Aminogen Enzymes
Also known as: Aminogen, Fungal Protease Enzyme System
Overview
Aminogen is a patented proteolytic enzyme blend derived from *Aspergillus niger* and *Aspergillus oryzae*. It is primarily used as a digestive aid to enhance protein digestion and amino acid absorption. As a protease blend, Aminogen breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, facilitating improved uptake in the gut. This is particularly relevant for individuals looking to optimize protein utilization, such as athletes or those with digestive issues. It is often included in protein supplements like whey protein powders. Research on Aminogen suggests potential benefits in increasing amino acid absorption, improving nitrogen retention, and reducing inflammation, as indicated by reduced C-reactive protein levels. While generally considered safe, the available evidence varies in quality, with some studies showing significant benefits and others focusing primarily on safety.
Benefits
Aminogen's primary benefit is enhancing amino acid absorption from protein sources, leading to higher blood levels of amino acids and improved nitrogen retention. Studies have shown a significant increase in amino acid uptake when Aminogen is co-ingested with protein supplements. Some evidence suggests that Aminogen may reduce C-reactive protein levels, indicating potential anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, improved protein digestion may lead to faster recovery times and reduced muscle damage, although more research is needed to confirm these effects. These benefits are particularly relevant for athletes or individuals with digestive issues who seek to optimize protein utilization.
How it works
Aminogen functions by breaking down complex proteins into smaller peptides and individual amino acids. This enzymatic action occurs within the digestive system, where the proteases target and hydrolyze the peptide bonds linking amino acids together. By pre-digesting proteins, Aminogen enhances the efficiency of protein absorption in the small intestine. This increased availability of free amino acids contributes to improved nitrogen retention and supports muscle recovery and growth. The enzymes derived from *Aspergillus niger* and *Aspergillus oryzae* are specifically designed to optimize protein digestion.
Side effects
Aminogen is generally considered safe for consumption, with no significant adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are not well-documented, and rare side effects have not been reported. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been identified. However, as with any supplement, individual tolerance may vary. While no specific warnings exist for pregnant women, children, or elderly individuals, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use. Further research is needed to fully assess the safety profile in these specific populations.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Aminogen are not well-defined, as it is often included as part of protein supplements. There is no established minimum effective dose or maximum safe dose for standalone Aminogen supplementation. It is typically taken with protein-containing meals to enhance digestion and absorption. Since it is often available in powder form as part of protein supplements, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific product. Enhanced absorption is observed when taken with protein. Due to the lack of specific dosage recommendations, it is important to start with a conservative amount and monitor individual tolerance.
FAQs
What is Aminogen and what does it do?
Aminogen is a patented enzyme blend that enhances protein digestion and amino acid absorption. It breaks down proteins into smaller, more easily absorbed components, improving protein utilization.
Is Aminogen safe to use?
Aminogen is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials. However, individual tolerance may vary, and it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
When is the best time to take Aminogen?
The best time to take Aminogen is with meals containing protein. This allows the enzymes to work effectively to break down the protein and enhance amino acid absorption.
What are the expected benefits of taking Aminogen?
Users may experience improved protein absorption, potentially leading to faster recovery and better muscle growth. It is not a substitute for a balanced diet but enhances protein utilization.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10844538/ – This double-blind clinical study examined the effects of Aminogen with whey protein, demonstrating increased amino acid absorption and nitrogen retention. The study also reported reduced C-reactive protein levels, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. The controlled design provides valuable insights, but the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3644185/ – This study focused on assessing the safety and tolerance of Aminogen over a 30-day period. The results indicated that Aminogen was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects reported. While the study provides strong evidence for the safety of Aminogen, it lacks detailed data on its efficacy in enhancing protein digestion and absorption.
- https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-news/myprotein-the-whey – This blog post discusses Myprotein's 'The Whey' protein supplement, which includes Aminogen. It highlights Aminogen's role in improving protein digestion and absorption, aligning with the broader understanding of its benefits. While not a primary research article, it provides context on the practical application of Aminogen in commercial supplements.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/eci.13909 – This abstract discusses the effects of enzyme supplementation on protein digestion and absorption. It provides evidence supporting the role of proteolytic enzymes in enhancing protein digestion, which is relevant to understanding Aminogen's mechanism of action. The abstract suggests that enzyme supplementation can improve the bioavailability of dietary proteins.
- https://www.animbiosci.org/journal/view.php?number=25058 – This research article investigates the impact of enzyme supplementation on protein utilization in animal models. The findings suggest that enzyme supplementation can improve protein digestibility and amino acid absorption, which supports the use of Aminogen in enhancing protein utilization. While the study focuses on animal models, the results provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of Aminogen in humans.