How Are Amino Acids Made?

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential to life. We need them to make the proteins that give structure and function to our skin, hair, muscles, organs, and blood cells! However, not all amino acids are sourced the same.

Our bodies synthesize some amino acids called non-essential. On the other hand, the body cannot make essential amino acids and must ingest them by either food or supplementation. When we eat proteins, our bodies digest them, and the proteins become free amino acids. These free amino acids are then absorbed and delivered to cells around the body. Then, they reassemble into protein again.

See: Are You Consuming Too Much Protein?

Amino acid supplements are especially helpful for providing essential amino acids to individuals with low-protein diets and during exercise. Have you ever wondered how your amino acid supplement was made?

How Are Vegan Amino Acids Sourced?

Ajinomoto, our parent company, make the amino acids found in aminoVITAL. Our amino acid supplements are made through a patented fermentation process using microorganisms and plant-derived glucose.

Some microorganisms have a strong potential for making amino acids. Meaning, each microorganism can make different amino acids. We identify which ones have the highest potential for the specific amino acid we need.

With plant-derived glucose as their food source, the microorganisms “eat” and grow into a huge group of cells, all the while producing amino acids. Those amino acids are filtered out, sterilized and purified into the pharmaceutical-grade BCAAs, Glutamine, and Arginine that end up in aminoVITAL!

aminoVITAL products have Vegan Certification because our process starts with plant ingredients, and our amino acids are made through fermentation. Other ways to produce amino acids include enzymatic reaction and extraction.

How Are Non-vegan Amino Acids Sourced?

BCAAs production comes from either plant-based or animal-based sources. It was a secret in the supplement industry for a long time, but animal-based amino acids extract the amino acids from duck feathers, animal fur or human hair. Due to the sourcing of these amino acids, these products can not receive Vegan Certification.

See: What Are BCAAs?

Which Amino Acid Supplement Is Best For You?

The amino acid supplement that is best for you depends on your own health needs. Each amino acid has a different function and application. For example, Cystine and Theanine promote active immune cells. Alanine and Glutamine promote liver function, which can be handy to reduce hangovers! aminoVITAL products contain the amino acids that benefit training, exercise, and muscle recovery the most. BCAAs, Glutamine and Arginine are in all aminoVITAL products.

See: What is Glutamine and What Does it Do For You?

See: What is Arginine and What Does it Do For You?

See: What is a Pre-Workout Powder for Vegans?

Lastly, whether you prefer to buy vegan amino acid supplements or animal-sourced is entirely up to you and your preferences. If you have any questions regarding amino acids and whether they are the right choice for you, feel free to contact us!

#stayVITAL

Sources

https://www.ajinomoto.com/features/amino/manabou/seihou.html

The Dark Side of BCAAs

Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine May Be Derived from Duck Feathers or Human Hair; Vegetable-Based Versions Available