Amino Vital?

Triathlon Forum
1

Does anybody have any experience with Amino Vital? This was the official drink of the California man and 1/2 Caliman. I had never heard of it before the comments that were made here about the change for this race. I tried it at the expo and it tasted good, just like crystal light. I asked about the calories and the lady said, “Very low, only 30 per serving”. I didn’t think triathlon was the right place for a diet drink.

I only signed up for this race last Monday so I didn’t have time to train with it. I wasn’t going to try anything new on race day so I brought my own accelerade. I was told that this company was going to sponsor a lot of races so I wanted some info on how you work a low cal, no carb drink into your racing and training. It seems that if I drink 270 calories of accelerade every hour on the bike now, I would need two more gels an hour with amino vital. For me that would be 6 more gels for a half and 12 more for a full IM. How is this a “sports drink”? Dave

2

Good Question. I got a number of samples of Amino Vital from a sponsored athlete and used it. I also noticed it is not a fluid replacement and energy drink that provides calories but more of an Amino Acid supplement drink. It is made by Ajinomoto, the largest Amino Acid supplement manufacturer in the world.

I don’t understand the role Amino Vital plays in training. I drank it in the evenings perceiving it as more of a recovery drink or nutritional supplement. It does taste good though and seems like it would go down well on the bike. It does lack the necessary calories though.

AS I mentioned, like you, I am not certain what it is for. In the sense of an Accelerade or Cytomax it strikes me as very different.

4

It was at the race this past weekend and I think they are going to be around because they are an official sponsor of the USAT. It does taste good but I agree with Tom as to what function it plays. I asked one of the reps and he recommended it for pre and post race, but not during because of the lack of calories. Very few of the elites took it during the race because it is so new that I doubt any of them have had a chance to train with it. Of course Julie Swail took some and had mistaken it for water and dumped it on her head (obviously did not slow her down). The rep told me that they are going to be at all of the Ironman Expo’s, but Gatorade has a strangle hold on the races themselves.

5

Dre.

I talked to the same girls you did. The first one didn’t know how many calories it had and the second seemed to think “very low calories” was a good thing. I just don’t understand what it’s for. It must have been developed for a reason, right? They are putting big money into marketing it to the triathlon market so they must think we need it or at least will use it.

I ran into one of the Dr’s from the Caliman med tent at sports basement yesterday. I asked him if he saw any problems after the race because of the use of Amino Vital. He was very diplomatic with his response but I got the feeling there may have been issues. On a side note he said there weren’t a lot of folks in the med tent because people didn’t go as hard as they do at a M dot events. I guess without cash or a Kona slot on the line people didn’t push it too far.

Dave

6

I don’t know…I used it (Amino Vital) and water only a few weeks ago on my 112 (or 108 mile depending on whose computer you believe) ride when I rode the fastest I’ve ever ridden in my life and felt fabulous. And the taste isn’t bad, unlike pretty much everything else that is so sweet that I gag.

clm

7

I rode the fastest I’ve ever ridden in my life and felt fabulous. And the taste isn’t bad, unlike pretty much everything else that is so sweet that I gag.

8

Hey Tom,

Do you have any more or plan on getting any?  What I think it should be used for is as a base for mixing in your favorite carb drink powder for ultra marathons (Running or biking).  Some evidence suggests that protein during long (IM or above) efforts helps, both during the event and after for recovery.  Accelerade is marketed for this, but I cant stand the taste - it has a chalky residue which doesn't dissolve.  My current favorite powder is Gu2O, it has a light enough taste that you can make a strong mix and not gag.  Gatorade is way to sweet tasting for me even at low concentrations.

Shawn T

10

Amino Vital is on the scene becuase they paid huge dollars to USAT. No more Gatorade sponsoship. I’ve had an issue with the sponsorship because our federation has endorsed a product without much of a track record and a new 'theory". While I don’t care much for Gatorade, it does have known role and “does no harm”. As to Accelerade… we have it on the course and I have discovered if you keep it ice cold at the aid stations its really pretty good. Serving cold is essential however.

