Aminogen Elite Amino Acid Spiking Polypeptide Complex
Also known as: Aminogen Elite Amino Acid Spiking Polypeptide Complex, Aminogen®, Aminogen
Overview
Aminogen® is a patented, proprietary blend of digestive protease enzymes derived from *Aspergillus* species (fungal origin). It is not a single amino acid but a polypeptide complex containing fungal proteases. Primarily used as a digestive aid, Aminogen® is designed to be added to protein supplements, such as whey protein, to enhance the rate and extent of protein hydrolysis and subsequent amino acid absorption. This improved digestion can potentially lead to better nitrogen retention and a reduction in inflammatory markers. It functions by breaking down dietary proteins more efficiently, aiming to improve overall protein utilization and alleviate potential gastrointestinal discomfort associated with protein consumption. While several clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials, support its efficacy, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Aminogen® are currently limited.
Benefits
Aminogen® offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily centered around enhanced protein digestion and absorption. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 40 resistance-trained men demonstrated that adding Aminogen® to whey protein significantly increased the rate of amino acid absorption and improved nitrogen retention over 30 days. This study also reported a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, the same research indicated that Aminogen® supplementation was associated with stable or improved blood lipid profiles, unlike whey protein alone, which led to increases in total and LDL cholesterol. These benefits were observed in healthy, active individuals, suggesting its applicability in populations engaged in resistance training. While the exact effect sizes were not detailed, the reported p-values (<0.05) indicate statistically significant improvements in amino acid levels and nitrogen retention. The effects were evident after 30 days of continuous supplementation.
How it works
Aminogen® functions primarily through its enzymatic activity within the gastrointestinal tract. It contains fungal proteases, which are enzymes specifically designed to break down peptide bonds in dietary proteins. This proteolytic action enhances the hydrolysis of complex proteins into smaller peptides and free amino acids. By facilitating this breakdown, Aminogen® promotes faster and more complete absorption of these amino acids and peptides in the small intestine. This improved digestive efficiency can lead to better utilization of dietary protein, potentially reducing gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic inflammation, as evidenced by the reduction in C-reactive protein. The enzymes act locally within the digestive system, and the resulting amino acids and peptides are then absorbed via the body's normal intestinal transport mechanisms.
Side effects
Based on available research, Aminogen® appears to have a favorable safety profile. A 30-day double-blind, randomized controlled trial reported no adverse reactions or safety concerns among participants supplementing with Aminogen®. No common (greater than 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (less than 1%) side effects have been reported in the studied population. Due to the nature of fungal protease enzymes, which generally have low systemic absorption, the risk of drug interactions is considered minimal, though no specific data are available. There are no reported contraindications, but caution is advised for individuals with known fungal allergies due to its *Aspergillus* origin. It is important to note that current safety data are limited to healthy, resistance-trained men, and the safety profile in other populations, such as the elderly, pregnant or lactating women, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, has not been established. Long-term safety data beyond 30 days are also limited.
Dosage
The optimal and maximum safe dosages for Aminogen® are not definitively established, as commercial products vary in their enzyme concentrations. In the primary cited study, Aminogen® was administered as part of two 40-gram doses of whey protein daily, but the exact enzyme dose was not specified. Generally, Aminogen® is intended to be taken concomitantly with protein supplementation to maximize its digestive benefits. It is typically found as an ingredient in protein powders or other protein-containing supplements. The enzymatic activity of Aminogen® is dependent on factors such as gastric pH and the presence of its substrate (protein). There are no specific required cofactors mentioned for its efficacy. While no adverse effects were reported at the studied doses, an established maximum safe dose is not available, and users should adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations on product labels.
FAQs
Is Aminogen® effective for improving muscle protein synthesis?
Aminogen® enhances amino acid absorption, which provides the building blocks for muscle protein synthesis. While it indirectly supports this process, direct evidence specifically showing Aminogen® stimulating muscle protein synthesis is currently lacking.
Is Aminogen® safe for long-term use?
Current research on Aminogen®'s safety is limited to short-term use, specifically up to 30 days. Within this period, it appears safe with no reported adverse effects. Long-term safety data beyond this duration are not yet available.
Does Aminogen® cause digestive upset?
Controlled studies have not reported any adverse gastrointestinal effects or digestive upset associated with Aminogen® supplementation. In fact, it is marketed to potentially reduce discomfort by improving protein digestion.
Is Aminogen® related to amino acid spiking?
No, Aminogen® is an enzyme complex designed to improve protein digestion and absorption. It is not an amino acid and is not used for amino acid spiking, which is the practice of adding cheap free amino acids to inflate the reported protein content of a supplement.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3644185/ – This double-blind, randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Aminogen® on protein digestion and absorption in 40 resistance-trained men over 30 days. The study found that Aminogen® significantly increased amino acid absorption, improved nitrogen retention, and reduced C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker), with no reported adverse effects. It also noted improved lipid profiles compared to whey protein alone.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1934578X251326124 – This narrative review discusses the role of whey protein, particularly its high leucine content and rapid digestibility, in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. While not specific to Aminogen®, it provides context on the importance of efficient protein digestion for muscle anabolism, indirectly supporting the rationale for enzyme supplementation.
- https://rippedbody.com/protein-powder-scams/ – This industry article explains the concept of 'amino acid spiking' in protein supplements, where cheap free amino acids are added to artificially inflate the protein content. It clarifies that Aminogen® is an enzyme, not an amino acid, and is therefore not involved in this deceptive practice.
- https://us.myprotein.com/thezone/training/amino-spiking/ – Similar to the RippedBody.com article, this educational piece from MyProtein further elaborates on amino acid spiking, detailing how it's done and why it's a concern for consumers. It helps differentiate legitimate enzyme blends like Aminogen® from practices designed to misrepresent protein content.