Baltimore DNT 200 – Amino Acid Supplements

11 Jun Baltimore DNT 200 – Amino Acid Supplements

Question
Case 6-2: Amino Acid Supplements

Danielle F. is a 78-year-old retired school teacher who is seeking ways to increase her protein intake. She does very little cooking and avoids fish, poultry, and meat for personal reasons. She eats eggs occasionally but relies more on a liquid amino acid product that claims to contain essential and non-essential amino acids in “naturally-occurring amounts.”

Danielle decides to compare the protein quantity and quality of this product to an egg. Initially she learns that 1 whole egg contains 18 amino acids (9 essential amino acids and 9 non-essential amino acids). ½ teaspoon of liquid amino acid product contains 16 amino acids (9 essential amino acids and 7 non-essential amino acids). Then she examines the Nutrition Facts label for these two products. (See below.)

Egg Nutrition Facts

Amino Acid Supplement Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 egg (50g)

Servings Per Container 12

Amount Per Serving

Calories 70

Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5g

8%

Saturated Fat 1.5g

8%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 185mg

60%

Sodium 70mg

3%

Potassium 70mg

2%

Total Carbohydrate 0g

0%

Protein 6g

13%

Vitamin A 6%

•

Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 2%

•

Iron 4%

Vitamin D 10%

•

Thiamin 0%

Riboflavin 10%

•

Vitamin B64%

Folate 6%

•

Vitamin B12 8%

Phosphorus 10%

•

Zinc 4%

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/2 tsp (2.5mL)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 0

Calories from Fat 0

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0g

0%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

0%

Sodium 160mg

6%

Total Carbohydrate 100mg

0%

Protein 310mg

Vitamin A 0%

•

Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 0%

•

Iron 0%

1. Danielle notices that protein is measured differently on the two Nutrition Facts labels. Knowing that 1 gram = 1000 milligrams, what can Danielle learn about the protein quantity of one serving of liquid amino acid as compared to one whole egg?

2. Approximately how many teaspoons of liquid amino acid would Danielle need to eat every day to receive the amount of protein in one egg? (Notice that the nutrition information for this product is for a ½ teaspoon serving.)

3. Looking at the Nutrition Facts label, what other important nutrients besides protein will Danielle find in an egg that are not present in her amino acid supplement?

4. What is the sodium content of an egg compared to one serving of the liquid amino acid product?

5. According to information in this chapter, what is the safest way for Danielle to obtain the protein and amino acids she needs? Why?

6. What precautions should Danielle take regarding the use of amino acid supplements?