FAQs About Amino Acids | Amino Acids Explained | Amino Acids | Ajinomoto Group Global Website - Eat Well, Live Well. (2024)

FAQs About Amino Acids

General questions about amino acids

What is the difference between amino acids and peptides?

How are amino acids absorbed in the body?

Before proteins can be absorbed into the body through the gut, they first need to be digested and turned into peptides and amino acids.
Most dietary peptides are broken down in the gastrointestinal tract into simple amino acids.They are then transported into the blood, through which they reach the organs.

What are amino acids?

Why are amino acids so called?

Amino acid are so called because they contain a basic amino group (-NH2) as well as an acid carboxyl group (-COOH).

What do amino acids do for us?

What happens if I have an amino acid deficiency?

Will consuming too many amino acids make me gain weight?

Amino acids have four calories per gram, which is the same amount of calories as glucose, an element of table sugar. However, if you take amino acids as supplements, you will be consuming them only in small amounts. They will therefore add few extra calories, and you are very unlikely to gain weight from them.

Getting enough amino acids

What happens if I consume too many amino acids?

If you consume more amino acids than your body needs, the excess amino acids will be broken down and excreted as waste. As with any other nutrient, consuming more than you need can place a burden on your body.

Can't I get enough amino acids just through food?

If you are eating a normal balanced diet, you should be getting enough amino acids. However, eating foods with a bad nutritional balance or following a restricted diet can lead to amino acid deficiencies or imbalances. Prolonged strenuous exercise burns specific amino acids in the body, and in some cases certain amino acid supplements can be very beneficial in recovery.

Which foods provide a balanced intake of amino acids?

To make sure you get a sufficient and well-balanced intake of essential amino acids, you should eat carbohydrates such as rice or bread together with a reasonable amount of high-protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs and soybeans.

What is the difference between getting amino acids from food and taking them as supplements?

Proteins are digested in the gastrointestinal tract and broken down into amino acids which are then absorbed by the body. Whereas proteins take time to ingest and absorb, amino acids can be absorbed directly, and therefore more quickly. Once absorbed, amino acids function without regard to their source. It doesn’t matter if they are ingested in food or taken in tablet form or in drinks.

Is it safe to give amino acid supplements to children?

Is it safe to take amino acid supplements while pregnant?

It is safe to consume amino acid supplements while pregnant. However, you should consult your doctor about your nutritional intake during pregnancy.

Can I take amino acid supplements if I am also taking medication?

Amino acids are nutrients that make up proteins, and are widely consumed in regular foods. There are no risks associated with taking amino acid supplements while also taking medications. However, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

I have health issues. Is it safe for me to take amino acid supplements?

Amino acids are nutrients that make up proteins, and are widely consumed in regular foods. There are no risks associated with taking amino acid supplements, but if you suffer from severe kidney dysfunction or phenylketonuria, you may need to restrict your amino acid intake. Please consult your doctor.

Is it safe to take amino acid supplements everyday? 　

Amino acids are nutrients and not medications, so there are no intake guidelines. Daily intake can also vary widely from person to person. However, it may be helpful to increase your amino acid intake if you do a lot of strenuous exercise. We suggest that you experiment to find the amount of amino acids that works best for you.

Other benefits of amino acids

I’ve heard that athletes take amino acid supplements. What are the benefits?

Will taking amino acid supplements give me lots of muscle?

Amino acids provide the building blocks for muscle. Weightlifters and bodybuilders often take amino acid supplements. However, taking amino acid supplements without exercising will not increase your muscle.

Is taking amino acid supplements considered doping?

Amino acids are always present in the body, so, taking amino acid supplments is not considered doping.

Is it true that amino acids moisturize your skin and hair?

I often see shampoos and other personal care products that are made with amino acids. Do amino acids help with cleansing?

Amino acid-based cleansing products are made by adding amino acids to cleansing ingredients, to create cleansing products with a mild acidity that is similar to that of the skin.

Are amino acids used in medicines?

Do intravenous (IV) drips contain amino acids?

Not all IV drips contain amino acids. Patients who cannot take in enough nutrients orally after surgery are given high-calorie infusions. These infusions contain essential amino acids.