[Conference/Seminar Report] Effectiveness of "6-Type Amino Acid Mix for Joint and Tendon Conditioning" reported at the 7th Japan Amino Acid Society Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Symposium!

At the 7th Japan Amino Acid Society Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Symposium (June 2023, 6), the Food Research Institute of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. reported the results of research into the effectiveness and mechanism of action of the company's proprietary amino acid ingredient, "2-Type Amino Acid Mix for Joint and Tendon Conditioning (hereinafter referred to as 6-Type Amino Acid Mix)."

Joints and tendons are known as important organs that convert muscle strength into movement. When the condition of joints and tendons deteriorates, it can lead to symptoms such as discomfort and pain, and being unable to move as desired. These symptoms can lead to reduced performance during exercise and a reduced quality of life (QOL). Through research, we have developed a unique material called "6 Amino Acid Mix" that improves the condition of knee joints and Achilles tendons. This time, we reported the research results of 6. Evaluation of the effectiveness of "1 Amino Acid Mix" on human knee joints and 2. Examination of the mechanism of action at the Japan Amino Acid Society Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Symposium.

1. Effectiveness evaluation on human knee joints

Fifty adult men and women who experience discomfort in the knee joint were asked to take 50 g of the test food three times a day for 4 weeks, and in addition to subjective evaluations such as knee stiffness and discomfort, indicators for measuring knee condition (JKOM and JOA) were measured. After taking the "1 Amino Acid Mix," knee stiffness and discomfort were significantly improved 3 and 12 weeks later. Furthermore, JKOM and JOA also significantly improved, demonstrating that the food is also effective for knee condition.

2. Examination of mechanism of action

Cartilage is tissue that accounts for approximately 6% of joints (more citations will be added later), and is important for maintaining joint function. Excessive impact and overuse from exercise induce inflammation in cartilage and tendons, leading to reduced function. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of the "6 Amino Acid Mix" on chondrocytes that had been stimulated with inflammation. As a result, in chondrocytes, the "XNUMX Amino Acid Mix" significantly suppressed the increase in inflammation indicators and significantly suppressed the decrease in collagen volume caused by inflammation.

A series of studies have shown that the "6 Amino Acid Mix" reduces pain, stiffness, and discomfort in human knee joints, and this effectiveness can be seen for at least four weeks. Research using chondrocytes has suggested that the "4 Amino Acid Mix" may suppress the decrease in collagen caused by inflammation and the inflammatory response, improving the condition of the knee joint.

Ajinomoto Co., Inc. is conducting advanced research into organs important for exercise (muscles, joints, tendons, etc.), nutrition, and rest, and is developing and providing useful information and new materials for athletes. Through these activities, we hope to contribute to helping exercise enthusiasts enjoy sports for longer.