Protease Aminogen
Also known as: Aminogen®, fungal protease enzyme blend, Aminogen
Overview
Aminogen® is a patented proprietary blend of fungal-derived protease enzymes, primarily isolated from Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae species. It is classified as a digestive enzyme supplement, specifically a protease complex, designed to enhance the digestion and absorption of dietary proteins. Often combined with protein supplements like whey protein, its primary application is to increase the rate and extent of amino acid absorption, potentially leading to enhanced nitrogen retention and a reduction in inflammatory markers. Research on Aminogen® includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing its effects on amino acid bioavailability, metabolic safety, and lipid profiles. While the evidence base is limited, it includes independent double-blind RCTs with adequate sample sizes and proper controls, demonstrating its ability to improve protein utilization.
Benefits
Aminogen® supplementation, particularly when combined with whey protein, significantly increases early postprandial plasma amino acid concentrations, including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and leucine, by approximately 9-10% compared to placebo. This indicates enhanced protein digestion and absorption, which is a primary benefit. One randomized controlled trial also reported improved nitrogen retention and a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Furthermore, Aminogen® has demonstrated safety-related benefits, as it was well tolerated with no adverse effects reported during 30 days of continuous dosing. It also prevented increases in total and LDL cholesterol observed in control groups consuming whey protein alone. Studies have primarily been conducted in healthy, resistance-trained men, making the benefits most directly applicable to this demographic. The enhanced amino acid absorption is observed acutely post-ingestion, with plasma levels elevated for several hours, while safety and lipid profile effects were evaluated over 30 days.
How it works
Aminogen® contains fungal proteases that function by catalyzing the hydrolysis of peptide bonds within dietary proteins. This enzymatic activity accelerates the breakdown of proteins into smaller, more absorbable amino acids and peptides. By facilitating this process, Aminogen® increases the rate at which amino acids are released into the bloodstream, thereby enhancing their bioavailability. This improved efficiency in protein digestion may also contribute to better nitrogen retention within the body and could modulate inflammatory responses. The fungal proteases are active within the gastrointestinal tract, and their effectiveness is dependent on their stability in the digestive environment and the concurrent presence of protein substrates.
Side effects
Aminogen® is generally considered safe, based on a 30-day double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 40 healthy men. This study reported no adverse events or negative impacts on metabolic, hepato-renal, or cardiovascular markers. No common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) or uncommon/rare side effects (occurring in <5% of users) have been documented in the available literature. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications reported. However, it is important to note that specific studies on special populations, such as women, the elderly, or individuals with pre-existing clinical conditions, have not been conducted. As Aminogen® is derived from fungi, individuals with known mold allergies should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
The effective dose of Aminogen® used in clinical studies is approximately 2.5 grams per dose, typically combined with whey protein. Optimal dosing appears to be twice daily, taken concurrently with protein intake, to maximize amino acid absorption. While a maximum safe dose has not been explicitly defined, 30-day repeated dosing at the studied levels showed no safety concerns. Aminogen® should be taken at the same time as protein ingestion to enhance digestion. It is typically found as a powder blend within protein supplements. Its enzymatic activity and effectiveness are dependent on the gastrointestinal pH and the presence of protein substrates in the digestive tract.
FAQs
Is Aminogen® safe for long-term use?
Current data support safety for at least 30 days of continuous use; however, longer-term studies are currently lacking to confirm extended safety.
Does Aminogen® improve muscle growth?
While improved amino acid absorption suggests a potential benefit for muscle hypertrophy, direct evidence specifically linking Aminogen® to enhanced muscle growth is limited and requires further research.
Can Aminogen® reduce inflammation?
One study reported a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, indicating a possible anti-inflammatory effect, but more research is needed to confirm this benefit.
Is Aminogen® effective without protein?
No, Aminogen®'s function as a protease depends on the presence of protein substrates for its enzymatic activity, so it must be taken with protein.
Are there any known allergies?
Aminogen® is derived from fungi. Individuals with known mold allergies should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using this supplement.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11130700/ – This source is a systematic review on protein supplementation and resistance training. While it discusses the general benefits of protein, it does not specifically isolate or evaluate the effects of protease enzymes like Aminogen®, indicating a gap in comprehensive reviews for this specific ingredient.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3644185/ – This double-blind RCT (n=40 healthy men) evaluated 30-day repeated dosing of Aminogen® with whey protein. It found no adverse effects on metabolic, hepato-renal, or cardiovascular markers, and the Aminogen® group showed stable or improved lipid profiles compared to controls, supporting its safety profile.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-news/myprotein-the-whey – This source appears to be a blog post discussing Myprotein and whey, which may mention Aminogen® in the context of supplement formulations. It is likely a secondary source and not a peer-reviewed research paper, providing general information rather than detailed study findings.
- https://www.innophos.com/ingredients/nutrition-brands/aminogen-advanced – This source is from Innophos, the manufacturer of Aminogen®. It provides information on the product's benefits and applications from the company's perspective, likely including marketing claims and summaries of internal or sponsored research. It serves as a commercial information source.
