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Comparative profiling of amino acids in plasma and serum across children and adults using LC–MS/MS and its implications for precision nutrition
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DOI：10.3389/fnut.2026.1850080.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
ObjectiveCirculating amino acids (AAs) are important biomarkers of nutritional status; metabolic homeostasis; and disease related physiological changes. However; the influence of specimen type and age on AA measurements remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to establish a robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for quantifying 29 amino acids (AAs); compare serum and plasma matrices; and investigate age related variations in healthy populations.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study; a total of 231 healthy adults (≥18 years) and 140 children (<18 years) were recruited from the Shanghai area with a subgroup of 26 adults providing paired serum and plasma samples. Twenty-nine AA quantification was performed using LC–MS/MS with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) derivatization. Method validation followed Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for linearity; lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ); precision; accuracy; carryover; and stability.ResultsThe assay demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99); precision (CV < 15%); and accuracy (bias < 10%) with minimal carryover and acceptable LLOQs for all 29 AAs. Matrix differences and correlations were evaluated using the paired samples; while age related AA profiles were assessed in largely independent serum and plasma cohorts of pediatric and adult. Serum and plasma concentrations correlated well for most AA. However; significant matrix dependent differences were observed for several amino acids; including GABA; Ser; Tau; Sar; and Asp (R2 < 0.5). Age related analysis revealed that most essential AAs (Leu; Ile; Trp; Phe; His; Tyr) exhibited higher median concentrations in children compared to adults in serum. Conversely; lysine and threonine were significantly higher in adult serum. In plasma; age related differences were less pronounced for essential AAs but consistent for specific non-essential AAs. Bubble plot showed Cit; Arg; and Gln were positively associated with age; while GABA was negatively associated with age.ConclusionThe validated LC–MS/MS platform provides a reliable platform for nutritional biomarker research. Matrix selection and age are critical factors in AA interpretation; offering valuable insights for clinical diagnostics and translational metabolomics research.
Keywords:
plasma
amino acids
age
LC–MS/MS
fasting serum
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