Ever wonder which Essential Amino Acid (EAA )supplement is best for your needs?
We get it. There are many options, and it can be hard to know where to start. With so many brands promising the world, figuring out who you can trust is difficult. Well, we're here to help! In this article, we will look at a range of different supplements that each offer unique benefits. We've selected two products in powder form and three in capsule form. We'll give you an idea about what each one can do for you and why you might want to opt for one specific formula over another.
So whether you're looking for something that focuses on muscle recovery or want a basic multivitamin approach, we've covered all bases here!
How We Choose
We understand that everyone's needs differ, so we've carefully curated a range of supplements to suit all preferences and budgets. We also consider each supplement's quality when recommending it to ensure you're getting the absolute best product for your money.
When looking for an EAA supplement, make sure to pay attention to the following details:
Formula - Many different types of EAA supplements are available on the market today, so make sure to choose one that suits your preferences. Some popular options include powder, liquid, capsules, and tablets. In this review, we only cover powder and capsules.
Price - There's no point spending a fortune on a supplement if you don't even like the taste or can't stomach it daily! Instead, opt for a middle-ground option that offers great value for money without breaking the bank.
BULKSUPPLEMENTS.COM - EAA Capsules
Including L-Lysine, L-Threonine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Methionine, L-Histidine, & L-Tryptophan + Branched Chain AAs
BulkSupplements.com offers EAA Capsules, a comprehensive supplement that provides all nine essential amino acids crucial for overall well-being. These include L-lysine, L-threonine, L-phenylalanine, L-methionine, L-histidine, L-tryptophan, as well as the branched-chain amino acids L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine. By incorporating these EAA capsules into a daily routine, individuals can ensure their bodies receive the essential building blocks needed for muscle recovery and overall health. Each capsule is soy- and dairy-free and contains no added sugars, making it a clean and efficient choice for anyone looking to optimize their amino acid intake.
Convenience is key with BulkSupplements.com EAA Capsules. Designed to be easy to take, these capsules allow users to meet their daily amino acid needs effortlessly. With 1000mg per serving, they support the nutritional requirements of both men and women, enhancing workout recovery and helping to achieve fitness goals. Manufactured under strict cGMP standards and third-party tested at multiple stages, these capsules guarantee high quality and consistent purity, providing peace of mind for those prioritizing their health and fitness.
Pure Encapsulations - Essential Aminos
Pure Encapsulations Essential Aminos is a great choice for those who want a supplement with amino acids to support the body's metabolism and muscle function. Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins, making them essential for many body functions, including proper fluid balance, enzyme production, cellular repair, and energy metabolism. They come in a convenient one-a-day serving size capsule, which makes them easy to take on the go.
Each serving contains 100% of the daily value (DV) of all essential amino acids, so they're suitable for vegetarians, too. The capsules are vegetarian-based and gluten-free, with no added sugar or artificial flavors or colors. This means they're an excellent choice if you have any food allergies or sensitivities.
The purity of these supplements is backed by third-party testing and research, including lab analysis reports from independent labs confirming their potency and absence of unwanted ingredients. There's nothing worse than taking a supplement that doesn't work – especially when it comes to your health!
Double Wood's - Essential Amino Acids
Powder Blend of All 9 Essential Aminos (EAA) and All Branched-Chain Aminos (BCAAs)
Double Wood's Essential Amino Acid supplement is a great choice to support muscle growth and recovery. Each serving contains nine essential amino acids your body needs, including the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are particularly important for supporting muscle mass and strength gains.
Double Wood's EAA Capsules are manufactured and tested for safety in the USA, which means they're safe to consume and high-quality. They also contain a full gram of protein per serving, which is more than many other products and is excellent support for muscle growth and repair. However, that does make it more expensive than the alternatives. It is one of the least expensive products on this list at about eight cents per serving.
While Double Wood's product is designed to support muscle growth and recovery after workouts, we do recommend consulting with a qualified health practitioner before taking these supplements if you have any medical concerns or need advice on an appropriate diet plan based on your individual exercise routine.
Thorne Research - Amino Complex
Thorne Amino Complex is a solid branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement that won't disappoint if you're looking for a good amino acid powder. It's ideal for post-workout use but can also be used pre- or during your workout to support muscle growth.
Thorne Amino Complex uses clinically validated research as part of its ingredient profile and offers the full range of essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). These are the building blocks for protein synthesis, fueling muscle growth and recovery in both beginners and seasoned athletes. The formula is also free from gluten, egg, peanuts, and other major allergens, making it very safe to use while working out. Thorne Amino Complex also contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors, so this powder supplement gives you what you pay for here. Its price isn't bad either, coming in mid-range at about thirteen cents per serving.
