What are EAAs?
EAAs, also known as essential amino acids, are not produced by the body itself and, together with BCAAs, form a complete protein. As protein building blocks, they perform vital functions in the body and are typically consumed through a protein-rich diet. As essential amino acids, EAAs must be supplemented through diet or dietary supplements because the body cannot produce them on its own. EAAs play a particularly important role in muscle building, which is becoming increasingly well-known due to modern awareness on social media networks. Where people once thought that BCAAs alone could achieve the effect of "muscle protection" or "muscle building during a diet," this is not the case. BCAAs remain important components of a protein and, primarily with L-leucine, provide the so-called mTor trigger (stimulating muscle protein biosynthesis). This means that the body maximizes the active "muscle building process" (usually the case with 3-4g of L-leucine). Nevertheless, these protein building blocks are of enormous importance to increase the efficiency of BCAAs. In principle, EAAs are higher quality and more important than BCAA products! EAAs are an increasingly popular dietary supplement, especially for ambitious athletes, as they are indispensable for protein metabolism. An increased need for amino acids or proteins in athletes has already been scientifically and empirically proven, which is why additional intake can be decisive for success in bodybuilding if protein intake is insufficient.
Which essential amino acids are meant by EAAs?
- Isoleucine
- Lysine
- Leucine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Tryptophan
- Threonine
- Valine
Who should take EAAs or essential amino acids and why?
Due to the insulinogenic L-leucine and the increased need for amino acids in athletes, the first question is: Are enough essential amino acids provided to the body through diet? If the essential amino acids are not sufficiently available to the body, no muscle-building processes can take place. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement the diet with so-called EAA products, which are usually offered in the form of powder, capsules, or liquid. Intake is recommended especially during catabolic phases (first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or directly after training), although we see EAA intake primarily as an intra-workout. Intra-workout means "during training," where the powder is usually drunk little by little from your water bottle. For athletes with a high training volume, a clear EAA supplement can be recommended. In addition, EAAs are particularly useful during a diet.