The company, The Protein Works, told us the cost of New Jersey-based, Innophos-owned Triarco’s enzymatic ‘Aminogen’ technology was being absorbed by the company based in the north west of England.
Aminogen is described as a patented blend of digestive proteases from Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae that studies have shown speeds the bodily absorption of protein forms.
Aminogen is certified Kosher, Halal, and is self-affirmed GRAS(Generally Recognised as Safe) in the US.
One study involving Aminogen found it increased whey protein concentrate (WPC) absorption over regular WPC.
The Protein Works co-founder Nick Smith said his firm was the first to use Aminogen, “without the premium price tag.”
“Whilst this obviously comes at an additional cost to us as a business and is also more complex in terms of manufacturing, we wanted to really differentiate our whey protein from the competition in 2014…” Smith said.
"It will be interesting to see how the industry responds now we've made our standard whey protein, less standard."
Aminogen efficacy was reported in a paper published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2008, 5:10 doi:10.1186/1550-2783-5-10) which concluded that the patented blend of digestive proteases could triple the rate of protein absorption, increase free amino acid levels by 100%, key amino acid levels by 250%, and nitrogen retention by 32%.
Beyond sports nutrition, opportunities are developing to counter the increase in issues like muscle wasting. The ingredient is being used in medical foods for use in institutions and hospitals.
Aminogen features in The Protein Works’ ‘Whey Protein 80’ line that sells in 500 g powder pouches for £10.99 (€13.25).
See gym users debating the merits of Aminogen here.