EAAs 300g

Essential Amino Acids NZ

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.

What is the Best Essential Amino Acid Supplement

The best EAAs supplements are those that:

• Contain all nine essential amino acids.
• Are high in branched chain amino acid content, especially leucine.
• Are affordable. You shouldn't have to pay more than $1 per serving (ours is $0.77).
• Are flavoured well and are pleasant to drink. EAAs are simple enough to flavour and there's no reason for them to be sickly and/or sweet.
• Are vegan. Vegan amino acids are just as effective as animal derived amino acids, so pick the more eco-friendly option.
• Be wary of brands that try to add other ingredients to "enhance" the effects. Generally they're just trying to sell a point of difference.

Essential Amino Acids Food

Food sources of essential amino acids include:

Leucine: red meat, chicken, pork, nuts, seeds, soy.

Iso-Leucine: meats, eggs, fish, cheese, nuts, seeds, seaweed.

Valine: soy, cheese, fish, meats, vegetables.

Histidine: meats (beef, lamb, pork), chicken & turkey, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts & seeds, beans.

Lysine: quinoa, cheese & yoghurt, fish (flounder especially), beef and meats, soy, eggs, nuts & seeds.

Methionine: chicken, fish, eggs, red meat, milk, vegetables/nuts/beans/grains have smaller amounts.

Phenylalanine: soy, meat (beef & lamb), tuna, chicken & turkey, eggs, milk, beans, nuts & seeds (pumpkin).

Threonine: liver, gelatin, chicken, milk & cheese, shellfish, beef & pork, soy.

Tryptophan: fish, eggs, red meat, milk, yoghurt & cottage cheese, tofu, chicken & turkey, lentils & beans.

Essential Amino Acids Supplement

The following amino acids are the nine essential ones, and the role they play:

Leucine

Leucine is one of three branched chain amino acids and is primarily involved in muscle protein synthesis for muscle growth and recovery. It also contributes to the regulation of blood-sugar levels, growth hormone production and wound healing. It can be used to enhancing physical performance because it boosts stamina and endurance while delaying the deterioration of muscle tissues through the significant increase in the production of muscle proteins.

Isoleucine

Isoleucine is another of the three branched chain amino acids. It is known to support blood clotting at wound sites and assisting with muscle tissue repair. Isoleucine can also help to boost energy levels and improve stamina.

Valine

Valine is another branched chain amino acid - the building blocks of proteins produced by cells that are recorded in the genetic code of all living things. It's also involved with muscle growth and repair, as well as energy production.

Histidine

Histidine is involved in many bodily functions including tissue repair, immune system support, and building haemoglobin. It is a unique amino acid because it's adults can typically produce enough from other amino acids in the liver, but children need to obtain it from their diet.

Lysine

Lysine helps in the formation of collagen and elastin, and also helps to prevent it breaking down. Lysine assists with absorption of calcium by reducing the amount of calcium that's excreted in urine, which promotes the development of bones, nails, teeth, and hair. Lysine plays a role in energy, hormone, and enzyme production, as well as protein synthesis. It should be consumed by athletes who engage in physical activity.

Methionine

Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid which plays an important role in protein synthesis and function. As cellular proteins break down, methionine assists in the process of making new proteins. This is especially the case and relevant here in regards to exercise induced muscular hypertrophy. In other words, methionine is need for muscle growth and repair especially with strenuous physical exercise. It also plays an important role in detoxification and metabolism, and assists with the absorption of the key minerals selenium and zinc.

Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is found in three forms - L-phenylalanine, D-phenylalanine, and DL-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is used by the body in the structure and functions of proteins and enzymes, and to make other amino acids such as tyrosine which plays a role in protein synthesis.

Threonine

Threonine is involved in the growth and development of skeletal muscles, intestines, and liver. It can help to build strong bones which can help in wound and injury recovery. It's also a key part of structural proteins such as collagen and elastin. Threonine also assists with the metabolism of fats and in the immune system by producing antibodies required for function.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is needed for general growth and development. It helps to maintain nitrogen balance and makes niacin (vitamin B3), and in turn the neurotransmitter serotonin which helps to regulate appetite, sleep, and mood.