NEW YORK, April 25, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Amino Vital(R), one of the most popular new lines of sports supplement products on the market, introduces two new, delicious and satisfying amino acid sports bars -- Amino Vital(R) Prepare and Amino Vital(R) Repair.

Like the Amino Vital(R) ready-to-drink and powder formats already out on the U.S. market, both supplement bars contain the "Vital" combination of branched-chain amino acids -- arginine and glutamine -- that has made Amino Vital(R) so popular among professional athletes, sports enthusiasts and weekend warriors.

* The Amino Vital(R) Prepare pre-sports bar, available in Forest Berry, provides energy and focus during tough workouts. In addition to having 2,400 milligrams of amino acids, each Amino Vital(R) Prepare bar contains 290 calories, 4 grams of protein and 50 grams of simple and complex carbohydrates for quick and sustained energy.

* The Amino Vital(R) Repair post-sports bar, available in Orange Cranberry, revitalizes following strenuous exercise and, like the pre-sports bar, contains 2,400 milligrams of amino acids. Amino Vital(R) Repair has 290 calories, 45 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of fast- and slow-acting proteins for short-term re-energizing and long-term muscle strength recovery.

"It's rare to have a sports bar that works well and tastes great. Since incorporating the Amino Vital(R) sports bar into my nutrition plan, I have noticed that I feel more energized during my rides and recover a lot faster after exercise," says Frank McCormack, Colavita Olive Oil/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team Director Sportif.

"This product line extension is a big step for Amino Vital(R)," says Mitsuru "Mitch" Nishikawa, Ajinomoto U.S.A., Inc. Vice President & Nutraceuticals Division General Manager. "Over the past two years, the brand has built a loyal following with our ready-to-drink and powder products, and we are happy to now give our customers the option of enjoying the benefits and great taste of Amino Vital(R) in a bar format."

Amino Vital(R) sports supplement bars are available nationwide at health & nutrition stores such as GNC and Vitamin Shoppe. Another addition to the product line-up: The Amino Vital(R) Mix & Shake 16.9 oz. canister. (Amino Vital(R) Mix & Shake was previously only available in single- serve packs.) Amino Vital(R) is distributed by the New York-based Nutraceuticals Division of Ajinomoto U.S.A., Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Ajinomoto Co., Inc. in Japan, the world's leader in amino acid research and development.

To learn more about the full Amino Vital(R) product line and amino acid conditioning, visit www.amino-vital.com, or call 1-888-AMINOS3.