Recognizing the importance of amino acids by studying nutrition

Hanyu and Ajinomoto began collaborating in 2013, around when he moved to Canada for training to improve his skating. “At that time, I was trying to improve my diet for the competition that takes place every four years. I did not have basic physical fitness or strength enough to skate through to the end,” Hanyu said. What supported him in becoming the world champion and achieving great results in subsequent competitions was Ajinomoto’s “Victory Project®.” This refers to conditioning support activities using food and amino acids to help athletes enhance their international competitiveness and win more medals. Under the initiative, Ajinomoto designs and offers advanced meal plans based on sports nutrition science for top-class athletes in various sports.

Looking back, Hanyu said that his own diet had issues. He first learned about five major nutrients that should be taken in three meals and supplementation to get energy and nutrients that tend to be lacking. As he studied, he became interested in how to take proteins, one of the nutrients, which are essential for muscles, bones, internal organs, and other parts of the body and used as a source of energy. In that process, Hanyu came to realize the importance of amino acids.

Amino acids are known as the building blocks of proteins that make up our bodies. Of roughly 500 types of amino acids found in nature, only 20 make up proteins in the human body. They are not only a necessary part of the body but are also expected to help stimulate appetite because they help to make food delicious. And three essential amino acids, called BCAAs, are closely related to muscle mass and recovery, an important point for athletes. In other words, a well-designed daily diet and efficient intake of amino acids help athletes improve their performance.

Based on this approach, Hanyu and Ajinomoto worked hard together under the nutrition program “Kachimeshi® (Winning Meals).” In various competitions at home and abroad, a nutrition support team was set up to share meal plans with Hanyu in respective venues before meals were actually served. In light of the physical conditions that Hanyu felt, optimum meal plans were decided through dialogs. For example, we supported Hanyu during an international competition by creating some meal rules like making sure each meal comprised four dishes of staple food, a main dish, a side dish, and soup; serving meat and fish as a main dish alternately every day; and preparing meals consisted mainly of hot pot, which allows him to increase ingredients, for lunch and dinner. Each meal was carefully planned and served from various perspectives, such as nutrient balance, the total amount to be eaten, and meal serving time calculated backward from the time of training or competition. As for how to take proteins, which Hanyu cared about in particular, the time gap was also considered. This is because, if one eats proteins, it takes 3–4 h to digest them and absorb the nutrients, whereas if one takes amino acids, they are absorbed in approximately 30 min. Ajinomoto developed a strong support system so that Hanyu was able to take an ideal amount of nutrients from three meals and supplementation including amino acid supplements at a targeted timing. After the competition, we calculated and quantified the daily nutrient intake status, divided the amino acids contained in his meals and supplements by type, and analyzed them. Consequently, it was found that Hanyu had been able to keep an ideal body composition.

It has been 10 years since Ajinomoto started to support Hanyu. Now, Hanyu pays careful attention to the order to eat a meal as he said, “Since I knew dashi contains amino acids that serve as appetizers to whet the appetite, that led to having soup first when I eat at home.” He also knows that different amino acids have different effects. “As my routine, I take amino VITAL® PRO before getting on the ice and amino VITAL® GOLD after training,” Hanyu said, suggesting that he has established his own style of taking respective supplements. Hanyu learned about food and nutrients and incorporated that knowledge into his diet. Along with his practice, this experience probably helped him keep an overwhelming presence in international competitions.

Do everything for the best performance

Four months after Hanyu announced his decision to become a professional skater, he delivered his first professional performance and performed a solo ice show last month. In both shows, he received great applause. For each of the shows, Hanyu trained as hard as he had done for past competitions. “I don’t want to lower the quality of my skating. I am going to face skating with an awareness that I am responsible for my own body as a professional skater more than ever,” he said. In figure skating, setting the timing to reach a peak condition during a competition season or in a day is important. To deliver his unique and best performance to the audience, the “seeker” is quite strict about keeping his body conditioned. Ajinomoto is there for Hanyu and continues to support his efforts.