1. Tryptophan (0.14%): An essential amino acid, tryptophan is a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation, appetite, and sleep, among other functions. Melatonin regulates sleep cycles.
2. Cystine (0.12%): Cystine is formed from two cysteine molecules and plays a role in maintaining the structure of proteins by forming disulfide bonds. It’s also an antioxidant and has roles in detoxification.
3. Methionine (0.17%): An essential amino acid that’s a starting molecule for protein synthesis. It also plays a role in the synthesis of other amino acids, and it’s involved in the methylation process, which is essential for many biochemical reactions.
4. Aspartic Acid (0.83%): A non-essential amino acid, aspartic acid plays a role in the urea cycle and DNA metabolism. It’s also a neurotransmitter.
5. Threonine (0.41%): An essential amino acid, threonine is crucial for protein synthesis and supports cardiovascular, liver, central nervous, and immune system function.
6. Serine (0.55%): Serine is involved in the synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and other amino acids. It also plays a role in brain function and the immune system.
7. Glutamic Acid (1.11%): Glutamic acid is a precursor for the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is involved in cognitive functions like learning and memory.
8. Proline (0.35%): Proline helps with the structure of collagens, and therefore, supports skin, joint, and tendon health.
9. Glycine (0.36%): Glycine has several roles, including serving as a neurotransmitter, being a precursor for porphyrins (used in the formation of heme), and helping to produce DNA and RNA.
10. Alanine (0.51%): Alanine plays a role in glucose metabolism and provides energy for muscles.
11. Valine (0.47%): An essential amino acid, valine is involved in energy production and muscle metabolism.
12. Isoleucine (0.38%): Another essential amino acid, isoleucine is involved in muscle metabolism, energy production, and hemoglobin synthesis.
13. Leucine (0.66%): Essential for protein synthesis, leucine also regulates blood sugar levels, aids in repairing tissues, and promotes growth and hormone production.
14. Tyrosine (0.26%): Tyrosine is a precursor for neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which influence mood, stress response, and other functions.
15. Phenylalanine (0.38%): An essential amino acid, phenylalanine is a precursor for tyrosine, and subsequently for neurotransmitters and other molecules.
16. Total Lysine (0.68%): Essential for protein synthesis, lysine also aids in calcium absorption and collagen formation.
17. Histidine (0.22%): Histidine gets converted to the neurotransmitter histamine and is important for growth and repair of tissues.
18. Arginine (0.47%): Arginine is involved in several metabolic processes and is a precursor for the molecule nitric oxide, which is involved in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).
* AOAC: Refers to methods set by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists for analyzing the concentration of the mentioned amino acids.
* Modified Lowry Assay: This is a method used to determine the concentration of proteins in a sample based on their reaction with copper ions in an alkaline solution and the subsequent reduction of Folin’s reagent by the treated protein.
