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Aminogen

Also known as: Aminogen, Protease Enzyme Blend, Protease Supplement, Aspergillus oryzae Protease Blend

Overview

Aminogen is a proprietary enzyme complex primarily composed of proteolytic enzymes derived from *Aspergillus oryzae*. It is marketed as a digestive aid to enhance protein breakdown, improve amino acid absorption, and potentially augment muscle protein synthesis when taken with protein supplements. As a proteolytic enzyme complex, it facilitates the hydrolysis of protein into absorbable peptides and amino acids within the gastrointestinal tract. While protease enzymes are well-studied, specific high-quality independent research on Aminogen itself is limited. It is available in capsule or powder form and is intended to be taken with protein-containing meals or supplements to aid digestion. The efficacy of Aminogen depends on its stability in gastric pH and its enzymatic activity.

Benefits

Protease enzymes like Aminogen theoretically improve protein digestion, potentially increasing amino acid bioavailability. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on protein and essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation show improvements in fat-free mass (FFM), muscle strength, and physical function, but these do not specifically isolate the effect of Aminogen or protease enzymes alone. Enhanced protein digestion may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort associated with high protein intake, though direct evidence for Aminogen is lacking. Protein and EAA supplementation benefits are documented in older adults and patients undergoing surgery, but no direct evidence links Aminogen supplementation to these outcomes. Meta-analyses report moderate effect sizes for protein/EAA supplementation on muscle mass and strength, but these are not attributable solely to protease enzymes.

How it works

Aminogen provides exogenous protease enzymes that hydrolyze dietary proteins into smaller peptides and free amino acids in the digestive tract. This enhances gastrointestinal protein digestion, potentially increasing amino acid absorption in the small intestine. Aminogen enzymes act locally in the gut and are not absorbed systemically. Their efficacy depends on their stability in gastric pH and enzymatic activity. The primary biological pathway involves the hydrolysis of protein substrates in the digestive tract, with no systemic molecular targets.

Side effects

Protease enzyme supplements are generally considered safe with a low risk of adverse effects. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or discomfort, but these are uncommon. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in individuals sensitive to fungal proteins. No serious adverse events have been reported in the literature. There are no significant drug interactions reported. Contraindications include known allergy to fungal enzymes or *Aspergillus* species. Caution is advised in individuals with enzyme hypersensitivity or compromised gut integrity.

Dosage

Due to a lack of specific RCTs on Aminogen, a minimum effective dose is not well established. Typically, protease enzyme supplements are dosed based on enzymatic activity units; Aminogen dosing is proprietary and varies by product. There is no established maximum safe dose, but it is generally considered safe at recommended doses. It is best taken with protein-containing meals or supplements to aid digestion. Enzyme activity depends on gastric pH and the presence of substrate protein. No specific cofactors are required.

FAQs

Does Aminogen improve muscle gains?

No direct high-quality evidence supports Aminogen alone enhancing muscle hypertrophy; benefits are more linked to protein/EAA supplementation overall.

Is Aminogen safe?

Yes, protease enzyme supplements are generally safe with minimal side effects.

When should Aminogen be taken?

Ideally with protein-containing meals or supplements to enhance digestion.

How soon will effects be noticed?

Effects on digestion may be immediate; muscle-related benefits depend on protein intake and training over weeks/months.

Is Aminogen better than other proteases?

No comparative studies exist to confirm superiority.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29508691/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of protein supplementation on muscle strength and physical performance in older adults. The study found that protein supplementation, especially when combined with resistance exercise, can improve muscle strength and physical function in older adults. However, it did not specifically investigate the effects of Aminogen or other protease enzymes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39398772/ – This meta-analysis investigated the impact of protein and amino acid supplementation on muscle recovery following lower limb surgery. The results indicated that supplementation improved mobility and muscle outcomes in patients. However, the study did not evaluate the effects of protease enzymes like Aminogen.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/systematic-review-and-metaanalysis-of-the-effect-of-protein-and-amino-acid-supplements-in-older-adults-with-acute-or-chronic-conditions/83C8288C73D79685854E78D5415B9029 – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effect of protein and amino acid supplements in older adults with acute or chronic conditions. The study found that these supplements can improve muscle mass and strength in this population. However, it did not specifically focus on the effects of protease enzymes such as Aminogen.
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/6/376 – This meta-analysis examined the effects of protein supplementation during resistance exercise training on muscle strength and fat-free mass. The study found that protein supplementation significantly increased muscle strength and fat-free mass. However, it did not specifically study protease enzymes.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/eci.13909 – This study investigated the effects of protein supplementation on muscle mass and function. The results showed that protein supplementation can improve muscle mass and function, particularly when combined with exercise. However, the study did not specifically examine the effects of Aminogen or other protease enzymes.