Aminosine
Also known as: Aminosine, Amino acid supplements, Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), Essential Amino Acids (EAA)
Overview
Aminosine is a proprietary or brand name likely referring to a supplement containing amino acids, specifically essential amino acids (EAAs) or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These are the fundamental building blocks of proteins, naturally obtained from dietary sources like meat, dairy, and legumes. Amino acid supplements are primarily used to support muscle protein synthesis, prevent muscle wasting, and enhance muscle strength and physical function. They are particularly beneficial for older adults, individuals with chronic diseases, or those recovering from surgery. The research on amino acid supplementation is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews evaluating its efficacy in various clinical populations, showing moderate to high maturity in evidence.
Benefits
Protein and essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation has demonstrated benefits in improving fat-free mass, muscle strength, and physical function, particularly in older adults and clinical populations experiencing muscle wasting or malnutrition. A meta-analysis of 39 randomized controlled trials (n=4274) showed small but statistically significant improvements (standardized mean differences [SMD] between 0.21 and 0.27, p<0.005) in these outcomes. Branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation in patients with liver cirrhosis significantly improved event-free survival (relative risk 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88, p=0.008) and showed a trend toward improved overall survival. Amino acid supplementation may also help prevent muscle wasting after orthopedic surgery, though more research is needed to confirm this effect. These benefits are most pronounced in undernourished elderly, patients with chronic liver disease, post-surgical patients, and individuals with sarcopenia or muscle wasting conditions. Effects are generally small to moderate, with clinical significance depending on baseline nutritional status and rehabilitation efforts, typically observed over weeks to months.
How it works
Amino acids primarily stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) by activating the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, specifically the mTORC1 complex. This activation signals the cellular machinery to produce new proteins, thereby supporting muscle maintenance, growth, and repair. By improving nitrogen balance, amino acids contribute to an anabolic state in the body. Rapidly absorbed amino acids lead to increased plasma amino acid levels, which in turn promotes this anabolic signaling. Beyond muscle, amino acids may also modulate immune and metabolic functions, contributing to overall physiological support.
Side effects
Amino acid supplements are generally considered safe when consumed within recommended dosages. Common side effects are rare, with some individuals reporting mild gastrointestinal discomfort, typically associated with very high doses. Uncommon or rare serious adverse events have not been consistently reported in high-quality studies. There are no major documented drug interactions, but caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, as high protein intake can potentially exacerbate renal impairment. Severe renal impairment is a contraindication. While generally safe, monitoring is recommended for special populations such as the elderly and patients with liver disease, who may benefit from supplementation but require careful oversight.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for essential amino acids (EAA) varies, but studies commonly use ranges from 3 to 15 grams per day. Optimal dosage ranges for general supplementation often fall between 6-15 grams of EAA or 5-20 grams of total protein supplements daily. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses significantly exceeding typical dietary protein recommendations should be monitored, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions. Timing considerations suggest that post-exercise or post-surgical administration may enhance benefits due to increased anabolic window. Powder or liquid forms are often preferred for their rapid absorption. Co-ingestion with carbohydrates may further improve amino acid uptake. No specific cofactors are required, but adequate hydration and overall balanced nutrition are important for optimal efficacy.
FAQs
Is Aminosine effective for muscle wasting?
Amino acid supplements, including those similar to Aminosine, show small but significant benefits in improving muscle mass and function, particularly in undernourished or elderly populations, as supported by meta-analyses.
Is it safe?
Yes, amino acid supplements are generally safe with minimal side effects when used within recommended doses. Gastrointestinal discomfort is rare and typically associated with high intake.
When is the best time to take it?
Amino acid supplements are often recommended post-exercise or during recovery phases to maximize muscle protein synthesis and aid in repair and growth.
How soon can I expect to see results?
Benefits typically become noticeable over weeks to months, depending on individual baseline nutritional status, the specific intervention, and adherence to the regimen.
Is it better than whole protein sources?
While whole protein is effective, essential amino acids may be more rapidly absorbed and can stimulate muscle protein synthesis more directly, offering a targeted approach, especially in specific clinical contexts.
Research Sources
- 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 of 39 RCTs (n=4274) found that protein and EAA supplementation significantly improved fat-free mass, muscle strength, and physical function in older adults with acute or chronic conditions. While showing positive effects, the study noted high heterogeneity and variable risk of bias among included trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29508691/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to the same meta-analysis on protein and amino acid supplements in older adults. It highlights the efficacy of these supplements in improving muscle-related outcomes, despite acknowledging the heterogeneity and risk of bias in the underlying research.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/eci.13909 – This systematic review with meta-analysis of 54 studies (34 RCTs) involving 2308 cirrhotic patients demonstrated that BCAA supplementation significantly improved event-free survival (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88, p=0.008) and showed a trend toward improved overall survival, despite a high risk of bias in many studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39802328/ – This PubMed entry likely points to a systematic review on amino acid supplementation for preventing muscle wasting after orthopedic surgery. It suggests potential benefits but emphasizes the need for more high-quality trials with larger sample sizes to confirm efficacy.
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/287385-efficacy-of-protein-and-essential-amino-acid-supplementation-in-lower-limb-surgeries-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis – This systematic review and meta-analysis specifically investigated the efficacy of protein and EAA supplementation following lower limb surgeries. It provides insights into the role of these supplements in post-surgical recovery and muscle preservation, contributing to the understanding of their clinical application in orthopedic contexts.
