Development of an amino acid composition database and estimation of amino acid intake in Japanese adults

Investigations of the association between an individual's habitual amino acid intake and several types of health outcome require a comprehensive amino acid composition database. The lack of a database of the amino acid content of foods routinely consumed makes estimating daily amino acid intake difficult. The aim of this study was to develop an amino acid database for use in epidemiological studies, and to estimate amino acid intake among a Japanese population. Data were obtained from published food composition data, and when published data were unavailable, calculated data were imputed using established criteria. Adequate data were available for 1100 food items. Using a purpose-developed amino acid composition table, we estimated amino acid intake among a Japanese population (121 women and 109 men aged 30 to 69 years) living in four areas in Japan using a 16-day diet record. All subjects met the estimated average requirements of the nine indispensable amino acids as reported by WHO/FAO/UNU. The major contributors to dietary amino acid intake were cereals, fish and shellfish, and meats, which accounted for approximately 60% of total intake. This database contains amino acid values of foods items frequently consumed in Japan, and represents a valuable tool for use in epidemiological studies.