Evidence supporting the use of: Amino Acid Blend/Complex
For the health condition: Weight Loss
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Amino acid blends or complexes are sometimes marketed as weight loss supplements, largely due to their role in muscle protein synthesis and metabolism. Scientific studies have investigated specific amino acids—such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: leucine, isoleucine, valine), L-carnitine, and others—for their potential to support fat loss, increase energy expenditure, or preserve lean muscle mass during calorie restriction. However, the overall evidence for direct weight loss benefits from general amino acid blends is limited and mixed. Some research suggests that increased protein and certain amino acids in the diet can promote satiety, reduce appetite, and help maintain muscle mass during dieting, which may indirectly support weight management. For example, leucine has been shown to influence muscle protein synthesis, and L-carnitine may play a role in fatty acid oxidation, but robust clinical trials confirming significant weight loss effects are lacking. Most positive results are seen when amino acids are consumed as part of a high-protein diet rather than as isolated supplements. Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for amino acids supporting aspects of weight management, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend amino acid blends as effective standalone treatments for weight loss. Therefore, the scientific support is present but weak, meriting a low evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Weight Loss
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
akkermansia muciniphila
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
apple
ashwagandha
black tea
chia seed
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
forskohlii root
garcinia
glucomannan
guarana
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
l-leucine
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
monkfruit
prune
quinoa
rye
saffron
sardines
black ginger
soybean
almond fruit
whey protein
jiaogulan
yerba mate
amaranth
millet seed
algae
kidney beans
cocoa
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
Adrenergic amines
Ascophyllum nodosum
Adzuki bean
Algal protein
Animal protein
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef Protein
Bean
BCAA
Cowpea
California chia
Cardarine
Capsinoids
chlorogenic acid
Capsiate
Chicken
Caralluma fimbriata
Cha de bugre
Diacylglycerol
Dihydrocapsiate
Deoxycholic acid
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Ephedrine
Pistachio
Quinoa Protein
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Amino Acid Blend/Complex
Addictions (drugs)Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Debility
Depression
Diabetes
Energy (lack of)
Failure to Thrive
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Hair (loss or thinning)
Injuries
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Post Partum Weakness
Protein Digestion (poor)
Surgery (healing from)
Wasting
Weight Loss