11

It might be better ice cold, but for a long self supported ride thats not practical. I don’t mind who USAT gets to sponser them, but I would very mad if Aminovital became some sort of official on the course drink. People can debate which carb drink is best, but ya gotta have carbs.

12

Branched chain amino acids are three essential amino acids; leucine, valine and isoleucine. The idea behind it is that it replaces BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids). The theory goes like this. High blood levels of BCAAs prevent a neurotransmitter called serotonin (made from another amino acid called tryptophan) from crossing the blood brain barrier. Serotonin makes you feel at ease, tired and/or sleepy. When you exercise you deplete glycogen from the liver and muscles and blood levels of BCAAs decrease. Levels of fatty acids therefore increase. This combination of reduced BCAA and elevated fatty acids in the blood, allows more tryptophan to enter the brain so more serotonin will be produced, leading to fatigue. Supplementing the diet with additional levels of BCAA is thought to block the tryptophan transport and, therefore, delay fatigue.

Does it work out that way? It depends on your amino acid levels. If you eat enough protein (which most endurance athletes don’t) you shouldn’t need it. If you eat only bagels and pasta then it may help. There’s no real scientific support for it though. Using it to replace Gatorade drinks and the like is not what it is designed to do.

13

TAKEN FROM A MEDICAL JOURNAL - Amino acids are naturally occurring molecules that the body uses to make protein. Branched-Chain Amino Acids refer to the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which all have a “branched-chain” molecular structure. Muscle tissue is particularly high in branched-chain amino acids.

People use branched chain amino acids to build muscle, improve sports performance, and minimize the effects of overtraining. This is because strength training and endurance activity uses up greater amounts of branched-chain amino acids than regular daily activities.

Branched chain amino acids are found in all foods containing protein. The best sources are red meat and dairy products. Whey protein powder, chicken, fish, and eggs are other good sources.

I have had some experience with Amino Vital. I have been using it for the past year. I use Amino Vital as a hydration, energy, and recovery drink. I have read some of Ajinomoto’s scientific studies, which support the information. In speaking with some of their marketing people in Kona, I found out that Ajinomoto - the largest amino acid manufacturer in the world has done years of studies in the area of amino acids.

I generally use one pack of Fast Charge before I begin my workout, consume 2 packs of their Mix-and-Shake product during, and then one pack of Fast Charge afterwards. I feel focused during my workouts and great afterwards. With Amino Vital, I am able to push myself harder. Thus I am getting better faster. There is more information on their website. http://amino-vital.com/whatisaminovital.asp.

As an athlete and consumer, I believe that artificial sweetners are safe in moderation as backed by the World Health Organization. A marketing person for Amino Vital told me that aspartame is made by combining two amino acids - phenalalanyline and aspartic acid (derived from asparagus) and maltitol is endorsed by the American Dental Association as a sweetner that promotes minimal tooth decay. As athletes, I think we need to be more educated about products instead of believing everything we hear at events since most information is sponsored by a product source.

Here are some helpful links - http://www.aspartame.net/media/rumors.html

http://www.google.com/u/who?q=aspartame&sitesearch=who.int&domains=who.int

http://www.caloriecontrol.org/maltitol.html

http://www.ajinomoto.com/amino/index.html

By the way, I love the taste. Check them out at your next event. Amino Acids help tremendously with my muscle recovery as I am sure they will with your too.

15

ok, the gigs up. this is your first post and it sounds like an ad in triathlete magazine. let me guess. you work for this company.

17

It is one thing for doctor’s to speak about things in sponsored setting and a complete other to read the scientific data for yourself and consult physicians and nutritionists. I have read some of Gatorade’s Sport Science information as well. They generally publish this type of literature and actually I picked up “strength and Conditioning for Specific Sports” by the Gatorade Sports Science Foundation. You can take this information to sources like my doctor and nutritrionist.

I enjoy taking care of my body and getting better performance, as do most triathletes. I believe amino acids work so you could do some research or keep doing the things you are doing.

18

tri27,

It’s funny, you really do sound like a rep or something. LOL.

19

Isn’t aspartame pretty dangerous for phenylketonurics?