The taste isn't great, though - we found the berry flavor tasted more like cough syrup than anything else - although users say they prefer it to the lemon flavor. We found no noticeable differences regarding energy levels or muscle soreness when taking them ourselves. So if taste isn't a factor for you, then this might be your best choice.
BodyHealth - PerfectAmino
Protein for Pre/Post Workout & Muscle Recovery with Lysine, Tryptophan, Leucine, Methionine
If you're looking to build muscle and strength, protein is a vital nutrient that must be included in your diet. That's why we chose the BodyHealth PerfectAmino tablets as one of our picks. These vegan protein supplements contain eight essential amino acids for optimal muscle recovery, growth, and repair – with no added sugars.
Manufactured in a cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) facility in the USA and laboratory tested for product consistency and purity, the BodyHealth PerfectAmino tablets have a high absorption rate. This helps ensure you get the most out of each dose. The taste of these pills is also pretty great – they're unflavored and easy to swallow, making them an ideal pre- or post-workout supplement choice. It's not cheap, though; at about twenty-six cents per serving, it ranks tied with Pure Encapsulations for the highest-priced products in this review, which may put some people off considering the alternatives - but if it works for you, then go for it!
Best EAA Supplement FAQs
Learning about supplements for your specific needs can be confusing. There are hundreds of different products, each claiming to be your best option.
EAA supplements are popular among athletes and people looking to lose weight. EAA stands for Essential Amino Acids, and it refers to a group of nine essential nutrients that cannot be produced by the body, which means they must be obtained from food or supplements. These aminos help support muscle growth, reduce exercise-induced soreness, and improve recovery time after a workout. Knowing how much of these amino acids you're getting in your diet is important before considering a supplement.
Is EAA Really Effective?
EAA is extremely effective when it comes to building muscle size and strength. A study published in Medicine and Science and Sports and Exercise found that after 12 weeks of training on a leg press machine, EAA supplements increased muscle growth by almost 50%, compared with a placebo.
Another study saw similar results when participants were given either an EAA supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. However, they had to perform resistance training alongside their regular gym session. The people who took the supplement gained almost twice as much lean mass as those who didn't take the amino acid.
EAA also plays an important part in recovery after intense gym sessions or competitions, which means you won't feel as tired and should be able to push yourself harder in your next workout. Test subjects taking these supplements recovered better from exercise-induced fatigue than those given nothing.
Is It Good To Drink EAA Every Day?
While it's advisable to include all the essential amino acids in your daily diet, getting extra EAA may benefit those undertaking intense training. If you're training for a sport or trying to lose weight, drinking an EAA drink (or eating foods high in all the essential amino acids) daily may help promote muscle growth and recovery.
Some studies have also shown that taking an EAA supplement before bedtime can improve sleep quality in people with insomnia, while research in rats suggests they may reduce REM sleep (the dream state). However, more human research is needed before we can confidently use EAs as a sleep aid.
It's important to remember that while some studies show taking excess EAA supplements has no adverse effects on people without Huntington's disease or other neurological disorders, consuming too much of any one essential amino acid over a long period could lead to health problems. Further research is needed into the safety of long-term use of these supplements by people with conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Is EAA Better Than BCAA?
If you're looking for the best amino acid supplement, it's important to consider which type of ingredients to include. Branched-chain amino acids can be found in both EAA (essential amino acids) and BCAA (branched-chain amino acids) supplements. Both types comprise the same essential nutrients, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
EAA supplements have a higher concentration of some essential vitamins compared to BCAA supplements, including B6 and B12. These vitamins help convert protein into energy and reduce muscle fatigue during intense workouts. However, some people may struggle with digesting large amounts of certain vitamins included in EAA supplements due to allergies or other medical conditions. If this sounds like you, then a BCAA supplement may be better suited for your needs.
Both branched-chain amino acids play an important role in repairing damaged muscles after exercise by reducing muscle soreness and promoting muscle growth. They also help maintain mental alertness and focus throughout the day without causing unwanted side effects often associated with caffeine pills or energy drinks.
Does EAA Boost Testosterone?
The answer to this is a bit complex. For one thing, there's more than one type of testosterone, and they all play different roles in the body. Secondly, it depends on how you boost your testosterone levels in the first place.
You might know that our bodies make testosterone, but we also need some from our diet, particularly if we want optimal libido, muscle growth, and energy levels. This can be done by eating certain foods such as beef, oysters, eggs, and shrimp or taking supplements or performance enhancers such as prohormones or steroids.
If you're already within a healthy range of your desired testosterone level, then EAA won't impact your levels; it'll simply help preserve what you already have at a fairly steady rate over time. However, take pre-workouts containing stimulants like caffeine. This will increase your natural dopamine production (which promotes focus) and adrenaline (which gives you an energy spike).
