5 Best EAA Supplements To Boost Muscle Growth 2023

Amino acids are often called protein building blocks, which are crucial for muscle protein synthesis and muscle repair. There are 20 amino acids^[1] in total, many of which our bodies can produce on their own. 

However, we must get the other nine amino acids from dietary sources. These are called essential amino acids^[2] (EAAs), and they include

• Leucine 
• Isoleucine
• Valine
• Tryptophan
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Histidine
• Threonine
• Phenylalanine

These critical amino acids play a vital role in your health and can be a very influential factor in reaching your fitness goals. Many people rely on essential amino acid supplements to meet their needs, especially those who aim to build muscle. They can be helpful on their own or a beneficial addition to your stack of supplements. 

This article will closely review five of the best EAA supplements available on the market today to help you research the options and decide which might be the best amino acid supplement for you. 

They can be found in pill or powder form and typically provide very few to no calories per serving. Some EAA supplements also contain nonessential amino acids^[3] such as citrulline malate, L-glutamine, and tyrosine.

The fitness industry is divided when it comes to the subject of EAAs. Some believe a well-balanced diet can provide you with the nine essential amino acids you need. In contrast, others see the benefit of a concentrated essential amino acid supplement when following a calorie-restricted diet. 

The EAA supplement’s efficacy depends on your individualized training plan and nutritional intake. Adding an EAA supplement to your fitness routine is said to help increase protein synthesis and create a positive protein balance that results in muscle development, but it’s important to remember that all bodies respond to supplements differently.

Benefits Of EAA Supplements

Athletes of all types and all levels rely on the purported benefits of essential amino acids to improve their strength and endurance. EAA supplements can provide several different benefits, especially for those looking to increase their protein intake without increasing their daily calories.

Most EAA supplements have minimal ingredients, keeping their nutritional value focused on their protein content. However, some also contain additional ingredients that offer their own benefits. 

Essential amino acid supplements are said to increase muscle protein synthesis, which can help promote muscle growth and recovery. They can also play a role in weight gain or weight loss, depending on other factors of your wellness routine.

5 Best EAAs Supplements For Muscle Gains In 2023

EAAs vs BCAAs: What’s The Difference?

Both BCAA and EAA supplements have gained momentum in the fitness industry due to their purported muscle-building benefits. However, while they both provide amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own, their chemical structures differ. In short, all BCAAs are EAAs, but not all EAAs are BCAAs. 

Branched-chain amino acids^[5] are technically a smaller subsection of essential amino acids, containing just three amino acids. However, BCAAs have a branched-chain structure that changes how your body processes them. 

The essential amino acids found in BCAAs include L-leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Their chemical structure allows them to be broken down in the muscle instead of the liver, making them a popular part of many pre-workout supplements. 

BCAAs can be found in many protein powders, including several pre-workout supplements. You might even find a BCAA supplement with free-form amino acids. 

However, research^[6] indicates that BCAAs alone do not maximize muscle protein synthesis more than protein containing all nine essential amino acids. So, if you want to optimize your supplement routine, science seems to favor EAA supplementation over BCAAs alone.  

How To Choose The Best EAA Supplements

Finding the best essential amino supplement for your individualized needs can depend on several different factors. The concentrated essential amino acids can help you reach optimal protein synthesis, but additional ingredients may have other effects as well. 

For example, some of the best EAA supplements even contain nonessential amino acids such as citrulline malate and L-glutamine for added protein. 

If you prefer a stim-free supplement, you may want to avoid EAA supplements with caffeine from sources such as green coffee bean extract. If your fitness or health goal is to lose weight, you may look for an EAA supplement without additional ingredients or calories. 

Of course, the best essential amino acid supplements can only provide health benefits if taken consistently. So, the best EAA supplement is one you can take accordingly. 

Your medical doctor or registered dietitian nutritionist can help you navigate the many available choices and choose the EAA supplement or proprietary blends that best fit your individualized needs.

How To Take EAA Supplements

Many companies recommend taking EAA supplements as an intra-workout or post-workout supplement. This is because EAA supplements can be very influential when your body is in muscle-building mode. 

Preparing your EAA supplement is as simple as thoroughly mixing the powder with water or as directed in the product’s instructions. 

If it is a rest day without any exercise plans, you may choose to take your EAA supplement in the morning after waking up or in the afternoon if you need a boost of nutrition. However, no matter your choice, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the product.

Pay attention to how your body responds to the supplement and adjust your serving size or timing of intake accordingly. Your primary medical doctor or a registered dietitian nutritionist can guide you on the efficacy of your supplement intake and help you get the most out of your fitness routine.

Final Thought

Amino acids play a vital role in your body’s muscle protein synthesis and help prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue. While our bodies can produce many of the amino acids we need, we must consume the nine essential amino acids required for multiple bodily functions. 

You can meet your needs through whole foods alone, but amino acid supplements can be very helpful for those who have increased needs due to training demands. 

Most essential amino acid supplements prioritize specially selected amino acids our bodies cannot produce, but some also provide an electrolyte blend, caffeine, or branched-chain amino acids. 

Finding the best essential amino acid supplement for your needs depends on your training demand and dietary intake. Attempt to meet most of your nutritional needs via your well-balanced diet, and rely on EAA products as supplements.

As you would with any new dietary supplement, talk with your doctor or registered dietitian before adding an EAA supplement to your wellness routine. Whether you decide to take a BCAA, EAA, or other protein powders, it is important to make sure it fits into your individual needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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