Alpha Lion GAIN-O-RADE: Aminos and Hydration for Gains!

If you’ve been following the site, you’ve surely noticed that Alpha Lion has been on our radar lately. Since bursting onto the scene with the incredible pre-workout SuperHuman, the brand has remained active within the industry. SuperHuman was followed by its high-octane, stim-loaded SuperHuman Supreme, and a phenomenal whey protein isolate in G.O.A.T.EIN, which furthered the notion that Alpha Lion was here to stay.

Now it’s time to circle the wagons and revitalize some of the original products!

Alpha Lion Unicorn is now GAIN-O-RADE… but with 3X more EAA!

Alpha Lion has released an updated label of one of their original products. GAIN-O-RADE the “newest” addition to Alpha Lion’s pack – it’s a well-dosed essential amino acid (EAA) plus hydration formula. However, it’s by no means completely brand new, as it’s actually a revamped version of Unicorn Aminos. GAIN-O-RADE maintains what made Unicorn great while bringing more to the table!

In this post, we’ll tell you all about GAIN-O-RADE – what’s new about it, what it can do, and a bit more on the people behind its formula! Before that, however, make sure you’re subscribed to PricePlow – we’ll help you find awesome deals, as well as hit you with all of the supplement news, reviews, and interviews you could want!

GAIN-O-RADE is more than just an EAA Complex

We never had the chance of breaking down Unicorn, but essentially, the product was a BCAA-EAA powder that included one hydration-boosting ingredient and an absorption enhancer. It was a completely adequate formula that would satisfy many individuals searching for an effective aminos powder. Alpha Lion doesn’t just satisfy, though – they give you more than you knew you wanted!

GAIN-O-RADE takes the Unicorn Amino a step further. While Unicorn was mainly a BCAA-focused formula, it included some EAAs, but not enough to consider it a full EAA powder. GAIN-O-RADE maintains the amount of BCAAs used in its predecessor, but packs more EAAs, as well.

In addition, it includes three more hydrating ingredients, which helps make this formula even more distinct. It’s complete with Alpha Lion’s typical fully-disclosed labeling, so we know exactly what we’re getting. Via multiple angles, GAIN-O-RADE delivers on its one true purpose – recovery!

GAIN-O-RADE Ingredients

Alpha Lion lists two different serving sizes in their loaded EAA formula, providing doses for either one-scoop of two-scoop servings. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with single-scooping GAIN-O-RADE, the supplement was designed to pack clinical doses within two scoops, so that’s what we’re going to move forward with!

As they’re known to do, Alpha Lion provides 21 full servings. We’ve never asked why, but we’re assuming the answer is somewhere along the lines of “Because it’s better than 21!”

Here’s what each 2-scoop, 16g serving of GAIN-O-RADE delivers:

• BCAA (as InstAminosTM) – 6000mg

  GAIN-O-RADE kicks things off with a full 6g of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), utilizing InstAminosTM, high-quality formulation made by Compound Solutions. This blend delivers the BCAAs in the clinical 2:1:1 dose, which is something we always like to see! Let’s get into the role that each individual BCAA serves!

  • L-Leucine – 3000mg

    In virtually all amino supplements, leucine is the star of the show. It’s the driving force behind these kinds of formulas, so integral that its presence is necessary for almost yield any benefits at all! Leucine stimulates the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway,[1] which houses the mTORC1 sub-path.[2] Considering that the mTOR pathway, as well as mTORC1, are both crucial for activating muscle protein synthesis (MPS), leucine promotes muscle growth at degrees higher than that of the other aminos!

    

    GAIN-O-RADE replaces Unicorn Aminos, Alpha Lion’s original amino formula. GAIN-O-RADE is worth the switch, however, with more aminos and hydration!

    Through stimulating MPS, leucine opens up the road to muscle growth. With a massive 3g dose here, GAIN-O-RADE supplies more than enough leucine to ensure muscle protein synthesis levels will be inflated a bit, which makes the rest of the label that much more effective!

