Flavor of Amino Acids and Choice of Supplements

The growing amount of scientific articles on the ergogenic and health properties of individual amino acids on the one hand, and the increasing availability of internet sites dedicated to the trade of these raw materials on the other, pushes many amateur athletes to buy these products in pure form. By attending the forums of the sector, for example, it is common to come across reading blends (mixtures) formulated by bodybuilding enthusiasts with the aim - often too optimistic - of increasing their performance.

The economic savings on the one hand and the maximum customization of the supplementary protocol on the other, overshadow the possible side effects of these products and of a similar approach to food integration. Beyond this latter aspect which is beyond the scope of this article, it is important to know before buying that the individual amino acids can present a particularly bad taste and solubility. It is for this reason that sports supplement manufacturers work and carefully mix powders and additives to obtain formulations with a pleasant taste that are well dispersed in water and fruit juices. On the other hand, these procedures affect the final cost of the product, as well as the manufacturer's formulation experience and the scientific skills of those who study the most suitable combinations of individual nutrients.

Knowing the flavor of individual amino acids can guide the less experienced consumer towards the choice of tablet products or special commercial blends. Sometimes, in fact, driven by the unapproachable taste of the raw raw material, the consumer ends up interrupting the supplementary protocol by throwing the newly purchased product into the garbage.

No or barely perceptible taste: D-Alanine, D- and L- Arginine, D- and L- Aspartic acid, D-Glutammic acid, L- Histidine, D- and L Isoleucine, D- and L- Lysine, D- and L- Prolina, D- and L- Serina, D- and L- Treonina, D- and L- Valine )

Sweet taste (in decreasing order of sweetness): D-Tryptophan (35 times sweeter than sucrose), D-Histidine, D-Phenylalanine, D-Tyrosine, D-Leucine, L- Alanine, Glycine

Bitter taste (in decreasing order of bitterness): L- Tryptophan (its bitterness is about half compared to caffeine), L- Phenylalanine, L Tyrosine, L- Leucine