Amino spiking is a deceptive practice that can affect the quality of protein supplements. Always check labels and choose trusted products to ensure you get the best results in your sports performance.
In 2014, it was revealed that many supplement companies use a practice known as Amino Spiking or “Protein Spiking” to cut costs and keep prices competitive. This is due to the rising price of whey in recent years and increasing competition between manufacturers.
What is amino spiking?
Amino spiking is a technique that involves adding cheap amino acids to the protein formula to increase the total nitrogen value. In other words, it is a way to increase the amount of protein at a low cost, thus deceiving the customer.
Is it legal? How to detect it?
Unfortunately, this practice is legal. To detect it, an analysis such as the Kjeldahl method can be performed, which breaks down the protein content and differentiates the amino acids present and their proportions.
Another way to spot Amino Spiking is to carefully review the ingredient list. If you find glycine or taurine, the protein has likely been adulterated. Here are some tips to help you identify these supplements:
- Check the ingredient list : Look for terms like “protein blend” and see if they include inexpensive amino acids.
- Look for the list of amino acids : On the nutritional table, high-quality amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine and valine should appear first.
- Spot suspicious amino acids : If you find taurine, glycine, arginine, peptides, creatine and others in higher amounts than the essential amino acids, you are probably being scammed.
Example of amino spiking
Imagine a label says 25 grams of protein, but the amino acid table shows 4,000 mg of glutamine. This suggests that 4 grams of the powder is not protein, but cheap amino acids.
Be careful with portion sizes
In the United States, companies are not required to report how much protein you get per 100 grams, but rather per serving. For example, two products may claim to have 24 grams of protein per serving, but one serving may be 30 grams (80%) and the other 35 grams (69%).
If a protein claims to be isolate or hydrolyzed with a purity greater than 90% and states zero carbs and fat, but provides only 25 grams of protein per 31 gram serving, something is wrong. This indicates that they are probably using 80% concentrated protein and doing Amino Spiking with amino acids like glutamine.
The honesty of companies
While Amino Spiking is not harmful, dishonesty from companies hiding what is actually in the product is. That's why always check the label when purchasing protein supplements. It's not uncommon for a quality version to be replaced by an inferior one without warning.
What Are Taurine, Glycine and Others in Your Protein Shake?
The FDA allows this practice if it is stated on the label. This can be considered corporate malpractice and deception of the customer. Added amino acids do not always strengthen the formula; in many cases, they only increase the nitrogen content with no additional benefits. Furthermore, these added amino acids are not directly used as building blocks in the body.
Creatine, although useful for improving physical performance, is not suitable for the primary service of a protein.
Boost your performance with quality products
Don't be fooled. Make sure your protein supplements are high quality and free of Amino Spiking . Boost your performance and reach your sporting goals with our selection of premium products. Discover excellence in every movement. Visit your trusted online store exxegon.com and equip yourself with the best!
References
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. (2021). The Nutrition Source.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Water: How much should you drink every day?
- World Health Organization. (2019). Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health.
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). Dietary Supplements.
