Questions about Amino Acids

[MoTiV]

So I found this on a supplement website:

Amino acids did not obtain GRAS classification (Generally Recognised As Safe) in the US and are not allowed for use in food production in Europe. They are unstable in drinks and react with sugar (so-called Maillard reaction). And finally, they raise the osmolality of the drinks, which leads to poorer sugar, water and mineral absorption.


I've been using EAAs pre/intra/post WO for awhile now and I swear by them but can anyone enlighten me on this statement? I can't find any research on amino acids.

 

[joeflex73]

So I found this on a supplement website:

Amino acids did not obtain GRAS classification (Generally Recognised As Safe) in the US and are not allowed for use in food production in Europe. They are unstable in drinks and react with sugar (so-called Maillard reaction). And finally, they raise the osmolality of the drinks, which leads to poorer sugar, water and mineral absorption.


I've been using EAAs pre/intra/post WO for awhile now and I swear by them but can anyone enlighten me on this statement? I can't find any research on amino acids.

Where did you find this at? Just curious.

Amino acids are safe products to take. Why they have not received GRAS certification, I don't know. To be considered GRAS:

GRAS exemptions are granted for substances that are generally recognized, among experts qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate their safety, as having been adequately shown through scientific procedures (or, in the case of a substance used in food prior to January 1, 1958, through either scientific procedures or through experience based on common use in food) to be safe under the conditions of their intended use.

The substance must be shown to be "generally recognized" as safe under the conditions of its intended use. The proponent of the exemption has the burden of proving that the use of the substance is "generally recognized" as safe. To establish such recognition, the proponent must show that there is a consensus of expert opinion regarding the safety of the use of the substance. The existence of a severe conflict among experts regarding the safety of a substance precludes a finding of general recognition.

Their stability in aqueous solutions and their play in a Maillard reaction shouldn't have much bearing on this situation, especially since both have outside causes (Do you think AA's break down in the 2 seconds they are in water? and Maillard reactions require heat).

As for effecting osmolality, I was able to find one study (Invalid Link Removed) similar to what you are suggesting, but this was in rats who were water depleted. In this case, it makes sense to see a rise in osmolality.

In all honesty, you have nothing to worry about from Amino Acids.

 

[Jag]

I'd like to know who said this and their proof, studies etc. including who funded the studies.

 

[MoTiV]

Where did you find this at? Just curious.

I found it on the trueprotein website under some of the descriptions of amino acid products.

I'm interested in how long they take to break down in solutions. I carry 2-3 bottles with me when I go to the gym so by the time I get to the 3rd one its already been a few hours. Also, I used to keep a protein shake in the frig in case I wake up and I'm really hungry. Now I keep a bottle of aminos in the frig sometimes and it could stay in solution for around 24 hours or so.