  • L-Isoleucine – 1500mg

    Isoleucine is leucine’s confidant in the fight to activate MPS, assisting the latter in stimulating the mTOR pathway. However, isoleucine mainly functions elsewhere within the body and is particularly important in terms of promoting recovery. Research has shown that this amino increase glucose uptake post-exercise,[3] priming the body to absorb nutrients to rebuild and recover. While leucine opens the door to muscle growth, isoleucine helps shuttle the fuel that MPS needs to build!

  • L-Valine – 1500mg

    Rounding out the BCAAs, valine takes on a much more supportive role – it works behind-the-scenes to ensure that leucine and isoleucine can work effectively. That being said, valine does bring forth its own potential benefits, with research showing that it can encourage glycogen synthesis.[4] This can be very helpful in maintaining endurance, especially in prolonged exercise.

    The BCAAs are often delivered in a 2:1:1 ratio, with leucine consistently leading the charge. That’s the case here, with GAIN-O-RADE enough BCAAs to kickstart the muscle-building process!

• EAA – 4000mg

  

  Amongst these primary amino acids, the essential amino acids are in red. Leucine, Valine, and Isoleucine are the three Branched-Chain Amino Acids.

  Despite what conventional “bro-science” says, the BCAAs aren’t nearly as effective in terms of muscle growth when left to fight the battle on their own.[5] Sure, they’re effective in terms of preventing muscle breakdown and boosting endurance,[6,7] but in order to truly build lean mass, they need some more help.

  That aid comes in the form of the other six essential amino acids (EAAs) we’ve yet to discuss, all of which are present within GAIN-O-RADE! With all nine EAAs working together, they seem to be more effective – research has suggested that a full EAA spectrum can stimulate MPS at higher rates than any other combination of aminos.[8]

  Long story short, you need all nine EAAs to build muscle, and the body can’t make them on their own. While some supplements stop with just the three BCAAs, there’s more muscle-building that’s being left on the table, as well as other auxiliary benefits. That’s not the case here, with GAIN-O-RADE going the extra mile, something we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in Alpha Lion products!

  Now, let’s look at each of the other EAAs piece-by-piece, because in addition to facilitating muscle growth, each one has its own unique properties!

  • L-Threonine – 1250mg

    

    Grapermelon Gains coming right on up!

    Threonine is a precursor to two other amino acids, glycine and serine. In its full form, however, it seems to be especially useful in aiding digestion,[9] where the amino helps maintain intestinal walls by working to conserve protective mucus linings.[10] Additional studies have found that it may play a role in collagen synthesis and fatty acid oxidation too,[11] giving threonine quite a variety of functions outside of its relationship with the other EAAs!

  • L-Phenylalanine – 1250mg

    Phenylalanine takes on a role that differs quite a bit from the other aminos, as this amino acid acts as a nootropic! Studies have found that phenylalanine can enhance production of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.[12,13] Also known as the “catecholamines”, when these neurotransmitters are released, a state of euphoria arises – these “feel-good” neurotransmitters are often associated with feelings of happiness, relaxation, and calmness. Bringing a little brain boost to the table, phenylalanine may not work as other amino acids do, but it surely makes its presence known!

  • L-Lysine – 1000mg

    The body loves lysine, using it to do a variety of things – maintain cellular health, protect the immune system, and even reduce inflammation![14] Lysine also has an interesting relationship with carnitine, a popular supplemented ingredient, that kicks up fatty acid oxidation a notch![14]

  • L-Methionine – 275mg

    

    Methionine and its role in homocysteine synthesis. This is an insanely important process, and you do not want any bottlenecks on it!

    Although methionine wears a few different hats, like phenylalanine, it seems to work best within the digestive system. However, it also breaks down into cysteine, an amino acid important for proper immune health.[15] Methionine also helps encourage glutathione synthesis, a compound that can help temper oxidative stress.

