AminoCo vs Alternatives: What the Evidence Says (Including FundAminos)
Amino acid supplements can enhance training adaptations when they deliver the right spectrum of essential amino acids (EAAs) in adequate doses. AminoCo is a known brand — but it’s not the only option. Below, we outline what actually matters (EAA vs BCAA, leucine, plant-based sourcing, clean labels), and where FundAminos fits as an alternative.
What to Look For (Evidence-Based)
- Complete EAAs beat BCAAs alone: BCAA-only blends lack the full substrate needed to build new muscle protein. See Wolfe’s critique of BCAA-only strategies (JISSN 2017; PubMed 28852372).
- EAAs directly stimulate MPS: Classic stable-isotope work shows oral EAAs switch muscle from net breakdown to net synthesis post-exercise (Tipton et al., 1999), whereas adding non-essential AAs isn’t required to trigger MPS (Tipton et al., 1999).
- Leucine matters, but context matters more: Leucine contributes to the MPS “trigger,” yet total EAA delivery and dose distribution remain key (Frontiers in Nutrition 2021; see updated perspective AJCN 2024).
- Plant-based is viable when amino profile is balanced: Many plant proteins have lower leucine/EAA density than dairy, but you can match anabolic signals via higher EAA delivery or blends (Gorissen et al., 2018; practical guidance Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2022).
- Formulation matters: Trials show balanced EAA formulations (with or without additional protein) can be highly anabolic vs protein alone (Park et al., 2020).
Comparing AminoCo and FundAminos
| Feature | AminoCo (brand line) | FundAminos (PureClean Performance) |
|---|---|---|
| EAA Coverage | Brand offers EAA-based formulas (product-specific). Verify per label. | Complete EAA profile (plant-derived), formulated for broad MPS support. |
| BCAA-Only? | Some competitor products emphasize BCAAs; check label. Evidence cautions against BCAA-only (Wolfe 2017). | Not BCAA-only; includes all EAAs aligned with MPS data (Tipton 1999). |
| Plant-Based | Varies by SKU. | 100% plant-based EAA sources; formulated to address lower plant leucine via blend design (Gorissen 2018). |
| Label Transparency | Check product-level panels for excipients, flavors, and sweeteners. | Clean-label focus (non-GMO, no unnecessary fillers; see product panel). |
| Leucine Context | Depends on formula and serving size; leucine alone is not sufficient (Frontiers 2021). | Leucine delivered within full EAA matrix, consistent with current evidence (AJCN 2024). |
| Value | Varies by SKU and dose per serving. | Priced for daily training use; plant-based sourcing and clean label. |
Why FundAminos May Suit You
If you prefer a plant-based, complete EAA formula with a clean label and transparent sourcing that aligns with the EAA-over-BCAA evidence, FundAminos is designed for you. It delivers the full building blocks required for muscle protein synthesis and recovery, without relying on BCAA-only claims.
Key Studies (Hyperlinked)
PubMed record for Wolfe 2017 (PMID: 28852372).
Nichele S et al. Plant-based food patterns to stimulate MPS. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab (2022).
Monteyne AJ et al. Reconsidering the pre-eminence of leucine. AJCN (2024).
Park S et al. Balanced EAA + whey is highly anabolic vs whey alone (dose-dependent). JISSN (2020).