What are essential amino acids (EAAs)?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids needed to make native proteins.

The body can make 11 amino acids on its own. However, it cannot make 9 other amino acids. These are the 'essential amino acids'. Just like vitamins and minerals, the 9 essential amino acids have to be provided by food.

Use of essential amino acids

The need for the 9 essential amino acids rises during intense (weight) training. Scientific studies have shown that providing only 15 grams of essential amino acids during power training is enough to build up the proteins to the maximum level.

It's therefore important that the essential amino acids are provided in the correct dosage. As soon as only one of the 9 essential amino acids is missing, the protein synthesis stops. That's because the body cannot generate the missing amino acid itself.

Timing of the intake of essential amino acids

The digestion process takes a lot of energy, and requires an adequate blood supply. During intensive training, the digestive system of the body will be put on a very low level to release energy for the workout. That's why it is not optimal to use solid food and even a lightly digestible protein shake before or after a training session.

Free form essential amino acids do not need to be digested. They can be absorbed immediately. Therefore they are the perfect 'protein source' to use during a workout.

Essential amino acids are used around training sessions. They can be taken before, during and after training. For instance, one dose 0 to 30 minutes prior to training and one dose shortly after.

Two dosages of essential amino acids (about 16 grams) taken at once after training will be too much for most people. The capacity of the intestines to absorb the amino acids is then exceeded. A staggered intake of half before training and the other half after training resolves this problem.

Combing food with essential amino acids

Essential amino acids can maximize muscle protein synthesis. The effect of the amino acids is powerful, but has a relatively short duration. To maintain the protein synthesis in the long term, it is essential to also eat protein rich foods. It is advisable to eat or drink a protein shake within one hour after taking the last dose of essential amino acids.

It is permissible to combine a post-workout shake with essential amino acids. This will barely delay the uptake of the amino acids.

For maximum muscle growth not only the muscle protein needs to be raised to a maximum, but also the degradation of muscle proteins needs to be reduced. A high intake of proteins and/or a high intake of carbohydrates makes this possible. In short, the use of essential amino acids is a powerful tool, but should not be seen separately from eating enough good food.

Distinguishing characteristics of 'Essential Amino Acids' from Power Supplements

• The dosage of each of the 9 amino acids is based on scientific studies into the use of amino acids during power training. This is very important, as a shortage of just one essential amino acid can stop muscle growth abruptly.
• All essential amino acids are present, including (L-)tryptophan. Also tryptophan is involved in muscle growth. However, this amino acid is often omitted from 'EAA blends'. A blend with essential amino acids which does not contain tryptophan, has a biological value of 0.
• The 9 amino acids are coming from 2 Japanese producers. These Japanese producers are renowned experts in the field of amino acid production.
• The essential amino acids are produced by fermentation processes (vegetarian and vegan) rather than coming from slaughterhouse waste, feathers or hair.
• This supplement is free from artificial sweeteners (it is available in a natural flavor and in a fruit punch flavor sweetened with stevia).

Comparison between EAA and (high dosages of) BCAA

Essential Amino Acids from Power Supplements consists of 40% of the three BCAA amino acids L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine. Two dosages of EAA combined contain more than 6 grams of BCAAs in the known 2:1:1 ratio.

In addition to the BCAAs, this high quality EAA supplement contains another 5 amino acids which are essential for physical recovery and muscle growth.

Higher dosages of BCAAs may cause a shortage of the other essential amino acids by blocking the synthesis of those amino acids. When using higher doses of amino acids EAAs are therefore preferred over BCAAs. This is particularly the case when one trains on an empty stomach and has absorbed little (essential) amino acids from food.

Higher doses of BCAAs inhibit the absorption of the essential amino acid (L-)tryptophan from the blood stream to the brains. This can lead to an undesirable decrease in the production of the soothing serotonin neurotransmitter. A good EAA mix contains tryptophan and maintains the balance this way. Over-training at the level of the nervous system is less likely this way.

Recommended use

Per dosage: Mix 3 scoops (about 8 grams) with at least 150ml of water, juice or sports drink. Take one dose before training and 1 dose after training. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet.

Natural flavor ingredients:

Amino acid mix (L-lysine HCl, L-leucine, L-threonine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-methionine, L-tryptophan).

Fruit punch flavor ingredients:

Amino acid mix (L-lysine HCl, L-leucine, L-threonine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-methionine, L-tryptophan), aroma, acidity regulator citric acid, steviol sweetener glycosides (E960).

Warning:

Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Japanese quality

The ultra-pure amino acids in this supplement are produced by two leading Japanese producers. The amino acids are produced by means of fermentation of vegetarian raw materials.

Quality tested annually by independent laboratory. View the laboratory analysis (.pdf)