    You’ve likely heard of methionine before, although probably not for any of the benefits we’ve just listed. Methionine takes a lot of heat when it comes to flavoring EAA supplements, as this amino and its high sulfur content can make creating a great-tasting powder a challenge. Thus, it tends to be added in smaller quantities into products, which allows for a bit more flexibility in terms of flavoring.

    GAIN-O-RADE only uses 275mg of methionine, however, so those aforementioned flavoring issues likely aren’t relevant in this case. Even if they were, Alpha Lion’s track record suggest that the product’s taste would have no problem overcoming that obstacle anyways!

  • L-Histidine – 125mg

    Histidine is integral in maintaining hemoglobin levels,[16] which in turn keeps oxygenated blood flowing throughout the body. It also helps make carnosine,[17] an amino acid that acts as a powerful antioxidant. Interestingly, histidine converts into histamine during digestion, where it’s then used to help protect the body from allergic reactions.[18]

  • L-Tryptophan – 100mg

    

    The Tryptophan 5-HTP Serotonin Pathway. Don’t have enough tryptophan around because of weak diet? Get more here.. or consider supplementing 5-HTP and B-6 may help

    Lastly, tryptophan mainly operates as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter important for sleep regulation, in addition to maintaining proper moods and cognition.[19] That may sound a bit odd, especially considering the overall goal of GAIN-O-RADE, but don’t worry – at only 100mg, tryptophan’s effects aren’t nearly as pronounced as they are elsewhere, such as in research suggesting the amino can be used to treat psychiatric disorders!

• Electrolyte & Hydration Matrix

  With the EAAs covered, Alpha Lion didn’t have to continue to strengthen this label. GAIN-O-RADE hints at more than just the gains, however, alluding to some hydration benefits in addition to the muscle-building aminos! It uses four very potent hydration-boosting ingredients, each of which complements the entire label in its own unique way!

  • Taurine – 2000mg

    

    Taurine’s Benefits (endurance-wise) can be seen after a single use!

    Interestingly, taurine is actually not exactly an amino acid – it’s known as an “organic acid”. This is why we think it falls within the correct matrix on this label! Unlike its muscle-building cousins, taurine concerns itself with one thing – hydration! Heavily concentrated within the brain, eyes, and muscle tissue, taurine helps you stay hydrated, pulling water into the areas of the body that needs it.[20] These effects go a long way in terms of endurance, where taurine has displayed the ability to delay muscle fatigue.[21]

    Toss in the fact that taurine is both a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory,[22,23] and it becomes an incredibly versatile intra-workout/recovery ingredient. By keeping your muscles hydrated, taurine can help keep you going once you get going, or help you recover and rebuild after a tough training session!

  • Raw Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Water Powder – 1000mg

    Coconut water attacks hydration from a different angle, mainly by working to balance electrolyte levels. Research has shown that it’s a more capable rehydration and electrolyte re-balancing agent than most other sports drinks on the market.[24] Keeping your electrolytes in check can do wonders for your overall well-being – not only will you be staying hydrated, but you’ll likely just feel a bit more “right” too!

    

    Coconut Water powder is gaining notoriety in pre and intra workouts for its hydration and electrolyte-replenishing effects.

    However, it’s important that we note that due to the presence of coconut water powder, GAIN-O-RADE is not free of tree nuts, which is something you should be aware of if you have some sort of allergy or sensitivity!

  • Calcium Potassium Phosphate Citrate (Calci-KⓇ) – 500mg

    Calci-KⓇ is a patented form of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus from Albion Minerals. These essential minerals further this supplement’s emphasis on electrolyte balance, as they effectively serve as electrolytes within the body.

    We’re huge fans of supplements delivering essential nutrients, especially potassium, whenever they can get them onto a label. They’re crucial for daily function, and in this case, they’re important for staying hydrated and energized, too!