Is EAA Better Than Creatine?
Creatine is a popular supplement, and it's often used by bodybuilders. It seems to deliver good results, but it may not suit everyone.
EAA is a protein your body already makes, so there's no risk of side effects like stomach upset or dehydration as you get with creatine. Like other supplements, EAA also helps increase muscle mass without increasing water weight.
Some users of EAA report feeling jittery shortly after taking the product, which isn't typical with creatine. Some people say they prefer the energy boost from EAA over creatine because it lasts longer and doesn't make them feel bloated. It's important to remember that individual responses can vary when it comes to supplements like creatine and EAA. What works well for one person may not work the same for another. It's always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement routine or significantly changing your diet.
What Are The Side Effects Of EAA?
The side effects of EAA depend on the individual. Most people experience some side effects when taking this product, but their severity can vary significantly.
Most commonly, users experience digestive upset, which includes gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea. This is due to the large amount of protein in EAA; it simply takes time for your body to adjust.
Many individuals find that taking EAA with a meal helps to minimize these issues. However, if you're experiencing discomfort after each use, you may want to consider switching brands or cutting back on how much you take at one time.
Does EAA Burn Fat?
The short answer is yes, but it's not as effective for fat-burning as other cardio training forms. For example, an animal study found that rats fed a high-fat diet and ran on a treadmill showed no increase in the number of calories they burned compared to those who were only given access to high-fat food.
However, when those same rats were made to run on an elliptical trainer, they did show a rise in excess calories burned over their counterparts who ate fatty foods without exercising.
Another human study followed overweight men with high blood pressure over 12 weeks and had them perform two or three 45-minute sessions of moderate intensity steady state (MSS) cardio per week plus resistance training compared to just MSS alone. Both groups lost similar amounts of weight, but the EAA group saw greater improvements in systolic blood pressure than MSS alone. So, although EAA isn't quite as effective at helping you lose weight compared to more intense forms of exercise like HIIT, it does appear to help with some health markers, such as blood pressure.
Does EAA Increase Muscle Mass?
An increase in lean muscle mass is associated with EAA supplementation, but it's not substantial. Studies have shown that EAA supplementation can increase lean body mass by about 1-2 kg over eight weeks, which is about the same as you'd expect from resistance training alone. Further, this type of change doesn't turn you into a massive bodybuilder or give you huge, bulging muscles unless you're already very well-trained.
The reason behind this small increase in lean muscle mass is pretty straightforward: your overall protein intake will be higher when taking EAA supplements compared to not taking them, and amino acids are needed to synthesize new protein and repair existing muscle fibers. The extra EAAs allow your muscles to perform better and avoid becoming damaged through workouts or everyday activities. Be careful, though; if you take excessive amounts of EAA supplements for long periods (more than six months), side effects may include liver damage and kidney damage due to their large protein content. Talk with your doctor before consuming any large amounts of supplemental EAAs for an extended period.
Should I Drink EAA Before Or After I Work Out?
When it comes to taking EAA, timing is important. Research shows that consuming EAA before a workout can help improve your performance, increase muscle size, and prevent muscle damage during intense training.
On the other hand, drinking EAA after your workout may be more beneficial for repairing damaged muscles and promoting growth and recovery. So whether you want to increase your energy pre-workout or maximize muscle recovery post-workout, choosing when to drink an EAA supplement is an important consideration.
What Are The 9 EAAs?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Database defines Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) as histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
Protein sources can be classified based on the amounts of EAAs they contain. High-quality protein sources have all nine EAAs in roughly equal amounts. These include eggs, milk, and most meats and fish. Other protein sources lack one or more amino acids but still provide significant quantities of several EAAs. These include corn and beans as well as many nuts and seeds. Finally, some protein sources are deficient in all nine amino acids; these are almost always inferior to high-quality sources because they don't provide a complete array of essential amino acids for optimal cellular function. These include candy bars and soda crackers…not that you'd ever eat them!
Conclusion
The EAA supplement is a great addition to any bodybuilding or fitness enthusiast's diet. Not only does it provide beneficial amino acids that reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after workouts, but it also helps support healthy blood sugar levels and immunity and promotes mental focus and clarity.
With so many brands on the market today, it can be difficult to choose which one will work best for you; however, we believe that by taking into consideration factors such as the quality of ingredients used, price point, flavor choices, and customer reviews one can find an EAA supplement that fits their needs perfectly. By choosing an EAA supplement you can benefit from improved athletic performance while also improving overall health and wellness with essential amino acids provided in each serving.
We hope you found this review to be helpful. Please check back often as we cover many natural supplements and vitamins.
*We are NOT qualified medical advisors. The content here is only based on our personal opinions and research and should NOT be used as a substitute for a healthcare professional's advice!
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