Should You Be Taking Amino Acid Supplements Instead? | ft. Angelo Keely
The Neuro Experience
Understanding Proteins: Essential vs. Non-Essential Amino Acids
This chapter explores the key differences between proteins and the significance of amino acids in the body. It highlights the importance of essential amino acids for muscle growth and contrasts the quality of animal proteins with that of plant proteins.
Most of us think protein is just about building muscle—but what if we’ve been getting it wrong all along? In this eye-opening episode, host Louisa sits down with Angelo Keely, co-founder and CEO of Kion, to uncover the real science behind protein, amino acids, and muscle health.
Angelo explains why essential amino acids—not just protein—are the critical drivers of muscle maintenance, recovery, and even longevity. He breaks down the shocking truth about how different protein sources actually compare, why aging adults need more than the RDA suggests, and how supplements like amino acids can prevent muscle loss—even without exercise.
Whether you’re a midlife woman trying to protect bone density, an athlete looking for an edge, or simply someone who wants to age stronger—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.
About the guest:
Angelo is the co-founder and CEO of Kion, a lifestyle and supplement company built around optimizing health and energy through essential nutrients. With a lifelong passion for nutrition and performance, he’s on a mission to educate people about the powerful science of amino acids and help them live stronger, healthier, and longer lives.
Discover Kion:
Instagram: @kion
Visit getkion.com/neuro for 20% off.
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I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics.
My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention.
If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place.
Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_
Topics discussed:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:33 - confusion around protein, fat loss
00:02:36 - Carbs/fat = fuel vs protein = structure; macronutrient primer
00:04:29 - Protein turnover & amino acids (house remodel analogy)
00:08:29 - Protein beyond muscle00:11:02 - Energy storage vs “amino reservoir”; why low protein costs muscle
00:13:25 - Nuance in intake advice; social/media oversimplification00:17:18 - “Protein isn’t equal”
00:18:27 - What EAAs are; “essential” vs “non-essential”; leucine as trigger
00:21:15 - Comparing foods: plant vs dairy/eggs vs. meat
00:25:05 - Protein potency ladder
00:27:15 - Louisa’s protein plan; bioavailability clarification; why EAAs hit faster
00:30:28 - Aging & leucine-enriched EAAs
00:35:22 - Steak “not very anabolic” alone; training vs nutrition
00:36:11 - NASA bed-rest studies
00:38:09 - Building muscles with amino acids and no exercise controversy
00:40:46 - Angelo’s backstory & founding Kion
00:43:31 - Practical playbook (midlife female)
00:50:08 - GLP-1 weight-loss caveat
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