  • AquaMinⓇ (Trace minerals derived from Red Marine Algae) – 250mg

    AquaMinⓇ is an all-natural, highly-bioavailable ingredient from Marigot Ltd. Utilizing red sea algae and its incredibly strong concentration of natural minerals, this ingredient helps replenish mineral stores burned through exercise and sweat. Not only that, but it may bring some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential to the table, too![25,26]

• Absorption Matrix

  • AstraginⓇ (Astragalus membranaceus (root), Panax notoginseng (root)) – 50mg

    

    AstraGin is a combination of Astragalus and Panax Notoginseng that’s been shown to increase ingredient absorption, especially of amino acids!

    AstraginⓇ is an absorption-boosting ingredient we’ve been seeing more of in recent months, and for good reason! This patented blend of astragalus and panax notoginseng comes from NuLiv Science and is one of the top ingredients of its kind on the market. This ingredient increases the bioavailability of supplemented ingredients,[27,28] and unlike other absorption-boosters, it does so without affecting the supplement’s taste!

    There’s also some strong evidence suggesting a powerful relationship between AstraginⓇ and leucine, making this absorption agent all the more relevant here!

GAIN-O-RADE delivers an effective mix of aminos, hydration, and absorption – a relatively simple label, but nonetheless a powerful one! GAIN-O-RADE does exactly what it promises, and when a product does that, it’s hard to not appreciate it!

Available flavors

GAIN-O-RADE is something you’ll likely want your hands on if you’re searching for an effective EAA formula to supplement your training. Here are all of the great-tasting flavors Alpha Lion is offering!

Get Ready – GAIN-O-RADE is the athlete’s real sports drink

With a full-fledged EAA matrix, GAIN-O-RADE would’ve been an effective product if Alpha Lion simply stopped there. That’s not their game, however – the brand continues to go beyond what the standard is, taking formulas to another level by making them more versatile. GAIN-O-RADE packs additional hydration-enhancing ingredients, as well, which help take the total formula to another level

GAIN-O-RADE works on two fronts. Most of us train with the intent of building muscle, which requires the presence of amino acids to effectively recover and build. Exercise also induces sweat, which means the loss of water and other key nutrients. Recovering from an intense session takes a concoction of muscle-building aminos and hydration-replenishing compounds, which GAIN-O-RADE delivers. This is a true sports drink for athletes – an all-around recovery supplement that you can take during or after training that will help get you back on your feet sooner!

With GAIN-O-RADE, Alpha Lion shows that they’re not afraid to inject any of their existing supplements with new ingredients. Continuing to innovate, the brand remains ahead of the competition. This isn’t the first time we’ve said this about Alpha Lion, nor will it be the last, but with GAIN-O-RADE, the brand has made yet another statement as to why they should be considered the king of the jungle!

