Aminolast: Recovery During and After Training
Gaspari Nutrition Aminolast is an amino acid drink focused on recovery. It contains BCAAs, betaine, and electrolytes -- a combination designed to reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after intense training.
This guide helps athletes understand whether Aminolast offers genuine added value compared to standard BCAA powder.
TL;DR
- Aminolast contains BCAAs (2:1:1), betaine, and electrolytes
- Betaine (2.5g) is scientifically studied for strength and body composition improvements
- Recovery support is evidence-based, but the effect is moderate
- Greatest benefit for athletes training intensely (4+ times per week)
- Good price-to-value ratio thanks to the betaine addition
What Is Aminolast?
Aminolast differs from many BCAA products by including betaine (trimethylglycine) alongside the three branched-chain amino acids. Betaine is an osmolyte that helps cells maintain water balance and is associated with improved strength outcomes (Cholewa et al., 2013).
Composition per serving:
| Ingredient | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| L-Leucine | 5g | Triggering muscle protein synthesis |
| L-Isoleucine | 2.5g | Energy metabolism during training |
| L-Valine | 2.5g | Reducing central nervous system fatigue |
| Betaine (TMG) | 2.5g | Strength support, cell volume |
| Electrolytes | 400mg | Hydration balance |
Betaine -- What Makes Aminolast Different
Betaine is Aminolast's key differentiating ingredient. A meta-analysis showed that betaine supplementation (2.5g daily) can improve strength outcomes and body composition (Cholewa et al., 2013). Another study found that 6-week betaine supplementation increased arm strength and reduced fat mass in trained males (Cholewa et al., 2018).
However, not all studies have found positive results. The effect is statistically significant but practically modest -- do not expect dramatic changes.
BCAAs and Recovery
The recovery-supporting effect of BCAAs is one of their better-documented uses. Howatson et al. (2012) found that BCAA supplementation reduced markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) and subjective muscle soreness after resistance training.
That said, a growing number of researchers now believe that EAAs (all 9 essential amino acids) may be more effective for recovery than just 3 BCAAs (Jackman et al., 2017).
Who Should Use Aminolast
Best choice for:
- High-frequency trainers -- 4+ sessions per week, need rapid recovery
- Strength athletes -- betaine supports strength outcomes
- Athletes in a caloric deficit -- preserving muscle mass during dieting
- Two-a-day training -- fast recovery after the first session
Less necessary for:
- Recreational trainers (2-3x weekly) with adequate protein intake
- Protein powder users who drink a shake immediately post-workout
Aminolast vs Aminoblast vs Standard BCAA
| Criterion | Aminolast | Aminoblast | Standard BCAA |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCAAs | 10g (2:1:1) | 10g (2:1:1) | 5-10g |
| Betaine | 2.5g | No | No |
| Electrolytes | Yes | Yes | Usually no |
| Focus | Recovery + strength | Intra-workout energy | Muscle protection |
| Price/serving | ~€1.30-1.60 | ~€1.20-1.50 | ~€0.50-0.80 |
Common Mistakes
1. Overestimating betaine expectations -- Betaine is a useful addition, but it does not replace creatine, which is far more studied for strength and muscle mass.
2. Using Aminolast as your only recovery tool -- Sleep, nutrition, and training load management are far more important.
3. Underdosing -- Some people use half a serving, which falls below the effective betaine dose (2.5g).
4. Mixing with a protein shake -- Separate consumption makes more sense, as Aminolast is designed as an intra-workout drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aminolast reduce muscle soreness?
BCAAs can moderately reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) (Howatson et al., 2012). It will not eliminate pain entirely but may shorten recovery time.
Is Aminolast suitable for endurance athletes?
Yes. BCAAs and electrolytes are beneficial during longer endurance training sessions. Betaine may also help endurance performance.
When is the best time to take Aminolast?
During and immediately after training. Sip it slowly throughout your workout for optimal absorption.
Can I use Aminolast on rest days?
Yes, betaine works cumulatively. On rest days, take it in the morning with food.
Estonia Context
In Estonia, Aminolast is available at sports nutrition stores and online shops like MaxFit.ee. Price ranges from €27-38 per tub. Among Estonian athletes who frequently train indoors during the long dark winter, recovery drinks are especially popular from October to March, when indoor training intensity tends to increase.
References
- Cholewa, J.M. et al. (2013). Effects of Betaine on Body Composition, Performance, and Homocysteine Thiolactone. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 39.
- Cholewa, J.M. et al. (2018). The Effects of Chronic Betaine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance in Collegiate Females. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 15(1), 37.
- Howatson, G. et al. (2012). Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Is Reduced in Resistance-Trained Males by Branched Chain Amino Acids. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 9(1), 20.
- Jackman, S.R. et al. (2017). Branched-Chain Amino Acid Ingestion Stimulates Muscle Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis following Resistance Exercise in Humans. Frontiers in Physiology, 8, 390.
Browse BCAA and recovery products at MaxFit.ee
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