucial for comprehending nutritional value and ensuring dietary quality. Amino acid testing, alongside allergen testing and microbiological examinations, plays a pivotal role in confirming food safety and adhering to regulatory standards. These tests, conducted in microbiological labs and food testing laboratories, facilitate the comprehensive evaluation of food items, ensuring accurate nutritional labeling and proper allergen information on food product labels, ultimately empowering consumers to make informed choices about the safety and quality of the food they consume.

Why is Amino Acid Profiling Essential?

Amino acids are crucial for the human body as they contribute to various physiological functions such as enzyme production, muscle growth, immune system support, and the transportation of nutrients. Since the body cannot produce all the essential amino acids required for these functions, obtaining them through diet is imperative.

Food items rich in protein are typically evaluated for their amino acid content. Amino acid profiling enables a detailed analysis of both essential and non-essential amino acids present in these foods. Essential amino acids, which the body cannot synthesize on its own, must be obtained from the diet. By assessing the presence and quantity of these essential amino acids, food testing helps determine the food's quality and nutritional value.

Applications of Amino Acid Profiling

Amino acid profiling finds extensive application across the food industry:

Quality Assessment: By analyzing the amino acid profile, food manufacturers can ensure the quality and nutritional value of their products. This is particularly vital for products marketed as protein-rich or for those catering to specific dietary needs.

Research and Development: Amino acid analysis aids in the development of new food products with enhanced nutritional profiles, catering to specific dietary requirements or health-related considerations.

Regulatory Compliance: Food standards and regulatory bodies often require comprehensive nutritional information, including amino acid profiles, on food labels. Accurate testing is essential for compliance and consumer transparency.

Import and export details of the products undergoing these services (2022-2023/ 2022 data)

The data shows that the import and export of food containing added amino acids is significant. This suggests that amino acid profiling is a valuable tool for the food industry. Amino acid profiling can be used to:

• Ensure that food products contain the correct amount of amino acids for optimal nutrition.
• Develop new food products with improved nutritional value.
• Identify and control allergens in food products.
• Improve the shelf life and quality of food products.

Amino acid profiling is also becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of amino acids for health and well-being. They are also looking for food products that are nutritious and high quality. Amino acid profiling can help consumers to make informed choices about the food they eat.

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.
  
  

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.
  
  

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.

Mandatory and optional analyses to be performed

Based on the FSSAI, EU, and US regulations on amino acids in foods, the following mandatory and optional analyses can be performed:

Mandatory analyses:

L-amino acid content: This analysis is required to determine the amount of each L-amino acid present in a food product.

Total amino acid content: This analysis is required to determine the total amount of amino acids present in a food product, regardless of their L- or D-form.

Amino acid profile: This analysis is required to determine the proportions of different amino acids present in a food product.

Optional analyses:

D-amino acid content: This analysis is optional, but it can be useful for determining the authenticity of a food product or for identifying food adulteration.

Bioavailability of amino acids: This analysis is optional, but it can be useful for determining the amount of amino acids that can be absorbed and used by the body.

The specific analyses that are required or recommended will vary depending on the type of food product and the intended use of the results. For example, the amino acid profile of a food product that is intended to be used as a dietary supplement may be more important than the amino acid content of a food product that is intended to be used as a general food ingredient.

Eurofins role in amino acid profiling

Eurofins Scientific is a global life sciences company that offers a wide range of testing and support services, including food and feed testing, environmental testing, pharmaceutical testing, and agroscience services. In the realm of food testing, Eurofins provides comprehensive solutions for amino acid profiling and analysis.

Eurofins laboratories often conduct amino acid profiling as a part of their food testing services. Amino acid profiling involves the detailed analysis of the types and quantities of amino acids present in a food sample. Eurofins utilizes sophisticated analytical techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry, to perform accurate and reliable amino acid analyses. This detailed profiling helps in assessing the nutritional quality of food products, ensuring compliance with regulations, and meeting quality standards.

The role of Eurofins in amino acid profiling encompasses:

Accurate Analysis: Eurofins conducts precise and reliable testing to determine the full spectrum of amino acids present in food samples.

Regulatory Compliance: They assist food manufacturers and producers in meeting regulatory requirements, such as those set by FSSAI, the European Union, and the United States, by providing thorough amino acid analyses.

Quality Control: Eurofins aids in ensuring the nutritional quality and safety of food products by assessing their amino acid profiles.

Customized Solutions: Tailored testing and reporting options based on client needs and the specific requirements of the food industry.

Consultative Services: Eurofins may also provide insights and consulting services related to the nutritional aspects and quality control of food products based on the results obtained from amino acid profiling.