Essential amino acids (EAAs) are everywhere now, and the claims are bold: "6x Better Than Protein," "Zero Calories," "Absorbed Immediately."

This article outlines how to cut through the hype and teaches you exactly what makes Kion Aminos "Better Aminos." After reading, you’ll understand why our formula is unmatched in terms of quality and efficacy.

If you want to drive muscle protein synthesis, build lean muscle, maintain muscle while cutting calories, or stay strong as you age, you'll want to ensure your EAA formula meets all six points outlined below.

6 Must-haves In An EAA Formula

1) Based On Solid Research

The Kion Aminos formula is based on over 30 years of peer-reviewed clinical studies.

The research we used to craft our formula shows what actually moves the needle at realistic doses and in practical settings—at rest, with meals, and around exercise (Tipton 1999b; Tipton 2001; Børsheim 2002).

These findings have been reproduced across labs and populations (including older adults), so the scoop in your hand reflects what’s been tested, not marketing theory (Tipton 1999a; Tipton 1999b; Børsheim 2002; Tipton 2001).

2) Every Milligram Listed

You can't verify that an EAA supplement will be effective if you don't know what's in it.

Because Kion Aminos was formulated with the latest peer-reviewed clinical studies, we proudly display our exact formula, down to the milligram.

This way, you can verify that our formula matches the science and delivers on the claims we make.

3) Extra Leucine

Leucine is the “go” signal for muscle protein synthesis. The "6x Better Than Protein" claim you see everywhere only works with a leucine-enriched formula, and is especially important for older adults.

This is why Kion Aminos is enriched with 40% leucine. A 40% leucine formula produced a stronger response than ~26–27% at the same total dose (Katsanos 2006).


4) Skips the Extras

Only EAAs are required to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. In Tipton 1999a, non-essential amino acids were shown not to be necessary for stimulating net muscle protein synthesis.

That’s why Kion Aminos stays focused on only the EAAs, in the precise ratios your body needs to build lean muscle, rather than padding with NEAAs or other unnecessary fillers (Tipton 1999b).

5) Full Spectrum of EAAs

Kion Aminos delivers the complete set of all nine EAAs: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Your body needs all nine EAAs to support muscle protein synthesis and the net positive balance seen in human trials (Tipton 1999b; Børsheim 2002). Some brands contain only eight EAAs, and BCAAs include only three (leucine, isoleucine, valine).

Leaving even one essential out creates a bottleneck—the missing amino limits the entire building process—so the blend underperforms even if total grams look high.

6) Third-Party Verified

Kion Aminos is third-party tested, as are all of our supplements. Third-party testing verifies identity, purity, and potency by testing for contaminants, heavy metals, and underdosed ingredients.

Without third-party testing, you have to place all of your trust in the company that is selling you a product.

Using an independent, accredited lab to ensure that what’s on the label matches what’s in the tub adds an extra layer of trust from an outside source.

How to use EAAs in real life

Now that you know how to choose an effective EAA formula, here’s how to put it to work.

  • Make it a daily habit: Take one 5-gram serving of Aminos every day, even on rest days. Pair it with a consistent moment (morning glass of water, commute, with exercise).
  • Pre vs post-workout: If it fits your routine, take Aminos before working out; post still helps—do whatever you’ll do consistently (Tipton 2001).
  • Low or zero-protein meals: Use Aminos with meals that skimp on protein—salads, fruit-only breakfasts, smoothies, or travel snacks—to keep essentials available without needing heavy protein.
  • Additional servings: It's completely safe, and even more beneficial, to add additional servings of Aminos. On long or double workout session days—or when meals are far apart—it’s reasonable to use more than one serving.

Bottom Line

Kion Aminos checks all the boxes: ratios formulated from 30 years of peer-reviewed clinical studies, enriched with 40% leucine, contain just the essentials (all 9 EAAs), third-party tested, and has a fully transparent label to back up every claim.

Plus, it comes in four delicious flavors (Mango, Watermelon, Mixed Berry, and Cool Lime), Capsules, and Travel Packets.

Better Aminos

Scientific Research

  1. Tipton KD, Ferrando AA, Phillips SM, Doyle D Jr, Wolfe RR. Nonessential amino acids are not necessary to stimulate net muscle protein synthesis in healthy volunteers. J Nutr Biochem. 1999;10(2):89–95. [DOI
  2. Tipton KD, Ferrando AA, Phillips SM, Doyle D Jr, Wolfe RR. Postexercise net protein synthesis in human muscle from orally administered amino acids. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 1999;276:E628–E634. [DOI
  3. Tipton KD, Rasmussen BB, Miller SL, et al. Timing of amino acid–carbohydrate ingestion alters anabolic response of muscle to resistance exercise. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2001;281:E197–E206. [DOI
  4. Børsheim E, Tipton KD, Wolf SE, Wolfe RR. Essential amino acids and muscle protein recovery from resistance exercise. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2002;283:E648–E657. [DOI
  5. Katsanos CS, Kobayashi H, Sheffield-Moore M, Aarsland A, Wolfe RR. A high proportion of leucine is required for optimal stimulation of the rate of muscle protein synthesis by essential amino acids in the elderly. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006;291:E381–E387. [DOI]

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