An effective dietary supplement?
ALLMAX Nutrition is a quality nutritional supplement company that stocks just about every product for the health and fitness conscious individual.
And their AMINOCORE BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acid) supplement provides more than enough of itessential nutrients(leucine, valine and isoleucine) to support your efforts.
Studies have shown that amino acid supplementation promotes muscle growth, accelerates recovery, reduces muscle fatigue and wasting, and can even be beneficial for those with chronic illnesses.
So we'd say if you're looking for something that can offer health and performance benefits, it's definitely worth it.
But not all supplements are created equal and that's why we wanted to review AMINOCORE to see if it kept up.
So let's dive a little deeper into this very popular product to see what it's all about and how it can benefit the active individual. But first, here are the pros and cons we think…
Advantages
- Good amount/ratio of BCAAs
- High quality main ingredients
Disadvantages
- Artificial ingredients (preferred)
Click here for the lowest price on Amazon
What are BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids)
The threebranched chain amino acids(leucine, valine and isoleucine) are among the nine essential amino acids that our body cannot produce itself.
And we need to get these BCAAs through our diet and/or supplementation.
But BCAAs are found in dairy, meat products, eggs, whey, soy, seeds, nuts, whole wheat, brown rice, beans and more.
And that's why it's important to eat a nutritious diet to get those essential BCAAs.
Benefits of Supplementation
There are many benefits of BCAA consumption for health and performance, with several studies backing up the claims.
Now, not everyone will respond positively in every case or experience all of the potential benefits. However, supplementation is all about testing different ingredients and products to see what may work for each individual.
Here are some of the key benefits of BCAA supplementation…
muscle growth
Of the three BCAAs,Leucine is primarily responsible for stimulating protein synthesis. (1,2)
AndAccording to one study, consuming 5.6 grams of BCAA alone increases muscle protein synthesis by 22% post-workout. (3)
But the remaining 6 essential amino acids are also necessary for the full positive effect on muscle hypertrophy. (4,5)
And a research paper has explained thatA fast-acting carbohydrate source is best consumed with BCAAs since leucine cannot optimally modulate protein synthesis without the presence of insulin. (6)
performance improvement
Some studies have shown the potential benefits of BCAAs on performancefor football players and trained cyclists during physical exertion. (7,8)
But the beneficial aspects come from the reduction in mental fatigue that allows for prolonged activity.
AndAccording to another study, BCAA consumption may be a viable option for muscle recovery while also being beneficial for immune regulation during sporting events. (9)
muscle maintenance
One of several studies concluded that BCAA supplementation before and after physical activity is beneficial in reducing exercise-induced muscle damage because BCAAs are nutrients that can be oxidized in skeletal muscle. (10)
And because of its promising effects in preventing muscle wasting, BCAA supplementation may be an appropriate therapeutic regimen for people with cancer and other diseases. (11)
Ingredients and nutritional information
Each serving of AMINOCORE contains a whopping8.180 mg BCAAsin the ratio 9:6:5.
Here are the amounts for each BCAA…
- Leucin (3.681 mg)
- Valin (2.454 mg)
- Isoleucin (2.045 mg
A dose also contains 100% of the daily value of B3, B6 and B9.
And the additional ingredients include: Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Lecithin (Sunflower) and FD&C Blue No. 1.
how much should i take
A study examining the effects on nutrient timing associated with resistance training stated that 3-4 g of leucine is necessary for peak protein synthesis.
And a whey shake with at least three grams of leucine is ideal post-workout for maximum benefit. (6)
So, if you're aiming for that number and making sure you're consuming enough nutrients (especially protein); They should be in a good position to promote hypertrophy.
Best time to consume BCAAs
According to previous research, an ideal time to consume your BCAAs is before and/or after your workout.
However, there is no conclusive evidence as to which is more effective, as both pre-workout and post-workout use have produced similar results. (12,13)
But you can always follow the directions on the label.
AMINOCORE instructions state to take one scoop during a workout or physical activity. And that makes sense since BCAAs are oxidized by muscles during activity.
