Amino acid supplements are made from a variety of sources, including both natural and synthetic processes. Here's a breakdown of how different amino acids are typically produced for supplementation:
How Are Amino Acid Supplements Produced?
The production methods vary greatly depending on the specific amino acid. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Fermentation
Several amino acids are produced through fermentation, a natural process that uses microorganisms to break down substances.
- Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, and Valine: These branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are created using corn dextrose fermentation. This means that corn sugar (dextrose) is fermented by specific bacteria or yeasts to produce these amino acids.
Extraction and Processing
Some amino acids are extracted from natural sources, often requiring extensive purification.
- Leucine: This amino acid is originally extracted from protein sources. After extraction, it undergoes extensive processing and purification to isolate the leucine for supplementation.
Synthetic Production
Some amino acids are manufactured through chemical synthesis.
- Lysine and Histidine: These amino acids are produced through synthetic means, which involve combining chemical compounds to form the desired amino acid.
Proprietary Fermentation Processes
Certain production methods are kept proprietary, meaning they are unique to specific manufacturers.
- Threonine: This amino acid is produced using a specific, proprietary fermentation process. The exact details are not disclosed by the producers, but it still relies on microbial fermentation.
Summary Table
| Amino Acid | Production Method |
|---|---|
| Isoleucine | Corn dextrose fermentation |
| Phenylalanine | Corn dextrose fermentation |
| Valine | Corn dextrose fermentation |
| Leucine | Extracted from protein, then processed |
| Lysine | Synthetic |
| Histidine | Synthetic |
| Threonine | Proprietary fermentation process |
Key Takeaways:
- Amino acid supplements aren't all made the same way. Some are fermented, some extracted, and some are synthesized.
- Fermentation is a common method, especially when using natural ingredients like corn dextrose.
- Synthetic methods are used when directly producing the amino acid is more practical.
- Proprietary methods exist for specific amino acids.
