EAAs vs BCAAs | What Are The Differences? Do You Need Them?

 

Do you need EAAs? 

EAAs are found in many of the foods we consume each day because all proteins are made up of amino acids. Whether you eat meat, dairy, or vegan protein sources, they all contain unique proteins, and therefore unique groupings of amino acids.

Getting plenty of amino acids in your diet is good for overall health and body function.  It’s also useful for building and maintaining muscle mass, and enhancing muscle recovery or healing from injury.² Even though our body can’t make EAAs, most people can likely get enough through a varied, balanced diet.

 

Who might consider taking additional EAAs?

Regular gym-goers

Exercise creates microtears in our muscles that require repair, so you may need to support muscle recovery for your next workout. Amino acids are the building blocks for our muscles to heal and recover, so supplementing with EAAs is a good way to go.

If you’re trying to build muscle mass

There are three essential factors to putting on muscle: adequate calories, proper exercise, and  amino acids (protein). You need extra sources of protein when you’re trying to build muscle rather than just maintain weight, so EAAs could definitely be helpful.

If you follow a restricted diet

You may not be getting all of the EAAs you need if your diet is low on complete proteins, which can be the case for some vegetarian/vegan diets. Quinoa and soy are complete proteins, but some plant-based proteins don’t contain all of the EAAs. 

Summary: Many high-protein foods contain all of the EAAs, but some protein sources do not. If you need to repair or build muscle, make sure you’re getting adequate EAAs.

 

When to take EAAs

Whether you are choosing BCAAs or EAAs, both should ideally be consumed during your workout to support your muscles as they are being stressed. Having EAAs and BCAAs available for recovery is what’s key. They may also prevent fatigue.³ Chowing down on chicken or tofu in the gym isn’t very practical, so a convenient option is to take an EAA supplement or BCAA supplement.

 

Take home message

So, now we've weighed up BCAAs vs EAAs things should be a little clearer. While BCAAs are great for supporting overall health and repairing your muscles, EAAs contain the three amino acids that make up the BCAAs,  plus the other  amino acids your body needs.By providing the proper muscle-building ingredients, EAAs can help you recover, build muscle, or maintain muscle while losing  weight. If you’re concerned about getting enough EAAs or BCAAs in your diet, a supplement might help. EAAs, it’s easy as 1, 2, 3...