References

1. Lynch, and Christopher J; “Role of Leucine in the Regulation of MTOR by Amino Acids: Revelations from Structure–Activity Studies.”; OUP Academic; Oxford University Press; 1 Apr. 2001; https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/3/861S/4687154
2. Laplante, Mathieu, and David M. Sabatini; “MTOR Signaling at a Glance.”; Journal of Cell Science; The Company of Biologists Ltd; 15 Oct. 2009; https://jcs.biologists.org/content/122/20/3589
3. Doi, Masako, et al; “Isoleucine, a Potent Plasma Glucose-Lowering Amino Acid, Stimulates Glucose Uptake in C2C12 Myotubes.”; Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 26 Dec. 2003; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14651987
4. FONES WS, SOBER HA, WHITE J; “The conversion of D-valine to glycogen in the rat.”; Arch Biochem Biophys; 1951
5. Wolfe, Robert R; “Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Muscle Protein Synthesis in Humans: Myth or Reality?”; Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; BioMed Central; 22 Aug. 2017; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5568273/
6. Blomstrand, E, et al; “Administration of Branched-Chain Amino Acids during Sustained Exercise–Effects on Performance and on Plasma Concentration of Some Amino Acids.”; European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 1991; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1748109
7. Gualano, A B, et al; “Branched-Chain Amino Acids Supplementation Enhances Exercise Capacity and Lipid Oxidation during Endurance Exercise after Muscle Glycogen Depletion.”; The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness; U.S. National Library of Medicine; Mar. 2011; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21297567
8. Jackman, Sarah R, et al; “Branched-Chain Amino Acid Ingestion Stimulates Muscle Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Following Resistance Exercise in Humans.”; Frontiers in Physiology; Frontiers Media S.A; 7 June 2017; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5461297/
9. Azzam, M M M, et al; “Effect of Supplemental L-Threonine on Mucin 2 Gene Expression and Intestine Mucosal Immune and Digestive Enzymes Activities of Laying Hens in Environments with High Temperature and Humidity.”; Poultry Science; U.S. National Library of Medicine; Oct. 2011; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21934007
10. Mao, Xiangbing, et al; “Specific Roles of Threonine in Intestinal Mucosal Integrity and Barrier Function.”; Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition); U.S. National Library of Medicine; 1 June 2011; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21622125
11. Ruth, Megan R, and Catherine J Field; “The immune modifying effects of amino acids on gut-associated lymphoid tissue.”; Journal of animal science and biotechnology; vol. 4,1 27; 30 Jul. 2013; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3750756/
12. Keisuke Ueda, et al; “The Effects of Phenylalanine on Exercise-Induced Fat Oxidation: a Preliminary, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.”; Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; BioMed Central; 12 Sept. 2017; https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0191-x
13. Beckmann, H, et al; “Dl-Phenylalanine in Depressed Patients: an Open Study.”; Journal of Neural Transmission; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 1977; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/335027
14. Datta, D et al; “Lysine: Is it worth more?.”; Cytotechnology; vol. 36; 1-3; 2001; 3-32; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3449675/
15. Martínez, Yordan, et al; “The Role of Methionine on Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, and Diseases.” Amino Acids, U.S. National Library of Medicine; Dec. 2017; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28929442
16. ho, E S, et al; “Long-Term Effects of Low Histidine Intake on Men.”; The Journal of Nutrition; U.S. National Library of Medicine; Feb. 1984; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6693997
17. Gariballa, and Sinclair; “Carnosine: Physiological Properties and Therapeutic Potential.”; OUP Academic; Oxford University Press; 1 May 2000; https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/29/3/207/36316
18. Hemat, R. A. S.; “Principles of Orthomolecularism.”; Google Books; https://books.google.com/books?id=ED_xI-CEzFYC&dq
19. Richard, Dawn M et al; “L-Tryptophan: Basic Metabolic Functions, Behavioral Research and Therapeutic Indications.”; International journal of tryptophan research : IJTR; vol. 2; 45-60; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908021/
20. Albrecht, Jan, and Arne Schousboe; “Taurine Interaction with Neurotransmitter Receptors in the CNS: an Update.”; Neurochemical Research; U.S. National Library of Medicine; Dec. 2005; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16362781
21. Yatabe, Yoshihisa, et al; “Effects of Taurine Administration on Exercise.”; Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology; U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2009; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19239155
22. Aruoma, O I et al; “The antioxidant action of taurine, hypotaurine and their metabolic precursors.”; The Biochemical journal; vol. 256,1; 1988; 251-5; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1135395/
23. Marcinkiewicz, Janusz, and Ewa Kontny; “Taurine and inflammatory diseases.”; Amino acids; vol. 46,1; 2014; 7-20; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894431/
24. Saat, Mohamed, et al; “Rehydration after Exercise with Fresh Young Coconut Water, Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Beverage and Plain Water.”; Journal of Physiological Anthropology and Applied Human Science; U.S. National Library of Medicine; Mar. 2002; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12056182
25. O’Callaghan, Y., et al; “Antioxidant and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Marine-Derived, Multi-Mineral Aquamin Supplemented with Pine Bark Extract, Enzogenol, and Green Tea Extract, Sunphenon”; Journal of Medicinal Food; J Med Food 00 (0); 2013; 1-7
26. https://aquamin.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/OCallaghan-et-al.2013-.pdf
27. AstraGin product dossier, sections 6.4 – 6.17.
28. AstraGin product dossier, section 6.9.