Free amino acid dosage (without tryptophan)

Free amino acid analysis is essential for nutritional evaluation, plant extract characterization, protein ingredient quality control, and dietary supplement formulation. This version of the test excludes tryptophan, an amino acid susceptible to acid hydrolysis and therefore destroyed in conventional protocols.

Free amino acids directly reflect the bioavailability of an ingredient, the quality of extraction or fermentation processes, and the integrity of proteins present in a finished product. Their quantification allows manufacturers to verify the conformity of their raw materials, optimize formulations, and ensure the nutritional stability of marketed products.

Why analyze free amino acids?

This dosage addresses several key needs in the food, nutraceutical and animal nutrition sectors:

• evaluate the actual protein profile of a plant or animal raw material
• determine the content of rapidly assimilable amino acids
• control protein degradation via the formation of free amino acids
• standardize extracts enriched with amino acids, peptides or hydrolysates
• validate nutritional or functional claims
• characterize the quality of fermented, sprouted or hydrolyzed ingredients

Free amino acids are also an indicator of freshness or processing in certain foods, including plant extracts, yeasts, hydrolysates and protein supplements.

Analytical methods used

This test is based on chromatographic techniques offering excellent sensitivity and precise separation of different amino acids, even in complex matrices.

HPLC after derivatization
is the reference method for quantifying free amino acids. A chemical derivatization step improves the detection and separation of compounds. HPLC guarantees robust, reproducible quantification suitable for most matrices.

LC-MS
offers maximum selectivity for mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. This technique clearly identifies each amino acid and avoids the common interferences encountered in complex extracts.

YesWeLab guides each client towards the most relevant method according to the matrix, the precision constraints and the requirements of the specifications.

Analyzed matrices

• plant extracts and hydrolysates
• protein or functional food supplements
• food for humans and livestock
• fermented or sprouted products
• functional drinks or concentrated extracts

Some matrices require specific purification to remove sugars, polyphenols, or organic acids that could interfere with chromatographic detection. YesWeLab ensures that the protocol applied is perfectly suited to the type of sample.

Other analyses from YesWeLab

For a complete characterization of proteins or amino acids, several complementary analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue may be recommended:

Tryptophan assay
Ideal for completing the amino acid profile when tryptophan is an essential marker.

Total amino acid assay
Analysis performed after total hydrolysis, allowing obtaining the overall protein profile.

LC-MS analysis
is recommended for complex matrices and amino acids at very low concentrations.

HPLC chromatography
Standard method for the quantification of amino acids, peptides, polyphenols and plant metabolites.

Total protein assay
: Useful for relating free amino acid levels to overall protein concentrations.

Why entrust your dosages to YesWeLab

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of laboratories specializing in chromatographic and nutritional analyses, selected according to the nature of the matrices and the technical requirements. The majority of our partners are ISO 17025 certified or accredited, guaranteeing maximum reliability of the results.

Our centralized platform simplifies the entire process: ordering, sample logistics, online tracking, results receipt, and document management. Since 2020, numerous food, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition companies have trusted us to ensure the reliability of their analyses.