What are Mixed Amino Acids?
Mixed amino acids refer to a collection of different amino acids, both essential and non-essential, present in a mixture. This mixture can be found naturally in foods or created synthetically. The specific composition of a mixed amino acid preparation varies widely depending on its intended use and source. For instance, some mixed amino acid products focus on providing all essential amino acids, while others may be tailored for specific metabolic needs or research purposes.
Several contexts utilize the term "mixed amino acids," leading to varying interpretations:
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Nutritional Supplements: Companies like Neocate offer complete amino acid mixes as a protein source in specialized nutritional formulas. These mixes contain both essential and non-essential amino acids in various proportions, designed to meet specific dietary requirements. https://www.neocate.com/shop/hypoallergenic-formula-and-products/complete-amino-acid-mix
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Research and Analytical Standards: Scientific labs use mixed amino acid solutions as standards for calibrating analytical instruments or conducting metabolic studies. Companies like Cambridge Isotope Laboratories produce such mixes for metabolomics research. https://isotope.com/metabolomics-mixes-and-kits/metabolomics-amino-acid-mix-msk-a2-1-2 and Sigma-Aldrich offer certified reference materials. http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/
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Dietary Protein Sources: Foods naturally contain mixed amino acids. The precise composition varies depending on the food source. A mixed meal, for example, provides amino acids from different protein sources, resulting in a "mixed amino acid" intake. Studies examining the effects of mixed meals on amino acid absorption highlight the importance of this natural mix. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26412288/
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Metabolic Pathways: Some amino acids can be metabolized through multiple pathways. For example, certain amino acids are considered "mixed" because their degradation products can enter both the Krebs cycle and be converted to acetyl-CoA, exhibiting both glycogenic and ketogenic characteristics. Isoleucine serves as an example. [“Mixed” amino acids can be degraded both to amino acids of the Krebs cycle and to acetyl-CoA, with characteristics of both glycogenic and ketogenic amino acids].
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Specialized Applications: The term "mixed amino acids" can also describe mixtures with particular compositions. Examples include the use of mixed cyclic di-amino acids in the creation of structured edible oils https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2023/sm/d3sm00849e or studies involving mixed amino acid phosphate anhydrides. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep07440
Conclusion
The term "mixed amino acids" encompasses diverse contexts, from nutritional formulations to research applications, emphasizing the variability in composition and purpose.