Does the race make sure people know that the drink has aspartame? Like by having a lawyer reading a disclaimer/warning at each aid station. LOL.

And what the he$$ is phenylketonuria anyway?

21

tri27,
Even though the scientific research is not strong to support BCAA supplementation, assuming it works, let’s look at just your use of Amino Vital. Two mix and shake AV’s yields L-leucine=1000mg; L-isolucine=800mg; L-valine= 700mg, and one post wo fast charge which yields L-leucine=500mg; L-isolucine=400mg; L-valine= 340mg for a grand total of L-leucine=1500mg; L-isolucine=1200mg; L-valine= 1040mg

Assuming that you bought these at Performance Bike you paid $1.99ea for the servings of mix and shake (5 for $9.99), and $1.66 for the serving of fast charge (6 for $9.99). Total is $5.64 per workout.

So if you go to any health food store you can buy whey protein isolate (say NOW’s wpi) for 5lbs (2268g’s) at $40. Looking at one 42g serving of WPI you would get L-Leucine=2866mg; L-Isoleucine=1568mg ; L-Valine=1646mg. This would cost about $0.75 per workout. So why bother?

22

do you use biobuild too? :slight_smile:

23

I’m so glad you mentioned that it has aspartame. If I drink anything with aspartame in it I’ll get a splitting headache within a couple of minutes and it lasts for hours. I’m not phenylketonuric but some people’s enzymes break aspartame into nasty things like methyl alcohol , formic acid, formaldehyde.

24

The research on AV’s web site emphasizes supplementing with Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) plus L-Glutamine and L-Arginine.

So I looked at the supplement label for Amino Vital (which is available online here: http://www.amino-vital.com/suppfactsRTD.asp) and for Accelerade and Endurox, (couldn’t find labels online).

I found that in one serving of Amino Vital “Mix & Shake” (one TBSP) which makes an 8 oz serving, you get 960 mg of BCAAs: 230 mg of L-arginine, 230 mg of L-glutamine, and presumably 500 mg of other BCAAs. AV “Ready to Drink” containers hold 20 oz, which is 2.5 8 oz servings. In one 8 oz serving you get 740 mg of BCAAs: 235 mg of L-aginine, 505 mg of other BCAAs. No mention of L-glutamine on the label.

In one serving of Accelerade (one scoop) which makes a 12 oz serving, you get 1328 mg of BCAAs. There’s no breakdown of how much of that is L-arginine or L-glutamine, but both AV’s web site and Accelerade’s web site emphasize L-arginine and L-glutamine for recovery, not during exercise.

In one serving of Endurox (two scoops) which makes a 12 oz serving, you get 2719 mg of BCAAs, PLUS 2560 mg of L-Glutamine and Glutamic Acid, PLUS 1247 mg of Arginine.

Even if you normalize Accelerade down to an 8 oz serving, it has a little less BCAAs than the Amino Vital powder and a little more BCAAs than Amino Vital ready-to-drink. If you discount the L-glutamine and L-arginine in AV, Accelerade is denser in the other BCAAs than AV is. And Endurox is FAR denser in BCAAs, L-glutamine, and L-arginine than AV.

Plus, as many have already said, Accelerade and Endurox have calories, carbs, protien, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and a bunch of other stuff that’s proven useful to endurance athletes in years of independent research.

So if you believe the theory and research behind AV, buy Accelerade or Endurox instead.

Lee

25

This is too much too pass up without commenting on. Mr. Tibbs, could this be a new stealth troll, or an extremely clever attempt for the new Jackass award?

TAKEN FROM A MEDICAL JOURNAL - Amino acids are naturally occurring molecules that the body uses to make protein. Branched-Chain Amino Acids refer to the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine, which all have a “branched-chain” molecular structure. Muscle tissue is particularly high in branched-chain amino acids.

Medical journal? Big deal, I have several biochemistry textbooks that say the same thing, in the first or second chapter.

People use branched chain amino acids to build muscle, improve sports performance, and minimize the effects of overtraining. This is because strength training and endurance activity uses up greater amounts of branched-chain amino acids than regular daily activities.

