L-threonine As An Additive in Food

L-Threonine is an essential amino acid for the human body and is widely used in various food products. Below are some common food categories:  

1. Baked Goods  

Bread: Adding L-threonine to bread production can strengthen the gluten network, enhancing the dough's elasticity and extensibility. This results in a larger bread volume and a softer texture. Additionally, it promotes yeast growth and fermentation, reducing fermentation time and improving production efficiency. L-Threonine also enhances the flavor and color of bread, making it more aromatic and visually appealing.  

Cake: L-Threonine helps improve the moisture retention of cakes, preventing them from drying out and becoming hard during storage, thus extending their shelf life. It also participates in the Maillard reaction, creating an appealing golden-brown surface that increases visual attractiveness. Furthermore, it enhances the texture and flavor of cakes, making them finer and sweeter.  

2. Dairy Products  

Milk: L-Threonine is an important component of milk proteins. Adding an appropriate amount of L-Threonine can supplement any potential deficiency in milk, enhancing its nutritional value and meeting the body's essential amino acid needs. This is especially beneficial for specific groups such as infants, the elderly, and athletes, as L-Threonine-enriched milk supports growth, tissue repair, and overall health.  

Yogurt: In yogurt production, L-Threonine provides nutrients for probiotic bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria, promoting their fermentation activity. This results in a smoother texture and a richer, more balanced taste. Additionally, L-Threonine enhances the flavor of yogurt, giving it a more intense milky aroma and a pleasant sweet-sour taste, improving product quality and consumer appeal.  

3. Meat Products  

Ham Sausages: L-Threonine enhances the water-holding capacity of ham sausages, helping them retain moisture during processing and storage, resulting in a juicier and more tender texture. It also interacts with other seasonings to improve the flavor, masking any undesirable odors and making the taste more delicious. Additionally, L-Threonine contributes to better protein utilization, increasing the nutritional value of ham sausages.  

Cured Meat: During the curing process, L-Threonine promotes muscle protein solubility and gelation, giving cured meat a firmer and more elastic texture. It also plays a role in the development of unique flavors during curing and smoking, contributing to the distinctive aroma and taste of cured meat, thus enhancing its overall quality.  

4. Beverages  

Sports Drinks: During physical activity, the body loses a significant amount of amino acids through sweat. As an essential amino acid, L-Threonine can be added to sports drinks to quickly replenish what the body needs, aiding in muscle recovery, reducing fatigue, and enhancing athletic performance and endurance. It also helps refine the drink's taste, making it smoother and more enjoyable to consume.  

Nutritional and Health Beverages: In specialized nutritional beverages, such as calcium-fortified drinks for the elderly or cognitive-enhancing drinks for children, L-Threonine works synergistically with other nutrients to boost the drink's overall nutritional value and health benefits. For example, when combined with calcium, it helps improve calcium absorption and utilization, making it more effective in supporting bone health.  

5. Pet Food  

Dog Food: L-Threonine is essential for the growth, immune function, and skin and coat health of dogs. It helps meet their nutritional needs, supporting muscle development and bone growth while boosting immunity and reducing the risk of disease. Additionally, L-Threonine enhances the palatability of dog food, encouraging dogs to eat more and receive adequate nutrition.  

Cat Food: Cats have unique amino acid requirements, and L-Threonine is one of the essential amino acids necessary for maintaining their normal physiological functions. It plays a crucial role in protein metabolism, tissue repair, vision, reproductive health, and cardiovascular function. By enriching cat food with L-Threonine, its nutritional value is improved, ensuring that cats receive the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and active.