Creatine can be grown in edible plants. Understands

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The search for sustainable alternatives in the production of nutritional supplements has led to remarkable discoveries, the latest of which includes the development of creatine from plant cultivation. The breakthrough, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, promises to improve the supply of plant-based creatine, benefiting athletes and vegans alike.

The research, conducted by scientists at Zhejiang University in China, explores the use of synthetic biology technology to transform plants into productive sources of nutritional supplements. This new method could revolutionize the way creatine is obtained, providing a solution that does not rely on animal sources.

How do plants produce creatine?

One question that naturally arises is: How can plants, which have not traditionally been associated with creatine production, now be used for this purpose? The answer lies in synthetic biology. The team of researchers inserted synthetic DNA modules into the Nicotiana benthamiana plant. These modules contain instructions for producing enzymes that convert amino acids into creatine.

The experiment revealed that after three days, the plants could produce 2.3 micrograms of creatine per gram of plant material. This is important considering that vegetation does not naturally contain this substance, which is essential for physical performance.

What are the benefits of plant-based creatine?

The benefits of the plant-based version of creatine are extensive. Even more urgent is to meet the growing demand for sports supplements that are not based on animal products. Furthermore, this method can also reduce pressure on traditional sources of creatine, such as meat and fish, promoting more sustainable practices.

• Increasing inclusiveness: Vegetarians or vegans can enjoy the same benefits as omnivores.
• Sustainability: It reduces the need for animal exploitation and promotes the rational use of natural resources.

What can we expect in the future?

The initial success of this method opens doors to new possibilities. The researchers believe that in the future we will be able to extend this technology to other edible plants, which would act as biofactories. This will not only be beneficial for creatine supplements, but also for other complex nutrients.

Production of other nutrients

The research was not limited to creatine only. The team also tested the production of carnosine and taurine, two substances common among athletes. While carnosine production increased by 3.8 times, taurine production still required adjustments. This preliminary study is promising and demonstrates the potential of transgenic plants.

In the current scenario, where environmental sustainability is a priority, developing methods like these not only makes nutritional supplements more accessible but also makes them environmentally friendly. As research advances, we can expect the impact of these innovations to be reflected in an ever-widening range of products.

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