Branched chain amino acids are found in all foods containing protein. The best sources are red meat and dairy products. Whey protein powder, chicken, fish, and eggs are other good sources.

I have had some experience with Amino Vital. I have been using it for the past year. I use Amino Vital as a hydration, energy, and recovery drink.

Solely AV or do you use other products as well? What did you use before AV? How did the two compare in your extensive experience? Just how long has AV been available as most people here have never heard of it before Caliman?

I have read some of Ajinomoto’s scientific studies, which support the information. In speaking with some of their marketing people in Kona, I found out that Ajinomoto - the largest amino acid manufacturer in the world has done years of studies in the area of amino acids.

Nice objective plug. I am familiar with Ajinomoto. I used to work for a company that made nutritional products for people with liver and kidney disorders/disease. As everyone is learning in the multisport world recently, covering up the metallic aftertaste of amino acids can be a real bitch. Whose amino acid it is, is irrelevant.

I generally use one pack of Fast Charge before I begin my workout, consume 2 packs of their Mix-and-Shake product during, and then one pack of Fast Charge afterwards. I feel focused during my workouts and great afterwards. With Amino Vital, I am able to push myself harder. Thus I am getting better faster.

Workouts, better, faster, terrific. How about a few more specifics, what kinds of workouts? How long/far? Better how? How much faster? Maybe you can guess I am not a big fan of handwaving. On reflection, I think I’ve seen this marketing approach before. Slowtwitchers correct me if I am wrong, but wasn’t there that shampoo direction that instructed one to administer, lather rinse and repeat? It was then logically extended by SNL in a parody, quite funny as I recall.

There is more information on their website. http://amino-vital.com/whatisaminovital.asp.

As an athlete and consumer, I believe that artificial sweetners are safe in moderation as backed by the World Health Organization. A marketing person for Amino Vital told me that aspartame is made by combining two amino acids

Scientific information from a marketing person, now you are really sinking low.

  • phenalalanyline and aspartic acid (derived from asparagus) and maltitol is endorsed by the American Dental Association as a sweetner that promotes minimal tooth decay. As athletes, I think we need to be more educated about products instead of believing everything we hear at events since most information is sponsored by a product source. Yeah, yeah, yeah, damage control for the rumours that aspartame causes brain cancer, let’s not insult the forum. On the other hand, if we should be more educated by not believing everything we hear at events, how does your spiel differ from an event. You come on as Joe Schmoo triathlete, first day ever on this forum, totally anonymous and really touting the company banner. A little reality check here. BTW, it is phenylalanine. Phenalalanyline, if it does exist, really does sound carcinogenic. That’s what you get for getting basic/scientific information from a marketing person. I hope you have learned a valuable lesson, for no charge no less.

Here are some helpful links - http://www.aspartame.net/media/rumors.html

http://www.google.com/u/who?q=aspartame&sitesearch=who.int&domains=who.int

http://www.caloriecontrol.org/maltitol.html

http://www.ajinomoto.com/amino/index.html

By the way, I love the taste. Check them out at your next event. Amino Acids help tremendously with my muscle recovery as I am sure they will with your too.

Yes, I always check out new products/equipment/nutrition at my events, particularly my most important events of the year. I really like to take every opportunity to get the best performance out of myself at all of my most important events. Besides, why waste time during training for evaluation. Once again, in non-marketing/sales terms, define tremendously. I dare ya, I double-dare ya.

All-in-all, Mr Tri27 you come across as someone commonly defined as a poser. Being an athlete and consumer, I am sure you know what that means. Your comments are all just a little too vague. If you had hit on just one accurate endurance sport comment, you might have been given the benefit of the doubt. However, your comments on your activities could equally fit an aerobics session or a senior citizen aquatics class as well as a triathlete training program or an actual triathlon. Name dropping with WHO and the ADA (get real) impresses corporate executives and retailers more than down and dirty endurance people.

Come clean MR. Tri27, if you don’t you will do far more damage to AV’s creditability than any marketing you had hoped to accomplish. At the very least, you are sponsored by AV, for what sport I have no clue.