EAA

Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) are the nine amino acids that the body must obtain through diet and include the three Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs).

Studies have shown that EAAs may stimulate protein synthesis (and muscle growth and repair) better than BCAAs on their own.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and may be depleted from muscle in those who are undertaking intense training, are dieting, vegan, injured, or lead a busy and high stress lifestyle.

Therefore this product may be useful for those who fall into these categories as a component of muscle energy and recovery.

Studies have also shown EAAs to have an interactive effect when taken in conjunction with whey protein for anabolic muscle growth.

The amino acids in this product are vegan and free form, which means that they are very fast absorbing as they don’t need digesting.

EAAs vs BCAAs

BCAAs are the three branched chain amino acids (leucine, iso-leucine, and valine). They're a popular supplement and have been around for a while.

EAAs are a newer supplement and the difference is that EAAs contain all nine essential amino acids including the three branched chain amino acids.

The essential amino acids are leucine, iso-leucine, valine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, lysine, histidine, and threonine. As such, EAAs are considered a complete protein source. These amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be consumed from food.

So how does EAA stand up against BCAA?

There seems to be a consensus that EAAs may be more favourable as a pre and during exercise supplement for muscle energy and repair and BCAAs may be useful post exercise (as the levels of the three branched chain amino acids is higher).

Studies are indicating that BCAAs do a better job at stimulating protein synthesis and repair muscle when used in combination with the other essential amino acids. And, the synthesis response lasts longer. This is where the EAAs fit in as EAAs contain both BCAAs and these essential amino acids.