Amino Science Amino Science was born in 1908, when a Tokyo Imperial University professor named Kikunae Ikeda won a patent for a process that derived crystallized glutamic acid from seaweed broth. Although amino acids had been known to be the building blocks of proteins since the late 19th century, Ikeda’s discovery marked the beginning of intensive research into the applications and benefits of amino acids. From the beginning, Ajinomoto, the company that first began commercial production of glutamic acid in 1909, has been the global leader in Amino Science R&D, pioneering the first amino acid application as a flavor enhancer and subsequently expanding and extending amino acid applications for nutrition, pharmaceuticals and, most recently, sport supplements. Ajinomoto breakthroughs include the development of the first amino acid-based IV feeding formulas in the 1950s, an application that has saved the lives of millions of people all over the world, and amino acid-based feedstock for healthier, better nourished cattle and poultry. Also in the 1950s, Ajinomoto developed new amino acid isolation and purification technologies that yielded the pure, pharmaceutical-grade amino acids required for advanced medical research. Today, 90 (18%) of the most-prescribed medications in the world include amino acids as pharmaceutical intermediates. Examples range from antibiotics and hypotensive drugs to antivirals and treatments for hepatic and renal failure. Amino acids have also proved beneficial in combating diabetes and immune system dysfunction. More recently, sports scientists have turned to Amino Science in their quest for safe but effective supplements that improve performance, accelerate recovery and help athletes achieve their best over the long term. The Amino Vital® Sports Science Foundation has been founded to encourage and support this quest.