What are EAAs?

In addition to BCAAs in supplement form, you can also buy an EAA supplement. EAA stands for essential amino acids. An EAA powder or capsule contains several or all of the essential amino acids, while a BCAA supplement only contains leucine, isoleucine, and valine. In addition to these three, an EAA also contains histidine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and/or tryptophan. In this article from XXL Nutrition, we’ll tell you more about EAAs and explore the difference between EAA and BCAA!

What exactly are EAAs?

EAA stands for essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of our muscles and the components of all proteins. There are 22 amino acids found in our diet, and some of these can be produced by the body itself. The other 9 (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Lysine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Histidine, Tryptophan, and Methionine) cannot be produced by the body.

However, these are essential for a well-functioning body, which is why they are called ‘essential amino acids.’ You must obtain them either through food or supplements. This is why EAA amino supplements are popular among athletes. They contain the essential amino acids in optimal proportions and in free form, allowing them to be quickly absorbed by the body.

Essential Amino Acids

You may be wondering what these essential amino acids are and what function they serve in the body. Essential amino acids must always come from your diet since your body cannot produce them on its own. If you don’t get enough of these amino acids, a deficiency may occur, which can negatively impact the functioning of your body.

These are the essential amino acids:

• Phenylalanine is converted by your body into tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
• Histidine is used to make histamine.
• Isoleucine is part of the BCAAs and plays a role in building muscle mass.
• Leucine is a BCAA (branched chain amino acid) that is important for protein synthesis.
• Lysine plays a role in protein synthesis.
• Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid and is used for protein synthesis.
• Threonine is a hydrophilic amino acid and a component of collagen and elastin.
• Tryptophan is a precursor for the production of serotonin and melatonin.
• Valine is the last of the three BCAAs and contributes to muscle building.

These are the 9 essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own. But why is it so important to get enough of these EAAs? Your body uses amino acids from proteins for various processes.

• The essential amino acids from proteins contribute to muscle mass growth.
• The essential amino acids from proteins contribute to maintaining muscle mass.
• The essential amino acids from proteins support rapid muscle recovery after training or sport.
• The essential amino acids from proteins support muscle building, strength, and mass.
• The essential amino acids from proteins play a role in muscle recovery after physical exertion.
• The essential amino acids from proteins aid in the repair of muscle tissue after training or sport.
• The essential amino acids from proteins stimulate muscle growth and fat-free muscle mass (in sport).

What is the difference between BCAA and EAA?

As an athlete, you have the choice between BCAA and EAA supplements. While BCAAs only contain the three amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine, an EAA supplement contains all the essential amino acids. This is the main difference between BCAA and EAA. Both products contain essential amino acids, but EAA usually includes all of them.

Whether you choose a BCAA powder or EAA powder depends on personal preference. BCAAs typically contain the three most important amino acids for muscle building in higher doses, which is why they are often preferred by serious strength athletes. However, this doesn’t mean EAA supplements are not useful. EAAs are especially beneficial for people with a lower protein intake or those unsure if they’re getting enough essential amino acids. This can be the case with certain food allergies or when following a vegan diet.

Additionally, EAA supplements have the advantage of being easily absorbed during your workout due to their free, easily digestible form. It’s easier for your body to absorb these free-form amino acids during training than to break down and digest food. For this reason, essential amino acids are often used around workouts in powder form, liquid, or tablets.

Buying EAA powder at XXL Nutrition

Are you perhaps not getting enough essential amino acids from your diet? You can opt to use an EAA supplement, preferably around your workout. Your body absorbs the amino acids quickly, allowing them to be immediately utilized for the physiological processes mentioned earlier.

At XXL Nutrition, you can buy the highest quality EAA powder. Our Essential Amino Stack is one of the best-selling EAA powders in the Netherlands. With Essential Amino Stack from XXL Nutrition, you can be sure you're getting the purest form of essential amino acids. Since these are formulated in the most optimal ratio and free form, they are quickly absorbed by the body. Additionally, Essential Amino Stack is 100% vegetarian.

Don’t feel like messing around with scoops and powder? Then Amino Liquid might be a better option for you. Amino Liquid consists of liquid, essential amino acids. It can be taken at any time of the day, but we especially recommend using Amino Liquid around your training. Amino Liquid contains almost no fats or carbohydrates, making it ideal for use during a diet.