Amino, essential amino acids
Our Amino page brings together our tips on essential amino acid supplements, or EAA: the nine amino acids that the body cannot produce, their role in muscle building, the difference with BCAA, and the situations where supplementation makes sense.
The essential building blocks of muscle.
The building blocks of life
Proteins are made up of twenty amino acids, of which nine are known as essential, because the body cannot produce them: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. They must be obtained from the diet. EAA supplements bring them all together in a free form that is quickly absorbed.
The other amino acids
Amino acids are also categorized as:
All amino acids are gathered on the amino acids page.
A more complete formula
BCAA only contain three of the nine essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. However, muscle building requires the presence of all essential amino acids: leucine triggers synthesis, but the other eight provide the materials. That’s why EAA, being more complete, are now considered more relevant than BCAA alone.
In practice
An athlete who consumes enough complete proteins already gets all essential amino acids. EAA are particularly useful around training, diluted in the drink during the session, during fasted workouts, long sessions, or diets low in animal protein. One should respect the recommended dose and drink enough water.
Good deals
Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new products feature the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The key sales events of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school season.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between EAA and BCAA?
BCAA contain only three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. EAA include all nine essential amino acids, all needed for muscle building, and therefore provide a more complete intake.
When should essential amino acids be taken?
Before or during training, especially when fasted or during long sessions, to limit muscle breakdown. They are also useful between meals when protein intake is insufficient.
Are EAA useful if enough protein is consumed?
If the diet already meets protein needs, their relevance is limited. They become important for athletes training fasted, vegetarians, or those with a reduced appetite.
Why is leucine so important?
Leucine is the amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis: it acts as a signal to initiate muscle building. A good EAA formula therefore contains a significant amount of it.
Are EAA suitable for vegans?
Amino acids are often produced through plant fermentation, but some come from animal sources. One should check for the vegan label on the packaging: they then complement a plant-based diet effectively.
