AMINOx is an amino acid based performance and recovery supplement from BSN.

BSN were one of the first gym supplement companies that we got into, after Maximuscle, years ago. NO-Xplode is still one of the top selling pre-workout drink mixes available, and they have a loyal band of customers.

AminoX is the more subtle companion to NO-Xplode. It isn’t designed to get you pumped, but it is formulated to help you just as much, if not more, than a pre-workout supplement could.

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) have been in the game for a long time, probably longer than most of the so-called ergogenic ingredients, maybe even as long as the ever reliable Creatine.

…but BCAAs that were sold years ago did not taste good at all, didn’t sit too well in the stomach, and pretty much made you want to barf mid-way through a strenuous deadlift.

Now, however, the instantized and micronized powders the companies have developed are much more palatable, and the BCAA science is crushing it, so amino acids and the 3 branched-chain stars of the lot – Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine – are back in a big way.

Most companies are putting out BCAA and amino-acid products now for the purposes of helping users with overall energy levels, muscle protein synthesis, recovery, endurance and combatting exercise-induced fatigue.

AMINOx is BSN’s offering, and we took it for a spin. Continue reading to find out more.

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AminoX – Benefits of BCAAs

BSN’s AminoX is an amino acid supplement, nothing less, and not much more.

It contains 10 grams of amino acids per serving, the lion’s share of which is comprised of BCAAs.

Branched Chain Amino Acids have a different structure to the other amino acids – basically a ‘branch’ of carbon atoms connected to base structure.

This structural speciality gives BCAAs certain properties. All, or at least one of them can:

• be metabolized directly inside muscle tissue as a source of energy
• trigger muscle protein synthesis
• reduce fat storage and increase fat burning
• stimulate insulin and glucose metabolism
• reduce fatigue brought on by exercise-induced tryptophan

Leucine is the dominant BCAA, given its ability to signal muscle hypertrophy – one of the main goals of resistance training.

This has led some companies to focus on Leucine and leave out the other two BCAAs. That’s a mistake though, because Isoleucine can help with body fat reduction and Valine is important for blocking tryptophan in the brain, therefore staving off fatigue at critical points in our workout.

For these reasons all 3 BCAAs are often included at a 2:1:1 ratio (Leuc:Iso:Val), and AminoX is no exception.

BCAAs are obviously great all-round energy and recovery inclusions but they have also included other amino-acids which add to ergogenic effects of the product. Taurine, Citrulline and Alanine can help reduce the effects of physical and mental stress; improve blood flow and help signal growth hormone release; and increase muscle endurance so you can push out another couple reps in a set.

Ingredients in AminoX

We’ll just round up the ingredients discussed. The following inclusions and their quantities are in a 14.5 gram serving of AminoX:

Vits and Minerals

Vitamin D3 – 500 IU
Sodium – 160mg

Anabolic Amino Acid Interfusion* – 10 grams

L-Leucine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine, L-Alanine, Taurine, L-Citrulline (all micronized exc. Alanine)

Efforsorb EnDura Composite* – 2 grams

Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate and Vitamin D3

*these are trademarked blend names of BSN

Hopefully you can see from the ingredients that this is a fairly simple BCAA/amino acid/electrolyte supplement.

The most stand-out point here is that 10 grams is a good whack of amino acids per serving.

It’s a good, if basic, formula.

Side Effects

We advise taking a half dose of AminoX, especially if it’s the first time you have used BCAAs. Some people can have slightly upset stomachs on the first go.

AminoX is a little harder to mix than some BCAA products but once you have assessed how well it sits, there should be no problems.

Pregnant and breastfeeding mums, children and elderly people should not take this supplement.

People with medical conditions or that are currently taking prescription medication should consult their doctor before using anything like AminoX.

Conclusion and Recommendations

AminoX gets the basics right. It’s hard not too, really. The BCAAs, a couple of the other amino acids and you’re most of the way there. Add something for improved hydration and you have the makings of a workout supplement you can use before, during and after exercise.

There are some points we’d say could be improved though. It’s difficult to make amino acids taste good – they have a super bitter taste and chalky feel to them if left as they are. Many companies are making good masking flavouring and consistencies but with BSN’s AminoX, we could still taste the amino acids getting through.

It’s not a huge deal for some people, and others want to really enjoy the drink they take with them to the gym. The stuff a lot of companies put in to make it taste better might not be all that excellent for you, however, so that’s one thing to consider.