But many people find that BCAAs help reduce fatigue during exercise, which is a good reason to go this route.
Why ALLMAX Nutrition AMINOCORE?
ALLMAX AMINOCORE is a great supplement for the amount of high quality amino acids contained in one serving.
And it contains 100% of the daily value of vitamins B3, B6 AND B9.
B3 (Niacin) is necessary for energy production as well as nervous and digestive health. (14)
AndB6 is important for the health of the immune system, brain and nervous system,whileB9 (folate) is essential for cell health and function. (15,16)
The powder is made with INSTACLEAR technology for easy blending, and AMINOCORE is certified for informed choice sports testing.
Disadvantages
And aside from the artificial flavors, sweeteners, and FD&C Blue No. 1 this is a great amino acid supplement to support your physical efforts.
Sucralose and acesulfame potassium (high-intensity sweeteners) are considered safe sugar substitutes by the FDA.But many people would choose to pass because of those extra ingredients. (17)
And FD&C Blue No. 1 is another additive approved for use in food. However, many people would prefer not to use color additives. (18)
How much does it cost?
There are a few different sizes that vary in price and serving size.
- $33 for 44 servings ($0.75 per serving)
- $59 for 111 servings ($0.53 cents per serving)
With a quality, higher-dose amino acid supplement, it's hard to complain about the cost-to-serving ratio. But budget is always a factor to consider before purchasing any supplement.
flavor options
There are several flavors to choose from…
- Blue Raspberry
- Fruit punch explosion
- white grape
- Key lime cherry
- Watermelon candy
- Ananas-Mango
- Pink lemonade
- Green apple candy
- sweet tea
Flavor is really a subjective matter, but that's why user reviews can be very helpful in this case. These flavors all sound delicious, but you'll never know how a flavor measures up unless you try it for yourself.
Review rating of ALLMAX Aminocore
- Efficacy – 8.5/10 stars
- Ingredients - 8/10 stars
- Flavor – NA
- Price – 8.5/10 stars
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a good Branched Chain Amino Acid supplement to support your fitness efforts, then AMINOCORE definitely ticks all the boxes for what it offers.
It's got a healthy dose of BCAAs, a reasonable price per serving, and lots of interesting flavors to choose from.
But it's formulated by a fairly reputable company that delivers when it comes to quality, and so you might just want to try it for yourself.
After all, there is evidence that BCAA supplementation can improve your performance and there are numerous studies showing its effectiveness!
But of course the results will vary...
References:
1-Kimball, Scot R.; Jefferson, Leonard S. (01 2006). "Signalling pathways and molecular mechanisms by which branched-chain amino acids mediate translational control of protein synthesis". The Journal of Nutrition. 136 (1 supplement): 227S–31S. doi:10.1093/jn/136.1.227S. ISSN 0022-3166. PMID 16365087.
2-Norton, Layne E.; Laie, Donald K. (2006-2). "Leucine regulates translational initiation of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle after exercise". The Journal of Nutrition. 136 (2): 533S-537S. doi:10.1093/jn/136.2.533S. ISSN 0022-3166. PMID 16424142.
3-Jackman, Sarah R.; Witard, Oliver C.; Philip, Andrew; Wallis, Gareth A.; Baar, Keith; Tipton, Kevin D. (2017). "Branched-chain amino acid intake stimulates myofibrillar muscle protein synthesis after resistance exercise in humans". Boundaries in Physiology. 8:390.doi:10.3389/fphys.2017.00390. ISSN 1664-042X. PMC 5461297. PMID 28638350.
4-Moberg, Marcus; Apró, William; Ekblom, Bjorn; van Hall, Gerrit; Holmberg, Hans-Christer; Blomstrand, Eva (June 1, 2016). "Activation of mTORC1 by leucine is potentiated by branched-chain amino acids and even more by essential amino acids after resistance exercise." American Journal of Physiology. cell physiology. 310 (11): C874-884. doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00374.2015. ISSN 1522-1563. PMID 27053525.
5-Churchward-Venne, Tyler A.; Burd, Nicholas A.; Mitchell, Cameron J.; West, Daniel W.D.; Philip, Andrew; Marcotte, George R.; Baker, Steven K.; Baar, Keith; Phillips, Stuart M. (June 1, 2012). "Supplement of a Suboptimal Protein Dose with Leucine or Essential Amino Acids: Effects on Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis at Rest and After Resistance Training in Men". The Journal of Physiology. 590 (11): 2751-2765. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2012.228833. ISSN 1469-7793. PMC 3424729. PMID 22451437.
6-Stark, Matthew; Lukaszuk, Judith; Prawitz, Aimee; Salacinski, Amanda (December 14, 2012). "Protein timing and its effects on muscle hypertrophy and strength in individuals who engage in resistance training". Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 9: 54. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-9-54. ISSN 1550-2783. PMC 3529694. PMID 23241341.
7-Wiśnik, Piotr; Chmura, Jan; Ziemba, Andrzej Wojciech; Mikulski, Tomasz; Nazar, Krystyna (2011-12). "The effect of branched-chain amino acids on psychomotor performance during a variable-intensity treadmill workout simulating a soccer game". Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism = Physiologie Appliquee, Nutrition Et Metabolisme. 36(6):856-862. doi:10.1139/h11-110. ISSN 1715-5312. PMID 22050133.
8- Blomstrand, E.; Hassmen, P.; Ek, S.; Ekblom, B.; Newsholme, E.A. (1997-1). "Effect of taking a branched-chain amino acid solution on perceived exertion during exercise". Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 159(1):41-49. doi:10.1046/j.1365-201X.1997.547327000.x. ISSN 0001-6772. PMID 9124069.
9-Negro, M.; Giardina, S.; Marzani, B.; Marzatico, F. (2008-9). "Branched-chain amino acid supplementation does not improve athletic performance, but does affect muscle recovery and the immune system." The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 48(3):347-351. ISSN 0022-4707. PMID 18974721.
10-Shimomura, Yoshiharu; Murakami, taro; Nakai, Naoya; Nagasaki, Masaru; Harris, Robert A. (06 2004). "Exercise Promotes BCAA Catabolism: Effects of BCAA Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle During Exercise". The Journal of Nutrition. 134 (6 Suppl): 1583S-1587S. doi:10.1093/jn/134.6.1583S. ISSN 0022-3166. PMID 15173434.
11-Eley, Helen L.; Russell, Steven T.; Tisdale, Michael J. (October 1, 2007). "Effect of branched-chain amino acids on muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia". The Biochemical Journal. 407 (Part 1): 113-120. doi:10.1042/BJ20070651. ISSN 0264-6021. PMC 2267397. PMID 17623010.
12-Ra, Song Gyu; Miyazaki, Teruo; Kojima, Ryo; Komine, Shoichi; Ishikura, Keisuke; Kawanaka, Kentaro; Honda, Akira; Matsuzaki, Yasushi; Ohmori, Hajime (2018-11). "Effect of BCAA supplement timing on exercise-induced muscle soreness and damage: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study". The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 58 (11): 1582-1591. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07638-1. ISSN 1827-1928. PMID 28944645
13-Schonfeld, Brad Jon; Aragon, Alan; Wilborn, Colin; Urbina, Stacie L.; Hayward, Sara E.; Krieger, James (2017). "Pre- and post-exercise protein intake have similar effects on muscular adaptation." PeerJ. 5: e2825. doi:10.7717/peerj.2825. ISSN 2167-8359. PMC 5214805. PMID 28070459.
14-"Niacin" Mayo Clinic.
15-"Vitamin B-6 Mayo Clinic.
16-"Folate (folic acid)". Mayo Clinic.
17-Nutrition, Center for Food Safety and Applied (February 9, 2019). "High Intensity Sweeteners". FDA.
18-Nutrition, Center for Food Safety and Applied (March 16, 2019). "Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States in Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices". FDA.